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.