Eight Simple Guidelines For Green Cleaning and a Healthier Environment

Choosing environmentally responsible products is a powerful way to make your spending make a difference.  Finding those products, and trusting them, isn't always easy.  Develop, plan and execute for success!

Caring for a commercial or institutional facility is a huge task.  Developing and implementing a green cleaning program that effectively protects occupants' health, while minimizing cleaning's impact on the environment, is equally significant.

Whether you are explaining your green cleaning plan to a new employee, a vendor, or someone in senior management, you need to capture the most significant aspects.

1. PUT HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT FIRST
   A green cleaning program protects health and the environment first, appearance second.  Even buildings that appear to be clean can be extremely unhealthy.  Low productivity and poor performance are the result of a Building Related Illness or Sick Building Syndrome.  Implementing a green cleaning program will more than pay for itself with just a small increase in productivity.
    
2. REVIEW CURRENT PRODUCTS AND PRACTICES
   In order to measure progress, improvements to any program typically require doing an assessment before implementation.  Some current practices may be applied to the new green cleaning program.  Gathering information such as manufacturer, vendor information, MSDS, labels of products currently being used, personal protective equipment (PPE), special handling and disposal requirements, and where the products are being applied.  Transitioning to a safer, healthier cleaning protocol is also an opportunity to standardize practices among multiple sites.
    
3. USE GREEN CLEANING PRODUCTS
   Use certified green cleaning products.  Many organizations including Green Seal, Ecologo and DfE approve cleaning chemicals based on environmental impact, health exposures and performance.  Today's technology allow manufacturers to offer green cleaning solutions that work well and are cost-competitive to traditional cleaning products.  For products not covered by existing standards, choose products that are lower in VOC's compared to similar products.  Install and use chemical dilution systems and proportioning equipment to reduce chemical exposure to cleaning workers and building occupants.
    
4. USE GREEN EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES
   Capture dust and microscopic particles rather than putting them back into the air.  Use microfiber dust mops or vacuum cleaners to dry-clean hard floors.  Use high-efficiency vacuum cleaners and vacuum cleaner filters to capture microscopic materials the might adversely impact building occupant health.  Use microfiber cloths to capture dust rather than rags and furniture polish.
    
5. DECREASE ENTRY OF DIRT AND POLLUTANTS
   Paying attention to entryways - inside and out - helps keep trafficking of dirt from getting into an area.  A significant amount of dirt, dust and other pollutants come into a building on people's feet.  Install walk-off mats, which will help to trap and remove dirt and debris before it enters the area.  Consult your mat supplier to choose the proper style for outside and inside each entryway.  Proper and frequent cleaning of entry mats is critical to preventing dirt from being distributed.
    
6. DISINFECT ONLY IN AREAS THAT REQUIRE IT
   Indoor air quality is affected by dirt, dust and the chemicals we put into the air.  EPA registered disinfectants are categorized as pesticides.  The chemicals used to kill bugs can pollute the air if overused.  Choose and apply disinfectants properly.  Resist the temptation to overuse disinfectants when cleaning.  Good basic cleaning procedures are as effective as disinfectants for cleaning most surfaces.  Focus on touch points; those spots where people come into contact the most.  Door knobs, handles, rails, push bars, light switches, public phones, elevator buttons, and so on, are prime points for disease transmission.
    
7. USE GREEN PAPER AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS
   Use janitorial paper products that have a significant percentage of post consumer recycled content.  Look for paper that was produced without using chlorine, which when released into the environment can create dioxins and other incredibly dangerous chemicals.  Many paper and plastic goods, such as paper towels, toilet paper and can liners, have been green certified by third party organizations.  By taking a few steps to reduce consumption, you can offset the higher initial cost of paper and plastic products.
    
8. EDUCATION, TRAINING AND ENFORCING
   Everyone doesn't know how to clean.  Train custodial staff and managers to ensure procedures are performed properly and safely.  Without adequate training, the potential for job-related accidents and injuries is very high.  Engage cleaning staff in the process by helping them understand why they are directed to do certain tasks.  It is a group effort to maintain and improve the green cleaning program.  Increase the professionalism of your staff through continued education and training.