From Guest Blogger Keith: When it Comes to Clean, Make it Green

Green cleaning is the cleaning process by which products and/or services are employed that exclusively feature environmentally friendly ingredients, as well as promoting naturally biodegradable compounds that do not cause skin irritations or breathing problems. Industrial-strength cleaning products are usually filled with chemicals that can create health problems through accidental exposure (via inhalation or exposure to the skin). Rather than exposing people to these potentially harmful elements, eco-friendly cleaning products that encourage and support a more healthy standard of living are being slowly adopted in many different industries, and, although it will take time, the use of toxic chemicals are thankfully being eradicated.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states, “Cleaning products can present several health and environmental concerns… concentrated forms of some commercial cleaning products are classified as hazardous, creating potential handling, storage, and disposal issues for users.”[1] There are a substantial amount of risks that people working in janitorial or caretaker roles will fall foul of, “The cleaning industry employs about 2.8 million potentially exposed janitors… [and] all building occupants are potentially exposed to the volatile components of cleaning products… About 6 percent of janitors experience a job-related injury from chemical exposure to cleaning products every year.”[2]

As those numbers imply, that is a significant sector of the cleaning industry that may be susceptible to harm over the course of their time spent doing their job, and there is much to be said for, “Choosing less hazardous products that have positive environmental attributes (e.g., biodegradability, low toxicity, low volatile organic compound content, reduced packaging, low life cycle energy use) and taking steps to reduce exposure can minimize harmful impacts to custodial workers and building occupants, improve indoor air quality, and reduce water and ambient air pollution.”[3]

In the home, it is important for green cleaning practices to be upheld; toxic cleaners are a major cause of the reduced quality of air within enclosed environments, owing to fumes that can circulate for days afterwards. After harmful cleaning products are utilized in small and/or unventilated spaces, indoor pollutant levels may be, “2 to 5 times higher inside homes than outside, regardless of whether the homes were located in rural or highly industrial areas.”[4] Health effects, such as, “Eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, visual disorders, and memory impairment are among the immediate symptoms that some people have experienced.”[5] To reduce exposure to toxins, levels of ventilation must be wholly improved, especially in workplace office areas, where significant numbers of staff work indoors for the majority of their time and could be affected by said fumes and toxins.

If you are interested in using green cleaning products in your own household or at work, look for products with the following:

·          No volatile organic compounds

·          Biodegradable

·          Odor free

·          Available in recyclable (or reduced amounts of) packaging

Furthermore, utilizing green products can help to decrease environmentally negative effects, such as ozone depletion and the possibility of inadvertently impacting on the environment by way of water pollution. For example, after someone has used a solution of toxic cleaning agents and water to clean a large expanse of flooring, this mixture will be typically washed down the drain, Those potentially unsafe chemicals may remain in the water that then washes away into local streams, rivers and tributaries.

Green cleaning products are free from toxic chemicals, help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and are child- and pet-friendly too. With safe green cleaners, the use of all natural ingredients all but guarantees a healthy, sustainable living – their use not only benefits both your home and workplace, but also the environment as a whole. Consequently, if you would like to enhance the overall welfare of your family and your coworkers, it is never a more ideal time to employ green products in your everyday life than as of right now.

Precision Janitorial Services supplies specialized green cleaning services, including carpet cleaning, floor waxing, pressure washing, window washing, tile cleaning and other janitorial services for offices, schools, medical facilities, shopping centers, businesses, law offices, restaurants and banks. We are proud to offer our expert cleaning services to residents living in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Apache Junction, Casa Grande, Laveen, Glendale, Mesa, Carefree, Peoria, Fountain Hills, Litchfield Park, Chandler, Avondale, Buckeye, Tolleson, Gilbert, Goodyear and Maricopa County. Please visit our website at JanitorAZ.com or you can call 602-997-4888 today if you would like more details about our green cleaning services.