Sustainability and Self-Reliance: Get Those Youngsters Cleaning

During the flu season, my students often get a little worried about all the empty seats in our classroom--who's got the "flu," a stomach bug, or the sniffles. Worse yet, did they miss the mass text that it is "Senior Skip Day"?

When the sniffles get to going or the artistic desk doodles get too irritating, I just go get my WARHORSE Multipurpose Cleaner (I like the mint scent), a bucket of water, some rags, and start cleaning the desks, computer keyboards, and tables. I always have a few students to jump in and get going. No fumes, no bleach residue, no chemicals on their hands--just a nice soft feeling from my glycerin-rich soap.

Just before Christmas break, Coach Claussen sent a student down to my room for some WARHORSE. The plans were to clean the girl's weight room. Apparently, the mats on the floor were filthy and underneath covered in mold and mildew. This little cleaning job turned into a big one once several of her students got to pulling up the mats and moving the equipment. They came back later that day and asked for more glycerin cleaning soap. I just sent the rest of my container when one student said, "Oh my gosh, it's so disgusting...." I applaud these young ladies for helping clean the weight room



Chores are important for teaching young children and teenagers responsibility and independence. Working along side "experienced clean freaks" is better than having youngsters do chores independently. Kids need to know how things are done correctly from start to finish.

Get your kids to cleaning: Our WARHORSE can eat the grease off your stove, the soap scum from shower doors, wash dirty hand prints from the walls, AND soften your skin in the process. It's LOADED with a natural degreaser and softener. Get little Nate to clean his own bathtub because our cleaning soap has no fumes or harsh chemicals. Yes, your three-year old can start learning responsibility with our WARHORSE. Safe for all ages and most washable surfaces.

• Our soaps foam and clean without sulfates or phosphates.
  

• Our soaps are concentrated with soap and glycerin--not diluted and thickened.
  

• Our soaps have an amber or dark color because the oils have undergone high temperatures. However, we don't use artificial dyes or whiteners to change their color, similar to brown rice, raw sugar, honey, nuts, and whole wheat flour. Most often, beauty and body products are artificially colored with synthetics.
  

• Our soaps are made from a sustainable and innovative process that produces glycerin-rich products
  

• We're proud that every batch is handcrafted from scratch.
  

Be Kind Soaps are kind to you, your family, your pet, and your planet.

WARHORSE Cleaning Soap Logo Born 10 Months Ago....WARHORSE T-Shirts Have Arrived!

Visit our website bekindsolutions.com

be kind solutions' backyard handcrafted WARHORSE Cleaning Soap was conceived a while back... Yes, my WARHORSE was born before the movie was announced.

In fact, WARHORSE was conceptualized on paper over 9 months ago by Polk Co. High School art teacher Jeff Thomas. Jeff's art room is directly across from my classroom, and he's been cleaning art department and home with my soaps for several years. Jeff drew several logo options for my aggressive, sustainable, glycerin-rich cleaning soap. Read my previous blog article.


Since it's birth, the WARHORSE has gotten so much attention I needed to share his story. BTW, if you haven't looked closely, WARHORSE has 3 birds hidden in it, and some declare he was born in Troy; some say he's Native American. I just know I love him! Yes, he is stoic, tough, and beautiful. And Jeff is someone I admire and respect. Just ask his plethora of past and present students--his art of teaching is part of his art. For many reasons, this WARHORSE is truly spectacular, just like his designer and the products he represents.

Now that my WARHORSE has been analyzed, criticized, labelized, and idolized, I have some WARHORSE t-shirts for sale. They are awesome because they stand on their own--they're just a DANG COOL SHIRT--Guildan's ultra heavy weight cotton--a quality shirt. American Designs in Landrum did the distressed print--thanks Tim and Molly. Tim does the WARHORSE bottle labels for me as well. Just telling you all, there's lots of local expertise around. So far, be kind has been able to hire all ex PCHS students for research, graphics, web and blog design, marketing, and distribution. And if I can spend my little company's money close to home, then I will.

If you are interested in seeing the full line of be kind solutions soaps and cleaner, visit Mountain View Barbeque and Cafe in Columbus (just head toward Tryon on Hwy 108, through the roundabout, past Bi-Lo and KFC, then look on the left).





Owners Shane and Holly have kindly allowed us to put our products in their restaurant (BTW, there's lots more than barbeque--blackened tuna and salmon salads and wraps for example. And the smoked burger special is a family favorite with us). Shane uses WARHORSE to clean his entire restaurant, home, and his vehicles. So, we barter--I make cleaner and soaps for Mountain View and Mountain View hosts my products.


Since the WARHORSE is so good-looking and inspirational,
why not put him on a shirt?



Short sleeve is $15.00 and long sleeve is $20.00.
We have ice grey, charcoal grey, black,
white, camel, prairie dust, and sand.
Shirts are preshrunk and can be ironed.

Give us a call or email if you're interested in our products or WARHORSE shirts. 828-817-0350 or tweicker@bekindsolutions.com






Also, stop by Mountain View for products and t-shirts too, and try a grilled tuna salad, wraps, or some barbeque and chips with local Old Mule sauces.






Got some shirts in stock.


Many of my students think I'm a bit "humbug" when it comes to Christmas and "shopping." When possible, I like to make my special salads and jerky for presents. Last time I Christmas shopped in a mall was about 15 years ago. At our house, it's Christmas year round--the boys drive our homemade biodiesel and clean with be kind soaps. They now make the jerky and I make the soap.

I'm grateful for the creativity of PCHS talent and the help of my husband, sister, and friends. Thanks Carl, Amanda, Lizzy, Lyndsey, Anna, Cindi, Jody, Deanna, and everyone who has given my products a go.

Happy Holidays,
Tawana

WARHORSE News From the B. Matthews Eatery in Savannah, GA

Whenever I make a trip back home to Columbus, NC, I always like to stop by Mountain View BBQ and Deli to see how things are going there. As a past employee and chef, I occasionally sneak in the back door during slow restaurant hours to catch up with the owner Shane Blackwell and Jon Hampton. Recently, I was shooting the breeze in the kitchen with the guys when a couple bottles of this brown molasses-like liquid caught my eye. I asked Shane if it was a new BBQ Sauce or some kind of spice injection, and instantly his eyes lit up. "Man you've gotta try this stuff...it’s soap and Tawana Weicker makes it." I had to pause for a minute to let this marinate in my head. The jug of brown soap is made by my high school English teacher. Naturally, I laugh and ask him to enlighten me. So we spend the next 30 minutes to an hour discussing the cleaner’s uses, how it comes from "spent" fryer oil, and something to do with biodiesel. At this point I'm very curious.

The next step was to see if this stuff actually works. Presently, I work in historic downtown Savannah, Georgia at the B. Matthews Eatery, in a building and kitchen that dates back to the late 1700's. After I got home from my NC visit, I call Mrs. Weicker, and she ends up shipping me a gallon of WARHORSE. It arrives. So, I talk up this all natural soap with the guys, who could care less where the soap is from and about the process but just want to know if it works. With great expectations-- and even greater anxiety-- I bring the sample to the kitchen for a “deep cleaning” day, so this was a true test of what WARHORSE could actually do. With maybe 4 oz. of this green cleaner, the crew and I cleaned our entire line (steam tables, coolers, flat top, fryers, oven, etc.) I was shocked at how effortlessly the grease came off of everything! The crew was even more shocked that I found a soap made in the woods of western NC by an English teacher that worked better than any product we have ever used, and it works on every surface in our restaurant!

After a month or so of using WARHORSE, our entire restaurant has switched to this amazing product. From scrubbing floors and cleaning fryers, in one of the oldest kitchens in Savannah, to polishing the antique wood of Georgia's oldest bar, WARHORSE is the most versatile product in our family of restaurants and bars now. Weekly, it seems we find a new use for it, and the most amazing part is how gentle and green the product is. No harmful chemicals and the list of what’s in the soap reads like a recipe. With a much-needed movement towards a more sustainable and planet friendly products, not only in the food service industry but also everyday practices, WARHORSE is a frontrunner in this new market.

I have since visited the WARHORSE "factory" and have a better understanding of the process and people behind the product. Not only does this soap speak for itself, it also is a homegrown, grass roots kind of story with a person in charge that has passion for the product. I am hooked at first because the stuff is the best cleaner I have ever used in a restaurant and second for the person and vision behind it. WARHORSE is an affordable green cleaner that needs to be in every restaurant and home.

-Wes Sessoms

B. Matthews Eatery

Savannah, GA

WARHORSE Glycerin Multipurpose Soap CLEANS YOUR RIDE and YOUR HIDE

The 16 oz WARHORSE makes a great stocking stuffer. For the motorcycle lover in your family, try a 16 0z bottle of SUPER CONCENTRATED WARHORSE--cleans your ride and your hide. Great on your motorcycle and your leather.


Read the testimonials at bekindsolutions.com

16 oz size fits nicely in your travel bag.
Xmas sale $10.50

Email bekindsolutions or leave message at 828-817-0350 with order. We will arrange delivery or convenient pickup.

Visit Be Kind Solutions Website

bekindsolutions.com

Simplify With WARHORSE Multipurpose Glycerin Cleaning Soap

I I started using Warhorse soap several years ago. I first used it on the vehicles and was amazed out how well it worked. It removed all the black goo from the trees off my horse trailers and the suicidal bugs off my vehicles. I pulled the mats out of the back of the horse trailers, cleaned them, and cleaned out the entire back area. Looks NEW! Now it is my main household cleaner and laundry detergent. I had a syringe explode on me while giving a horse a shot and was splattered with blood. It removed all the blood stains from my shirt. I also use it to wash my dogs and horses. Best of all (being a horse person) it is the best tack cleaner and condition I have ever used. I have gone from a pantry in the house and tack shelf in the barn full of cleaners to one cleaner for everything. Thanks!

Patti Lovelace

Red Oak Farm

Tryon, NC

People, Planet, Profit: Generation XYZ Might Get It Right

This photo was taken by a PCHS senior who
is following his passion, his talent in photography
and digital media. This pup could be the Humane
Society "spokesmammal."


"I spread my dreams beneath your feet. Tread softly." WB Yeats

Many people around my age, people who grew up post World War II, now know that our country, our national educational system, and our planet, is in a world of hurt. We've been on a linear path--profit, profit, profit. I want to make a profit as well. And while profit is necessary for sustainability, profit doesn't always have to be about money. In fact, if a fat bank account or the "appearance of a fat bank account" is attained at any cost, then the we all suffer. We should be taking care of this place, of each other, of our next generations--X,Y,Z.

Just like my senior English teacher, my muse, Jean Pettigrew before me, I've been teaching at Polk County High School for 15 years. And, how my students have changed. No longer are they thinking just about their little microcosm. Why would they, with Youtube, BBC, TED, cable TV, 4G? The macrocosm is no further than the end of their fingers and beyond their acute vision. My current sea of senior students don't have tunnel vision either. They are tenacling (no, it's not a real word) in, like a hungry squid, the big picture and often want to discuss the videos and themes of Randy Pausch's graduation speech and creativity expert Ken Robinson's "Bring on the Learning Revolution."

My seniors know they face a tough challenge--finding and following their passion AND being sustainable. Seniors worry about choosing the right career, college funds, gas prices, war, pollution, "making it." Yes, some of my seniors talk about making " a lot of money," but also talk about being happy, finding their passion, and making a difference. Maybe cliche but true. As a member of the baby boom generation, who are partially responsible for our current condition, we should have tread on the planet a bit more carefully, as we may have squandered the dreams of our younger generations.

When I was a teenager, I never thought about dwindling natural resources, crumbling global economies, or floundering educational institutions. When "A Nation at Risk" was released by the Reagan blue-ribbon commission, I wasn't paying attention. I was just worried about becoming a CPA so I could make a lot of money. Yes, money, something I grew up without but wanted to get. Lots of money...I didn't even think about "finding my passion" or even having a dream. I'm not sure I was ever really "thinking." Yes, Jean Pettigrew, you told me to follow my passion, but I ignored you. I wasn't even looking. BTW, I never became a CPA. But I do need one.

I rarely stop thinking now because my students are always teaching, questioning, challenging me to get out of the box. Thank goodness my students woke me from my slumber...My own personal growth and awareness is because the Generation X, Y, Z's are looking beyond where they put their feet and asking questions--oil spills, genetically-modified foods, school nutrition, assembly-line-linear education, and prom. Yes, I said prom. They are teenagers, you know.

I'll be posting some interesting student research papers that will have a plethora of topics. You will be impressed and informed. Just like I am. These young people are pretty innovative and creative, unlike me when I was 18. Even though when I was a teenager I never worried about my footsteps, their direction or intensity, I now tread softer...

Fun

Here's some pics of recent Be Kind activities:



Oct. 1. Columbus Farm Festival in Columbus. Explaining biodiesel to glycerin to Be Kind's WARHORSE Cleaning Soap and Primitive body soaps. So windy the tent tops blew off. What I'm telling my audience...I have no idea. I think I'm watching the wind propel a horseless carriage across the road and into the firetruck...no injuries.




Mountain View Restaurant hosted a Be Kind Product Demonstration Oct. 2. Michelle Fagan and her mother, who showed up pre-game since she already cleans with WARHORSE and uses Primitive Body Soap, are some of Be Kind's biggest fans. Michelle likes lemon scented WARHORSE, BUT sometimes she doesn't follow the label instructions, "Yes, only a teaspoon in a quart of water for windows, Michelle." If and when I need a sales manager for Be Kind, Michelle is the woman.



Lots of people learned about our biodiesel production and glycerin distillation. Then, we cleaned some greasy jeans, red-wine stained linen napkins, stainless steel, glass. Plus, customers got to use the WARHORSE themselves and try out the glycerin body soaps. Thanks to everyone.




Oct. 15. Former PCHS student Katie Wall visited me at my biodiesel demonstration at the Dark Corner Distillery during Fall for Greenville. Katie and her family came to support Joe and Roxanne's new DCD endeavor. Polk County "family" is starting to show up to see what their former classmate and friends have got going on in downtown Greenville. The DCD's copper handcrafted still and process is something to see.



Oct. 19. PCHS seniors Jacob Hrobak gets help from Matthew Walker completing a titration to make 1 liter batches of biodiesel using oil from the Polk County High cafeteria. These two are working on their senior Graduation Project and will be heading to Appalachian State on Oct. 31 to meet with biofuel graduate students.



Collaboration. Matthew made biodiesel last semester in his AP Chem class with Mr. Zelevsky. If PCHS gets a processor on campus, we'll be asking Wendy's for some used cooking oil for biodiesel production. Lots of students eat those Wendy's fries...

Dear Hendersonville Co-op Community

Dear Arrion & Hendersonville Co-op Community,

My little glycerin soap company is growing, and your support has been instrumental. Arrion, your advice to meet with our local SCORE non-profit small business group gave me the foundation I needed to get Be Kind Solutions inching forward. These gentleman quickly evaluated my products, my company goals, and my dilemma of "What Do I Do Next?" John Moore, Western North Carolina SCORE President, and the group are awesome. During my sessions, I got some great feedback and direction from successful professionals--marketing, chemical engineering, product development, trademarking. Since I teach English at Polk County High School full time, I used this past summer to fine-tune my glycerin distillation process, glycerin products, labels, research, testing, business plan. SCORE has helped me realize I have a great product and story, but a lot of work ahead. Now that I am back in the classroom with my seniors, I expected my company's growth to slow down. Not so.

Since my sustainable glycerin soap company actually started in my classroom over four years ago, I have always included my students and community in my journey. Even though I have moved forward with a company and a product line, I still give my glycerin cleaner to my high school coworkers, to the Humane Society, to my oil donor restaurants, and to neighbors. I still teach biodiesel to students for their Senior Graduation Projects, and several science teachers and I are moving forward with what I call the "Wolverine Biodiesel Collaborative Project."

Yes, there is so much to do, but here's some Be Kind progress made since you, Arrion, and the Co-op gave me the opportunity this past summer to offer my WARHORSE Multipurpose Glycerin Cleaning Soap in your store.

1--Testimonials pouring in:

I love your product. I can't believe how much money I've wasted on ten different cleaners, especially considering how harmful most of them are. Honest/Awe-Inducing Testimony: this morning I ran my dishwasher and washing machine. I showered. I cleaned my daughter's tub. I wiped down our stainless steel appliances and washed the glass on the front door. I used your product for EVERY SINGLE ONE of these activities. It is so refreshing to be able to breathe deeply and safely while cleaning. July 26, 2011. Dawn Forward. Hendersonville Co-op shopper.

"Hi Tawana, I'm a neighbor of [someone] who agreed to try some of your glycerin soap. I'm very glad I did. I love it! I have to confess that I kind of eased my way into using it. . .it's a little counterintuitive to me to be using a product derived from grease. . .on grease. But, I soon got over that. I tried it first on my tired-looking stainless steel kitchen sinks. Nice. Then I did the cook top. Even nicer. Some time went by. I had run out of my (previous) favorite cleaning product, Murphy's Oil Soap, and tried the soap on our cherry wood floors. I don't like to use harsh products on the wood and this was perfect. My husband, Sam, even noticed how nice they looked!! I just finished working on my riding boots and dressage saddle and feel the need to e-mail you about the results. Spectacular! The saddle has two different kinds of leather: one is smooth and the other has a grain. The grainy part has always been a challenge to get right. It looks like new! As if that weren't enough, I had a little left and tried it on our glass shower stall doors. They also have a grainy surface that holds on to mineral deposits from the soap & water and never really looks clean, even with scrubbing. It does now, and I didn't have to scrub. So, I'm a believer. I actually even like the smell. How do I get a supply?? Thanks! Gerda Hook"

see bekindsolutions.com testimonial page for more user feedback.

2--Several local restaurants now use WARHORSE for their general cleaning-commercial kitchen appliances, walls, floors, glass, stainless steel, company vehicles. Co-op customers can see the Channel 7 news story here: Restaurant and Be Kind Going Green.

3--Local NC Health Department evaluates WARHORSE and approves for use in restaurants. Several local Polk County restaurants clean with our non-toxic, glycerin-rich product. My first restaurant in Hendersonville, Orr's Family Restaurant, just added WARHORSE to their cleaning process--thanks so much. Word is spreading about its aggressive and kind cleaning ability. We've just shipped some to restaurants Savannah, GA for evaluation.

4--Polk County High School teachers and students set to meet with Dr. Houser and his biofuel graduate students at Appalachian State University Oct. 31 for our first Biodiesel Collaborative Project. Maybe we can get a Hendersonville high school to jump on board and get a biodiesel processor too. Loads of chemistry, research, and curriculum expansion to gain. If any school staff or parents are interested, contact me at Polk County High School or tweicker@bekindsolutions.com


And Co-op members, I want you to try WARHORSE, so I am bringing some 2 oz sample bottles to Arrion. Samples will have mint, lavender, and lemon essential oils, as well as unscented. Below is a WARHORSE label for you, and paper labels will be available as well. The product info will not fit on a sample bottle, so please read the labels and experiment with the product. The WARHORSE samples are arriving soon, so see the Wellness Department staff for your free samples.



Dear Co-op customers,

Yes, when you see my WARHORSE on the Co-op's shelves, it is the DARK cleaning product. The soybean oils turned dark amber when they reached high temperatures in the local restaurants. So, when the recycled oils are used in our Be Kind soap recipe, the dark oil and glycerin byproduct produces our dark amber products. The color DOES NOT stain surfaces, leather, or clothing. Even though a few retailers have suggested we change our product to look more like the other cleaning products, we haven't found a natural way to do this. Besides, my WARHORSE definitely sticks out on the Co-op's shelf. Take a look for yourself when you're at the Co-op. Be Kind does not use Titanium Dioxide or synthetic chemicals to lighten our product. We know from years of product feedback that many customers understand the products' color, and are so pleased with its cleaning ability and versatility, they love it. Plus, think about the natural and raw foods that have a brown, amber color--brown rice, raw sugar, wholewheat flour. I believe today's informed consumer has learned that dyes and coloring can often have a negative impact on our health and environment.

See the testimonials on our bekindsolutions.com website for specifics. The products' glycerin, sulfate free, sustainable recipe is kind to your skin and cleans without fumes or toxins. Also, please call or contact me with questions.

Thanks again Arrion and Co-op community.
Tawana Weicker
Be Kind Solutions LLC
bekindsolutions.com
828-817-0350

Hi Tawana,

We always appreciate samples and I really liked your blog as well. I'm still enjoying the cucumber soap--you were right---a little does go a long way!

Thank you for all your support and it's great to hear from you,

Arrion Kitchen, Wellness Coordinator, Hendersonville Co-op

arrionkitchen@yahoo.com

828.693.0505

Re-Ride Tack Shop Uses WARHORSE for Cleaning

Re-Ride Tack Shop LLC

Uses WARHORSE for Cleaning

Brown Mule is made with WARHORSE Re-Ride has recently discovered THE best multi-purpose cleaner. This product will clean everything that you have that needs cleaning. . We love this stuff! We use it as our daily cleaner at home too - laundry, windows, floors, tubs, trucks, and even the dogs. We now have this product, made here in Polk County, NC, for sale in our store. What we are even more excited about is a version of the product in paste form. "Brown Mule" is wonderful for all of our saddle cleaning and conditioning. Look at the pictures below and see the difference in my old Simco show saddle. Same day, same lighting, just turned the saddle a half turn. An 8 oz jar of Brown Mule is $13.00 and we will ship! If you like other leather products such as Black Rock or Effax, you will LOVE Brown Mule by WARHORSE! No Brown Mule After Brown Mule

Polk Co. teachers and students set to share a biodiesel meal with Appalachian State and grad students

biodiesel on top, glycerin and soaps on bottom You could drink biodiesel and spoon up some glycerin--both are non-toxic. However, there is tastier food out there...


As you know, it's often difficult to get together with family and friends. The holidays are coming and you may have started thinking, "Do we really want to see these people?" Maybe the schedules can't jive, or the desire to fraternize wanes as we get busier. Often, sometimes when the "date" is never set, you start to wonder if others really want to sit down at the table and share a meal.

Either way, if you really want a sit down, keep at it. Dr. Houser is a busy man; he is the head of the biofuels program at Appalachian State and is currently working with his graduate students on biodiesel. Thankfully, he has carved out some time, and we plan to share a late October meal--a plate full of biodiesel with helpings of student participation, glycerin distillation, processors, and whatever else they want to share with us.

Visit their site for an overview of their program. I, along with AP Chem teacher Sergei Zalevsky; seniors Jacob Hroback and Matthew Walker; and a representative from the Agriculture Dept, will be seeing this project up close and personal. Thanks to Elizabeth Russell's interest in biodiesel, other PCHS students and staff are learning about biodiesel chemistry and sustainability.

As a senior a Polk Co. High 4 years ago, Elizabeth Russell first introduced me and our school to biodiesel. Her graduation project internship, research paper, and presentation was our first green fuel "healthy snack." Now, we've progressed to a pretty good sized dinner plate of PCHS biodiesel and my new company--Be Kind Solutions. Liz is still heavily involved with biodiesel and now with Be Kind--she is my experienced sounding board, uses and sells Be Kind at her family's Mountain View Barbeque in Columbus, NC. Hopefully, Liz will be partnering with me and Be Kind in the future.

We have made some single portion 1 liter biodiesel batches in AP Chem last semester, and hope to turn this appetizer into a full blown buffet. Here's a video clip of our first school experiment with biodiesel and chemistry class.


Be Kind and some PCHS staff's ultimate goal is to establish a processor on our Polk County High School campus, and use it for production, applied chemistry, agriculture science, and sustainable, local projects.

Looking forward to sitting down to our first collaborative biodiesel meal.

The Be Kind Process: plant to oil to biodiesel to glycerin soap

The Kind Process: plant to oil to biodiesel to glycerin to Be Kind soaps

soybeans to oil..........oil is used for cooking....... 40 hrs later, bio and glycerin....

bio goes in vehics (no we can't sell biodiesel)
.....40 hrs later some glycerin is refined......


WARHORSE Multipurpose Cleaning Soap and Primitive Body Gel Soap

Yes, our soaps are made from recycled vegetable oil. All true soaps are either made from vegetable or animal oils and fat. Here at Be Kind, we use a truly sustainable process that turns recycled vegetable oil into soap through the saponification process: oil + lye + H2O = soap.

Therefore, when you use WARHORSE or Be Kind Soaps, you are not cleaning your boat, shower, windows, garbage cans, floors, cabinets, stainless steel, leather, vehicle, skin with grease. The oils have been converted to a glycerin-rich, non-toxic soap. In addition to our simple ingredients, we have the ability to create a glycerin-rich product since our biodiesel production produces a lot of glycerin.

Here at Be Kind, we distill and refine our glycerin and leave it in our products. Our glycerin and our refining process have been repeatedly tested by Barrow-Agee, a USDA and FDA inspected lab. I am proud to announce that Be Kind's glycerin is a safe product.

WARHORSE Cleaning Soap has approx. 40% glycerin. Our Brown Mule Glycerin Leather Cleaning Soap and our Ugly Brown Glycerin Bar Soap have approx. 80% glycerin. The remaining ingredients are soap, water, and maybe some essential oil. Yes, simple, effective ingredients. No sulfates, phosphates, or synthetic chemicals are added to lower PH levels. If necessary, we use apple cider vinegar to lower the PH after the saponification process. All natural soaps have a PH from 9-10.5.

Be Kind will continue its "free soap" philosophy by donating WARHORSE to non-profits and local businesses as a "thank you" for their used vegetable oil. Also, we will continue to host school science, agriculture science, 4-H Summer Science Camp, senior graduation projects, and college students at our shop.

Explore our blog and website for more info about our commitment to community and education.

Used Oil Into WARHORSE Cleaner & Primitive Glycerin Soap

http://www2.wspa.com/lifestyles/go-green-save-green/2011/sep/26/green-way-use-old-oil-new-soap-ar-2468294/

Be Kind Getting Out and About Sept. 17 & Oct. 1-2

Be Kind: WARHORSE & PRIMITIVE Soaps Getting Out & About

Sept. 17. Visit the Dark Corner Distillery in downtown Greenville today from 10:00 am until. Great Bluegrass and storytelling about Dark Corner history. See Joe and Roxanne's copper moonshine still. If you like, sample some and take a quart or two home. Be Kind has made the DCD some custom 'SHINE glycerin soap. Lots of local products for sale as well.

Oct. 1 at the Columbus Farm Festival. Be Kind will be downtown Columbus with some biodiesel and soap demonstrations. If you like, you may purchase WARHORSE and PRIMITIVE at the Be Kind Booth. Many fragrances and essential oils available--kudzu, cucumber/cedar, peach pie, lemon/basil, mint, lavender, lemon/orange, musk, citrus wood, chocolate decadence, blackberry and more.

Oct. 2. Be Kind will be with its green partner Mountain View restaurant in Columbus. Mountain View is hosting a Be Kind product introduction from 3:30 pm until everyone has had enough. We will demonstrate how WARHORSE and PRIMITIVE soaps are made. Also, you can see how they are used at Mountain View to clean and and can test them yourself. Products will be available for sale.

WARHORSE Multipurpose Cleaning Soap:
Cleaner is super concentrated--a little goes a long way. No fumes or chemicals. Works on vehicles, boats, leather, fiberglass, tile, laundry stains, wood floors and cabinets, decks, outdoor furniture. Instructions and dilutions on label. WARHORSE's Brown Mule Glycerin Soap and Conditioner cleans and softens leather.


PRIMITIVE Body Soap Ingredients read like a recipe--no sulfates, phosphates, or parabens. Great for bath, shower, soap dispensers, and foaming pumps. Also, can be used to wash the dog as well. Foaming pumps available with 8 & 16 oz bottles.

Dark Corner Distillery: Be Kind Going to Downtown Greenville

Well, you just never know. About 12 years ago, Joe Fenton--former Polk County High School student and Clemson engineering graduate, entrepreneur, and owner of the Dark Corner Distillery, along with his wife Roxanne, who is also a PCHS graduate--sat in my Honors English I class. And I mean sat. What else can you do when you're a student exploring the intricate uses of the semicolon and analyzing Rome and Juliet.

Joe, along with a sea of my blossoming 9th graders, got the new teacher, Mrs Weicker-- a career change for me and an "older" first year teacher. Joe did very well in my class--all the way through his high school career--and I frequently saw him in the hallway, as a senior and key part of clubs, sports, and Student Council. I knew he marched to his own drum--to use a cliche' that I tell my seniors to not use in their college essays.

I recently visited his and his wife's--Roxanne- Dark Corner Distillery in downtown Greenville, just across Main Street from the Hyatt hotel. Joe and Roxanne, along with their business partner, have established the first legal moonshine still in S.C.

My great grandfather made shine and sold it in his country store in Pea Ridge. It's fitting that my biodiesel "still" glycerin and my barrel of soaps journey on down to the DCD (Dark Corner Distillery). Plus, Be Kind is able to continue on with former PCHS student talent. Joe said it was "Divine," and I might agree. Who knew I would be taking advice and "working for" one of my ex students. If you get to the DCD and see Joe, he can tell you a story about ole Weicker and a little bit of trouble...

Well, as I tell my current sea of seniors, young people have so much to offer--creativity, determination, and talent. Joe has all of these traits. The DCD is beautiful and "primitive," with patina walls, a copper moonshine still, and a passion for his "dream." When I went there this past weekend, Joe, Roxanne, and Michael (who is a PCHS graduate, works for DCD, and makes Internet videos and is talented in his own right) all were so excited to show us the moonshine process.

You need to go there for a shot of Appalachia Moonshinin' history. You can see the moonshine process through a wall of glass, and the still is up close and personal. If you wish, 3 shots are legal, and you can purchase moonshine to take home for friends, family, and foes. Joe is well versed in Dark Corner traditional moonshine making and is all about supporting his local community.

I am honored that Dark Corner Distillery has asked Be Kind Solutions to customize some of my glycerin soaps for their store. We are calling the body soap "Shine. A perfect name for DCD soap.




As I just told my current sea of senior English students, "You never know when you will need the help of someone from your past. Always treat others with respect and honesty." I hope my green, glycerin soaps do well in downtown Greenville. After visiting Dark Corner Distillery, I believe Joe's passion and work ethic has created an awesome, unique business. Go see if for yourself and visit their website and read about Joe and Roxanne's Dark Corner story.

Mountain View Barbecue--Green Cleaning with WARHORSE Multipurpose Cleaning Soap and be kind body soaps

Mountain View Barbeque Goes Greener: Innovative and Creative with Be Kind Solutions

Mountain View Barbeque is Western North Carolina’s (maybe in the entire state) first restaurant to use a green cleaner and natural soaps made from its own kitchen and vegetable oil. Shane and Holly’s soybean oil is recycled with Be Kind Solutions. Also, Elizabeth Russell, Holly’s sister who usually greets customers from behind the counter, introduced biodiesel and glycerin soaps to the Be Kind family fours year ago. Liz made biodiesel and soap for her senior graduation project. So, it’s natural that Mountain View’s oils are pioneered into biodiesel. Then, the biodiesel’s glycerin is refined and handcrafted into Be Kind’s non-toxic, chemical-free WARHORSE Cleaning Soap and Primitive Body & Foaming Soaps, completing a truly innovative, sustainable circle.

soybean plant is harvested, pressed and makes soybean oil




used vegetable oil is filtered, processed, cleaned, and becomes biodiesel
and glycerin. Glycerin is distilled and refined for 40 hours, and used
to make glycerin-rich, non-toxic, awesome cleaning and body soaps.

Yes, our WARHORSE Multi Purpose Cleaning Soap and Primitive Body & Foaming Soaps are handcrafted from recycled vegetable oil. This vegetable oil has cooked the food you have eaten, and vegetable oil is a recyclable and natural product. So, Mountain View Barbeque’s potato chips are prepared with and contain the very same soy bean oil that we use to make biodiesel and glycerin soaps. From plant, to oil, to Mountain View Barberque, to Be Kind Solutions, to recycled byproduct, to biodiesel and glycerin, back to Mountain View. And, Mountain View recycles their gallon vinegar jugs with Be Kind as well. Businesses helping each other.

Visit Mountain View for great barbeque, grilled salmon on spinach salad, tasty wraps, and awesome homemade potato chips. You can purchase Be Kind's WARHORSE and PRIMITIVE soaps as well.

Tired of Scrubbin' Clothes

This woman, about 107 years old, probably made her own soap from the pig tallow that came from Oscar Mayer's butcher shop, located on the north side of Chicago. It was brown too, just like Be Kind's Shower Gel Soap. However, hers didn't have essential oils or a fragrance like Kudzu Blossom, nor was there sweet almond oil. And she certainly wouldn't have frittered away local honey in her lye soap. Gosh, she looks tired...and wishes her father-in-law had taken Oscar's advice about expanding their family bakery.

Before the days of ph test strips or digital ph meters, this woman
would have put a dab on the tip of her tongue to see if the soap
was too "hot," or akaline. If it stung the tongue, she added fat and threw some more wood on the fire.

The chemistry for natural soap making is essentially the same--oils + lye + water = soap. Today most soap makers use fixed vegetable oils such as castor, coconut, grape, or almond. Each oil adds a particular attribute to the final soap. Be Kind uses glycerin (cleans, softens, attracts moisture to skin), saponified soybean oil, castor oil (lather), sweet almond oil (moisturizing). With all the glycerin that we keep in the soap, the basic recipe doesn't need much--maybe some vinegar to adjust the ph and an essential oil or fragrance. Just like the wash woman, I taste my soap as well. Then, I follow up with my handy dandy digital ph meter, calibrated before each use.



I like making soap like the wash woman did--a primitive process, I guess. But, she didn't have all the advanced tools that I do--my boat paddle. And I'm sure glad we have a GE front loader and not that wooden bucket. Sometimes, if the work clothes are bad enough, they go in a bucket of water and some WARHORSE, then left to dry.