Laois residents got the chance to find out how to create cleaning products using natural ingredients instead of harsh chemicals at a workshop hosted by Abbeyleix Community Garden members.
The practical Community Green Clean Workshop on Saturday, October 17 was held as part of the 2026 Laois Climate Action Festival.
The hands-on workshop was delivered by Bláthnaid Bergin, owner and founder of The Business of Food, and focused on showing participants how everyday natural ingredients can be used to make safe, effective and low-cost household cleaning products.
The workshop showed how small changes within the home can provide alternatives to conventional cleaning products while encouraging people to think more sustainably about the products they use in their everyday lives. Participants then brought their clearly labelled products home for them to try first hand with the aim of replicating these products at home.
13. Patsy O’Connor at the Community Green Clean Workshop with Blaithnaid Bergin. Hosted by Abbeyleix Community Garden during Laois Climate Action Festival 2026.
Photo: Julie Harvey
14. At Community Green Clean Workshop with Blaithnaid Bergin, Hosted by Abbeyleix Community Garden during Laois Climate Action Festival 2026.
Photo: Julie Harvey
15. At Community Green Clean Workshop with Blaithnaid Bergin, Hosted by Abbeyleix Community Garden during Laois Climate Action Festival 2026.
Photo: Julie Harvey