Project to Create a New Local Economy Concept Eco-Friendly Hygiene Products: A Revolutionary Local Production Initiative

Local Production of Household Hygiene Products for French Families

Chimegmaa ORSOO

March 6, 2024

1. Introduction

Identified Problem:

In France, households rely heavily on supermarkets and industrial brands for hygiene products such as detergents, soaps, and dishwashing liquids. These products, often expensive, contain potentially harmful chemicals for both health and the environment, while generating significant plastic waste. Yet, France has the resources and expertise needed to produce these products locally, in a more sustainable and respectful manner.

Proposed Solution:

Creating a new economic concept for the production of homemade, environmentally friendly hygiene products from local resources would not only strengthen human connections and social fabric within communities but also give a boost to the solidarity economy. This initiative would provide unwavering support for the growth of local currencies, already in existence but struggling to gain traction, while reducing ecological impact and promoting more responsible and sustainable consumption.

2. Problem and Market Opportunity

Dependence on Industrial Brands:

In France, most household cleaning and hygiene products come from large foreign industries, with heavy, non-sustainable packaging. These products, part of complex industrial circuits, reinforce consumers’ dependence on big brands and supermarkets while generating a significant ecological footprint due to their production and long-distance transportation.

Growing Demand for Eco-Friendly Products:

More and more French people are aware of the dangers of chemical products for health and the environment, seeking natural and sustainable alternatives.

Trend Toward Local Consumption:

There is a clear movement toward local consumption and self-sufficiency within communities, with a preference for artisanal and locally made products. Additionally, this trend moves consumers away from local initiatives, contributing to a lack of social connections among neighbors, whereas local production could strengthen community bonds and foster exchanges.

Valuing Local Skills:

Local populations (elderly individuals, unemployed people, stay-at-home parents) possess underutilized time and skills that could be employed in this type of production.

3. Solution and Economic Model

Local Production:

Production workshops will be established in every city, village, and town in France to manufacture high-quality hygiene products (soap, detergent, dishwashing liquid, etc.) using local, natural, and sustainable resources while complying with European and French standards for hygiene product production. This initiative guarantees safe, eco-friendly products that meet quality standards while strengthening social ties and the local economy.

Cooperative Model:

A detailed framework has been established to guide this process. Local manufacturers, living within the same community, will be selected based on rigorously defined criteria. Municipalities will choose their producers following these standards. These workshops will be managed in collaboration with residents, municipalities, and local associations, creating a circular and solidarity economy. The profits generated will be directly reinvested in the community.

Simple and Affordable Production:

The production process, both simple and low-cost, allows many individuals, particularly those working from home, to actively participate in the project. The products will be made according to a precise framework, complying with European standards and current health legislation, ensuring their quality. This enables participants to earn direct economic benefits while ensuring user safety.

Local Distribution:

Residents will be informed of this new consumption method by the town hall and will have the choice to either continue purchasing their products from supermarkets or obtain them from a designated individual in the community, who will produce these items according to a detailed framework. Thus, the entire process, from production to consumption, will be managed locally within the community, fostering economic independence and strengthening social bonds.

4. Economic and Social Impact

1. Job Creation:

•Employment opportunities for inactive individuals (unemployed, stay-at-home parents, retirees, etc.).

•Training the local population in hygiene product manufacturing.

2. Local Economic Development:

•Sales of these products will strengthen the use of local currencies, already present in most municipalities but struggling to grow.

•The establishment of a local production point within each municipality will act as a significant boost for these currencies.

•Reduction in dependency on supermarkets and national brands.

3. Valuing Local Skills:

•By involving elderly people or those distant from the labor market, we strengthen intergenerational solidarity.

4. Quality of Life Improvement:

•Healthy products without harmful chemicals improve consumers’ health and well-being.

•Strengthened social bonds through community collaboration.

5. Environmental Impact

1. Reduction of Plastic Waste:

By favoring reusable containers and offering products in bulk, this project significantly reduces the quantity of plastic waste generated. This approach also reduces reliance on disposable packaging, contributing to the fight against plastic pollution.

2. Reduction of CO2 Emissions:

Since the products are manufactured and distributed locally, the distance traveled by goods is reduced, limiting greenhouse gas emissions associated with transportation. This initiative promotes proximity consumption, reducing the overall carbon footprint.

3. Use of Natural Products:

The products manufactured under this initiative are made from simple, natural, and non-toxic ingredients. By eliminating harmful chemicals often present in industrial products, this model preserves not only the environment but also consumer health. Additionally, local production ensures rigorous quality control of the ingredients used, reinforcing the eco-responsible nature of this approach.

6. Implementation Strategy

1. Pilot Phase:

The project will launch in several pilot municipalities, in close collaboration with local governments and associations. The first production workshops will be set up, accompanied by training sessions for future producers. This phase will allow for model adjustments while creating an inspiring example for other communities.

2. Networking:

A national network of local producers will be established, facilitating resource sharing, expertise, and best practices among regions. This structure will enhance efficiency and ensure the project’s sustainability on a national scale.

3. Online Sales Platform:

An online platform will be created to sell products nationwide, prioritizing local deliveries to strengthen proximity economies. This site will play a central role in expanding product access while limiting transportation-related ecological impacts.

4. Partnerships with Local Authorities and Associations:

The project’s success will also rely on strong partnerships with ecological associations, municipalities, and local businesses. These collaborations will encourage adoption of the project and provide indispensable logistical and financial support.

7. Licensing and Financial Model

Municipalities interested in implementing this model must pay a reasonable commission to ORSO VOYAGE, the project’s initiator, in exchange for using the concept, assistance with implementation, and access to necessary resources for its success. Each municipality will be granted a numbered usage license ensuring adherence to quality and good practice standards for local hygiene product production.