Understanding the Going Green Phenomenon

How seriously do you take the cleaning of your office building? Have you considered the impact of cleanliness on your customers and employees? What is all this talk about environmentally friendly and going green? If you are a business owner, you are bombarded with countless cleaning companies that want to discuss your current cleaning solutions. We know that first impressions mean everything, so when a customer walks into your facility, the first thing you want them to notice is that you take pride in your appearance. The cleanliness of your facility will say a lot about how you do business and how you treat your customers, both internally and externally. But it’s not only about a clean appearance; it is also about making the best choices in the process. We are hearing more and more about green cleaning products replacing the conventional ways of cleaning, and when it comes to commercial cleaning, there are some very good reasons to consider it to be the way of the future.

 What Does “Going Green” Really Mean? 

A number of cleaning companies will advertise green cleaning, but what does it really mean? Is it simply the new buzzword of the cleaning industry, or does it have merit? Green cleaning refers to the use of healthier and environmentally friendly cleaning products and solutions. In turn, the products need to be biodegradable. In some cases, the simple use of water over other chemicals can be the most effective and “green” way to clean.

Many people have decided to go green at home in order to create a healthier living environment for their families and pets, but does a company really have to worry about the cleaning products for their facilities? The answer is yes, and whether you are cleaning an office, warehouse, or home, the benefits are many and real. With a greater concern for the environment, every company should be doing their part to minimize the harmful effects. For a cleaning product and method to be considered environmentally friendly, it must meet a long list of requirements, all of which are safe for humans and the overall environment.

What are the Benefits to a Company? 

1. It is an overall healthier alternative – The primary reason to consider a green cleaning company is the health benefits to the staff and customers. Since there is no use of harmful chemicals within the cleaning process, whether they are cleaning carpets or walls, the cleaning company should be able to deliver an unmatched cleanliness with safe products. The cleaning products are known to affect the skin or respiratory system of the users, the employees within your facility, and the customers that frequent your office. In addition, a consistently clean and sanitized area means fewer reported incidences of illness and use of sick days. For the company, this means a huge savings on replacing employees at the last minute, working understaffed. In addition to the clean appearance of your office building, green products rid the area of allergens. No matter what your initial reason, these are all benefits to working with green products.

2. There is no institutional smell – How many times have you walked into an office building and been hit with a whiff of what can best be described as “hospital smell?” Just because it smells like it is clean doesn’t mean that it is the only way to get it clean and sanitized. The green products will give you the strength of the old products without the negative effects on those using the facility and equipment.

3. Safer for the environment – The reality is that green products are not only safer for us, but also for the environment. We all have a responsibility to keeping it clean and safe. Customers tend to look to do business with companies that are just as concerned about the similar interests.

4. Overall less costly – Between the chances for chemical spills, multiple hazards to employees, ongoing downtime while at work, or calling off for entire days, the expense of accidents can be great. Invest in your company and its future by going green. Because accidents do happen, and people inadvertently are injured, make sure that chemicals are not one of the reasons that you have people injured and off work.

 

No matter what your personal reason for going green, make sure that you are working with suppliers and service providers that also have the same commitment. Be careful in your selections, and meet with your potential cleaning service to ensure quality work. No matter what your company layout and needs, work with someone who has years of experience and can explain the process while demonstrating the quality and effectiveness of the green process.