Free Homesteading Workshop Coming to the Mohawk Valley Will Teach DIY Cleaning and Upcycling

If you've ever wanted to learn how to make your own household cleaners, breathe new life into old items, or simply waste less around the house, here's a free event worth adding to your calendar.

The Mohawk Valley Economic Development District (MVEDD) is hosting a Refresh & Reuse Homesteading Workshop later this summer, giving residents the chance to learn practical skills that can save money, reduce waste, and make everyday living a little more sustainable.

Learn DIY Homesteading Skills for Free

The free workshop will take place on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the MVEDD office, located at 26 W. Main Street in Mohawk.

Participants will learn how to:

• Make your own DIY Goo Gone using common household ingredients
• Reduce household waste through simple reuse techniques
• Turn old glass jars into attractive home décor
• Discover practical ways to live more sustainably

Registration is free, but seating is limited. Residents are should reserve a spot through the MVEDD website here.

Why Homesteading Is Making a Comeback

Homesteading isn't just about owning a farm. At its core, it's about becoming more self-sufficient and reducing waste through everyday habits.

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Many of the skills once considered commonplace, repairing clothing, composting food scraps, preserving food, growing vegetables, saving seeds, and making homemade cleaning products, have become increasingly popular again as more people look for affordable, environmentally friendly ways to manage their homes.

Workshops like this help introduce those skills to beginners while encouraging sustainable habits that benefit both households and the community.

Supporting a More Sustainable Mohawk Valley

The workshop is part of MVEDD's ongoing efforts to promote sustainability throughout the region.

The organization serves Fulton, Herkimer, Montgomery, Oneida, Otsego, and Schoharie counties, working to strengthen local communities through economic development, environmental stewardship, and regional collaboration.

This homesteading series is funded through the New York State Pollution Prevention Institute's Community Grants Program, with support from New York's Environmental Protection Fund administered by the Department of Environmental Conservation. The funding has allowed MVEDD to offer hands-on workshops across the Mohawk Valley that teach residents practical ways to reduce pollution and keep reusable materials out of landfills.