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David M. Gute, PhD, MPH, Eduardo Siqueira, MD, ScD, Julia S. Goldberg, MPH, Heloisa Galvão, MS, Mônica Chianelli and Alex Pirie, BA

David M. Gute is with the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University School of Engineering, Medford, MA. Eduardo Siqueira is with the Department of Community Health and Sustainability, University of Massachusetts, Lowell. At the time of the study Julia S. Goldberg was a graduate student at Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA. Heloisa Galvão and Mônica Chianelli are with the Brazilian Women's Group, Boston, MA. Alex Pirie is with the Immigrant Service Providers Group/Health, Somerville, MA.

Correspondence: Correspondence should be sent to Dr David M. Gute, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University School of Engineering, 200 College Ave, Medford, MA 02155 (e-mail: david.gute{at}tufts.edu). Reprints can be ordered at http://www.ajph.org by clicking on the "Reprints/Eprints" link.

We reviewed the key steps in the launch of the Vida Verde Women's Co-Op among Brazilian immigrant housecleaners in Somerville, MA. The co-op provides green housecleaning products, encourages healthy work practices, and promotes a sense of community among its members. We conducted in-depth interviews with 8 of the first co-op members, who reported a reduction in symptoms associated with the use of traditional cleaning agents and a new sense of mutual support. Critical to the co-op's success have been the supportive roles of its academic partners (Tufts University and the University of Massachusetts, Lowell), effective media outreach, and a focus on advancing social justice. Next steps include implementing a formal business plan and assessing the appropriateness of cooperatives in other industries.