Green Cleaning: Leaving Traditional Cleaning in the Dust! Part 1
‘Green Cleaning' is a term that has been circulating throughout the cleaning industry since the 1990's. Green cleaning is a system of cleaning that promotes healthy surroundings for occupants without harming the environment.
Although the definition of green cleaning is somewhat universal, going ‘Green' can mean something different to everyone and every company. And unfortunately many of those companies claiming to be “green” are not green at all! Just because you use a product labeled green or environmentally friendly does not mean you are a green cleaning company, or one that cleans for heath and the environment. There is a lot more to it than just the “juice” you use.
How does traditional cleaning methods compare to green cleaning methods?
One purpose of green cleaning is to steer clear of cleaning chemicals that contain toxins and volatile ingredients that are harmful to both humans and our eco-system. It also includes the processes in which the chemical manufactures go about producing, packaging and distributing their chemicals. The definition of ‘green cleaning' also refers to the cleaning equipment, tools, products and procedures that cleaning companies use when providing their services. This would include, for example, the use of battery operated equipment, environmentally preferable tools, recycled toilet paper and hand towels, and addressing processes and systems that relate to the company's commitment to providing a safe and healthy workplace environment. We will discuss this in more detail in part 2 of our article.
Why Switch to Green Cleaning?
Today's society is more concerned than ever about the health and wellness of the environment and workplace surroundings. Many people are basing their consumer purchasing decisions of goods and services based entirely on how a particular company utilizes green systems and sustainability practices.
Many cleaning companies have either made the switch to green cleaning or are planning to do so at some point in the future. This may seem like a daunting task for some cleaning companies who are planning on making the change to green cleaning methods and green cleaning chemicals. But it doesn't have to be.
A company can start out small, with some minor changes, and then slowly ramp up their systems as they progress towards becoming greener.
In Part 1 of our article: Green Cleaning: Leaving Traditional Cleaning in the Dust! We will discuss the differences in traditional cleaning vs. green cleaning when it comes to cleaning chemicals and packaging.
Here are some examples of traditional cleaning compared to green cleaning:
If you're cleaning restrooms the traditional way, you're probably using disinfectant cleaners, glass cleaners, stainless steel cleaners, and acid bowl cleaners. Although these products do a good job of cleaning, they can be toxic to the environment and to the people who use them. These traditional cleaning products can be derived from petroleum, which is not a renewable resource, is flammable, and toxic if inhaled. Using products that are water based would be a "greener" alternative.
Many traditional cleaning products contain chlorine bleach. Sodium Hypochlorite is the active ingredient in chlorine bleach. It's found in household bleach and many other disinfectants. Sodium Hypochlorite reacts with ammonia, drain cleaners, and other acids. Mixing bleach with other cleaning products that contain ammonia (glass and window cleaners), acids (bowl cleaners), or hydrogen peroxide (all-purpose cleaners) can be extremely dangerous and deadly. Instead, look for products that clean using hydrogen peroxide, citrus, or oxygen based bleach products.
Some traditional chemicals are produced using aerosol containers for chemical delivery. This can be unsafe for both the cleaning technician and the environment if the container were to become punctured, producing an uncontrolled spray. A greener alternative would be to use trigger spray bottles.
RTU, or ready to use products were the traditional way of purchasing cleaning products. Unfortunately, they are composed of 90% water, which requires extra energy, packaging, and creates more landfill waste. A greener substitute would be utilizing concentrated products or dilution control systems, which not only save money, but uses less water, less packaging, and are more sustainable.
Look for cleaning products packaged using sustainable methods. This means the manufacturer used recycled, recyclable, and/or biodegradable packaging for their products and cardboard shipping packaging.
A cleaning company can begin their green journey by selecting just a few chemicals that are greener or green certified to replace their more traditional chemical line of cleaners. There is no need to change everything at once. By switching to green cleaning chemicals and packaging, you will be creating a healthier work environment for your cleaning technicians as well as your customers, their staff and occupants, at the same time, reducing your carbon footprint.
In part 2 of our article: Green Cleaning: Leaving Traditional Cleaning in the Dust! We will discuss the use of traditional equipment, tools, products and procedures compared to greener solutions.
For more in depth reading and information regarding green cleaning, consider checking out our:
Green Cleaning: Leaving Traditional Cleaning in the Dust! Part 2
What is LEED® Certification and why should your cleaning company care?
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