In recent years, “green cleaning” has become important to businesses as a way to mitigate the cleaning industry’s negative effects on the environment. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor, the industry has a significant impact on the environment, reporting an annual use of six billion chemicals and 4.5 billion pounds of sanitary paper (requiring about 25 million trees to be cut down). Looking down the road, many companies are moving from green cleaning to sustainability.
What’s the difference? Green cleaning typically refers to switching over products and practices to become more environmental, while sustainability considers the implications of those practices over a long period of time, taking your business and your future into account.
As we continue to evolve, how do we go from green cleaning to sustainability planning to lower our carbon footprint long-term?
Think technology
Cutting down on the use of harmful chemicals is a great start, but sustainability requires broader thinking, integrating as many elements as possible into your environmental practices.
RELATED: Are your cleaning products eco-friendly?
With today’s technology, there are plenty of opportunities to expand your green thinking. Disinfecting with UV light, battery-powered vacuums, and carpet cleaners that recycle water are just a few of the most recent evolutions. Start incorporating new technology wherever you can to grow your green practices.
Think big picture
Get ahead of the game by researching how your building can improve as a whole. Studies show that buildings create nearly 30 per cent of greenhouse gases, and 35 per cent of landfill waste, while using up to 70 per cent of municipal water.
Consider creating a roadmap using LEED, as an example for your building. Relying on product certifications like ECOLOGO®, a Canadian certification given to products with verified reduced environmental impact, will also allow you to broaden the products you use while staying eco-friendly.
Looking at every aspect of your building means aligning yourself with like-minded businesses. Do your manufacturers have the same level of commitment to staying sustainable? Are your distributors focused on efficiency and fuel economy?
Part of working towards sustainability means looking at the broader picture to incorporate a green philosophy into every aspect of cleaning and maintaining your building. Move towards sustainability by planning, budgeting, and implementing your vision throughout your business, for a long-lasting, viable approach.
