What exactly is cleaning in a green manner and how can it be done? Can you effectively be green and still be clean? What about the methods and products that you need to use? These are just some of the questions that arise when a company tries to become more green. While there are a ton of resources out there, I thought that i would share with you some of my thoughts and ideas with you.
The main idea of green cleaning is to reduce the toxicity of the cleaning process. Introduce less chemicals to the environment, and less toxic ones at that. Toxic ingredients found in common household and consumer products include: chlorine bleach, it can irritate the lungs and eyes and in waterways can become toxic organochlorines; Napthas and mineral spirits, enough said; Phthalates and Ether-type solvents; Methylene chloride; Butyl cellosolve and petroleum distillates, the reason you wear rubber gloves when using oven cleaners; Sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide, drain cleaners; Alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs), suspected hormone disruptors; Ammonia, a poisonous liquid that is noxious to the lungs, and can create a form of mustard gas when mixed with bleach; and many others. At home, it may be fairly easy. Most home issues can be cleaned with vinegar, baking soda and a sponge. Little to no toxicity, no waste, and all natural. In a commercial setting, the issues can be more complicated. First choose a line of cleaners that are environmentally friendly. This may take a little effort, depending on the location, but there are plenty of options out there. Choose products that require less water. A cleaner is not environmentally friendly if it requires a bucket of water to rinse away the residue. Secondly, employ cleaning tools that are also environmentally friendly. Choose towels or mop heads that can be washed and reused. If you must you a disposable paper product, find one that is unbleached and has recycled content. Once you establish these protocols, make sure that the cleaning staff is well educated on the products. A green product does little good, if the staff is using twice as much as needed. In fact, it may become more toxic if not used in the right proportions.
The best way to green your cleaning routine is to make it less necessary. Make sure to install walk off mats. Keep air ducts clean to reduce dust. Keep windows closed during periods of high winds, or during dusty conditions. Buy products that are durable and can be cleaned easily. High traffic offices should not have white carpeting and waiting rooms with children should have dark colored furniture, with fabric that resists stains. Using less products to keep things clean is the easiest way to have a green cleaning program.
The important thing is to start now. Formulate a plan and implement it. Start with what is easily attainable, and add to it as you go along. There are plenty of resources for getting a green program to work, and a stack of books written on the subject. Feel free to email me for some options. Good Luck!
