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What is Green Cleaning? Green cleaning is a holistic
approach to our janitorial services that takes into account: (1) the
health, safety, and environmental risks of products and processes
associated with cleaning; (2) the mission and use of the facility to
be cleaned and the behavior of facility occupants; and (3) the
cleaning, maintenance, and sanitation needs of the facility.
In other words, it is an approach to cleaning that involves the
use of alternative products, applying those products in different
ways, and evaluating and/or changing behaviors associated with how
buildings are used to reduce risks while maintaining a satisfactory
level of cleanliness and disinfection.
Example 1:
Traditional glass cleaner-made of alcohol and ammonia, which are
solvents-is typically applied by using a trigger spray, which
creates a fine mist. Vapors created by this product and process have
the following effects:
Vapors can enter the breathing zone of cleaning personnel,
causing respiratory irritation and triggering asthmatic attacks and
other breathing disorders (especially when used repeatedly and over
time).
Because they can remain in the restroom, vapors can affect
building occupants using the restroom.
Vapors are circulated throughout the building by the ventilation
system and can affect building occupants.
When the vapors are exhausted to the outdoors, they can
contribute to atmospheric smog and air pollution.
Green cleaning alternatives can include:
Replacing the traditional glass cleaner with one that has no
solvents-a detergent, or soap-based cleaner that produces fewer
vapors. Green Seal certified.
Applying the product in a stream rather than a mist to reduce
the vapors.
Applying the spray to a wiping cloth, rather than directly onto
the glass, to reduce the vapors.
Example 2:
If occupants eat in their individual offices, they are likely to
produce crumbs, which could attract pests. This might require more
frequent pesticide or rodenticide applications than if all eating
were centralized in a lunchroom or conference room. In addition, if
employees clean up coffee or beverage spills at the time of a spill,
rather than wait for the cleaning crew to do it (especially when it
involves carpets or other fabrics), our janitors can use fewer, and
less-toxic, cleaning products than if spills dry or seep into
carpet. Hence, our green cleaning bundle requires some involvement
by building occupants.
Does Green Cleaning Work?
Green cleaning is a concept; it is a collection of new tools and
practices that can be applied to traditional approaches. Green
cleaning approaches vary from building to building. Green cleaning
works because we make sure that the products and processes used are
targeted to the specific risks associated with each building, and
that the building managers, building occupants and, our cleaning
staff all participate in the development of the green cleaning plan. |
