The Federal Government defines Green Cleaning as “environmentally preferable” services and products that “have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared with competing products or services that serve the same purpose.” In other words , you can receive the same cleaning quality while reducing your impact on the environment and creating a safer workplace . Green cleaning is comprised of facility cleaning products and methods developed to improve occupant performance and health while minimizing impact on the environment . Some products claim to be green but only those certified green really qualify for the title Green.
Why use a Green Cleaning service?
Green cleaning improves the quality of the workplace and increases productivity. Green cleaning helps to improve indoor air quality. Most traditional cleaning products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). When cleaning , these VOC’s are released into the air through evaporation and polute the indoor air quality. When using green products and procedures you will see a reduction of skin, eye , and respiratory irritations . A reduction in nausea and headaches has also been widely reported . This not only affects staff but also your customers visiting your facility. Healthier employees are happier and more productive, and overall morale and absenteeism can improve.
Recent trends and increasing awareness have made the environment a very important subject across the country. By implementing a green cleaning program you can do your part in reducing your impact on the planet and the amount of your pollution which, in turn, makes the world a cleaner place.
How Do You Clean Green?
The first and most recognized part of a green cleaning service is the utilization of proper cleaning chemicals. All cleaning products used must be certified green to qualify. This means that the products have gone through stringent tests and passed all the requirements necessary to be certified “Green” . Some of these standards include: no carcinogens, no human or aquatic toxins, no reproductive toxins, non-corrosive to eyes and skin , non flammable, effective for intended use, and packaged and formulated for reduced environmental impact. These products help reduce health risks as well as lessen your environmental impact.
Air quality in the workplace is an issue everyone can relate to, especially for individuals with respiratory problems. A true Green cleaning service program includes the use of HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters in all of their vacuums. Conventional vacuums use filters that release fine particles back into the room. HEPA filters remove 99.9% of particulates .3 micrometers in size which are widely accepted to be the most penetrating particle size. This is beneficial for allergy and asthma sufferers, because the HEPA filter traps the fine particles (such as pollen and dust mite feces ) which trigger asthma and allergy symptoms.
Another integral part of a quality green cleaning program involves the use of microfiber products. Microfiber consists of very fine threads of polyester and polyamide (nylon) that come together to form a single thread. Microfiber cleans without streaking, smearing , scratching or leaving lint and it is safe to use on all delicate surfaces. It cleans without scratching or harming the surface in any way. This unique cleaning tool is more effective at removing dirt, dust , germs, grease and lime safely. Microfiber cloths also last much longer than traditional towels/mops and therefore have less of an environmental impact .
Proper cleaning procedures are an integral and often overlooked aspect of a green cleaning program .
The Bottom Line on Green Cleaning
By using a Green Cleaning Service, you could be working against costly health-related absenteeism amongst your employees, plus reducing your impact on the environment . Green services have become more cost effective than ever before, and are now reasonable and attainable for all businesses and professional offices . Furthermore, businesses and employers may choose to advertise their use of a green cleaning service in customer areas and employee brake rooms , creating a positive impact on those individual’s opinion of the business. The benefits of using a green cleaning service go far beyond just helping the environment.
