Keeping your commercial space clean and tidy is of utmost importance for the health and safety of your employees, customers, and visitors. However, cleaning activities can be detrimental to the environment due to the use of harsh chemicals and non-eco-friendly equipment. This is where green cleaning comes in. You’re advertising cleaning and selling cleaning services, and words/your service must follow your in-house actions with a green cleaning service. According to Compass Cleaning Solutions (cleaning solutions in Arizona, Phoenix, and surrounding areas), “Your place of business must maintain a high standard of cleanliness for the health and safety of your customers and employees. Doing so will allow you to chase your dreams of creating a more profitable business.”
What Is Green Cleaning?
Green cleaning is a method of cleaning that utilizes non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning products and eco-friendly equipment to reduce the impact of cleaning activities on the environment. Green cleaning also incorporates sustainable cleaning practices that aim to save water, reduce waste, and lower energy consumption.
Why Should Businesses Consider Green Cleaning?
- It is better for the environment: Harsh cleaning chemicals can significantly impact the environment, from polluting water sources to contaminating the air. By using eco-friendly cleaning products and equipment, businesses can reduce their carbon footprint and support sustainable practices.
- It is better for the health of employees and customers: Traditional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can cause a wide range of health complications, from allergic reactions to respiratory issues. By using green cleaning products, businesses can provide a safer, healthier work environment for their employees and customers.
- It improves air quality: Traditional cleaning products release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can cause headaches and respiratory issues. With green cleaning products, there are reduced or no VOCs released, so the air quality is maintained.
- It saves money: While eco-friendly cleaning products and equipment may have a higher upfront cost, they tend to last longer and require less replenishment. Additionally, incorporating sustainable cleaning practices can reduce water and energy expenses.
How To Invest In Eco-friendly Cleaning Products and Equipment
- Research: Research eco-friendly cleaning products and equipment before purchasing them. Look for products with certifications like Ecologo and Green Seal and proven to be gentle on the environment.
- Switch to Microfiber: Microfiber cloths can last longer than traditional cleaning cloths, and they are also more effective at capturing and removing dirt and germs without the need for chemicals.
- Use less water: Consider using waterless cleaning products or equipment that require minimal water to clean to reduce your water consumption.
- Switch to Spray Bottles and Refillable Dispensers: Rather than buying single-use cleaning products, consider switching to spray bottles and refillable dispensers to reduce waste and save money.
How To Reduce The Environmental Impact of Cleaning Activities
- Use non-toxic cleaning products: Choose environmentally friendly cleaning products that do not contain harsh chemicals.
- Save energy: Use energy-efficient cleaning equipment and switch off the equipment when not in use.
- Reduce waste: Consider using concentrated cleaning products that reduce the amount of packaging needed and use reusable cleaning materials like microfiber cloths and mops.
- Use less water: Use a spray bottle rather than soaking items with water, and fix any leaks.
- Recycle and Dispose Properly: Ensure you have recycling bins in your premises and correctly dispose of waste in line with local regulatory guidelines.
The Benefits of Green Cleaning on Health and Safety
- Reduces the risk of allergic reactions and skin and eye irritation: Traditional cleaning products and fragrances contain harmful chemicals, which can harm some people. Green cleaning products have no harmful ingredients and are less likely to cause any allergic reactions.
- Improves indoor air quality: VOCs are a significant concern in traditional cleaning products. Using green cleaning products reduces or eliminates VOCs, making the workplace safer.
- Prevents cross-contamination: Cleaning equipment should be sanitized after every use to avoid the spread of germs. In eco-friendly cleaning, microfiber cleaning cloths and mops are used for each surface, which reduces the likelihood of cross-contamination.
Ways to Encourage Employees to Take Part in Green Initiatives
- Educate them: Educate your employees on the benefits and importance of green cleaning. Inform your employees about the proper way to use eco-friendly cleaning products and any tips to reduce waste.
- Make it fun: Host cleaning days or contests where employees can showcase their eco-friendliness by showing off their sustainable cleaning practices.
- Set a good example: Lead by example by using eco-friendly cleaning products and following cleaning sustainability guidelines.
- Celebrate success: Celebrate when your business reaches sustainability targets like a reduction in carbon footprint or lower water consumption. This generates buy-in from employees and encourages further participation in green initiatives.
Tips for implementing a successful green cleaning program within your business
- Conduct a risk assessment: Identify any risks posed by your current cleaning activities and the potential benefits of introducing green cleaning products.
- Set realistic goals: Set short-term and long-term goals to measure the success of your green cleaning program.
- Choose quality products: Invest in high-quality eco-friendly cleaning products that are proven to work effectively and efficiently.
- Track progress: Monitor the progress of your green cleaning efforts to ensure you are staying on track with achieving your goals and making improvements where necessary.
- Evaluate results: Regularly evaluate the performance of your green cleaning program, including monitoring changes in air quality, cost savings, and customer satisfaction. This will help you determine if you are achieving your goals and maintaining the program’s success.
Green Cleaning vs. Traditional Cleaning: Business, Customers and the Environment
Green cleaning benefits businesses, customers, and the environment more than traditional cleaning. Compared to conventional cleaning products that contain harsh chemicals, green cleaning products are safer and healthier for everyone in the workplace.
Green cleaning processes also help businesses save money by reducing water and energy consumption and improving air quality, which can lead to happier customers. Additionally, eco-friendly practices positively impact the environment by reducing environmental impacts like waste, pollution, and GHG emissions.
Regulations and laws like the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act have made it mandatory for businesses to use green cleaning products, which has helped reduce environmental pollution.
If you’re operating your commercial cleaning business in states like California, New York, and Wisconsin that have adopted green cleaning laws, you must follow the regulations. But even if your state does not have a green cleaning law in place yet, it’s still essential for businesses to consider adopting sustainable practices as part of their overall operations strategy.
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