Retired Scientists Are Brewing Up Hand Sanitizer At This Depression-Era Lab In Taos, New Mexico
By Monica Spencer|Published April 22, 2020
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Monica Spencer
Author
Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
With all the craziness currently going on in the world, hearing a bit of unique positivity can make another day in quarantine feel a little less mundane. Moments of our fellow humans giving back in small but profound ways—whether it’s sewing and donating protective masks or food to those on the front lines—make stay-at-home orders just a little more bearable.
In fact, current events have prompted one New Mexico laboratory to resume operations after eight decades.
Couse Laboratories, housed in the Couse-Sharp Historic Site, recently dusted off its chemistry gear to produce small batches of hand sanitizer for private and public use.
The Couse-Sharp Historic Site is perhaps best known for the adobe buildings housing the former home, studio, and gardens of artists E.I.
Mixing a concoction of Everclear (which is 95% ethanol) and glycerin in vintage chemistry equipment, the volunteer scientists created small batches of hand sanitizer to be used by staff and volunteers of the historic site.
The hand sanitizer is being distributed to volunteers, staff, and even locals for contactless pickup. Once stay-at-home orders are lifted, they plan to have some available for public use when needed.
The Couse-Sharp Historic Site is located in Taos just off Kit Carson Road.