How Sustainable Corporate Cleaning Strategies Benefit Your Staff – and the Planet

Gone are the days when the only way to effectively clean a building involved the use of heavy-duty chemicals. Of course, cleaning expectations have changed since staff started returning to their offices in the years following Covid-19, whether on a full-time or hybrid schedule. As we all move forward, building service contractors and custodial teams are still cleaning on a more frequent schedule.

In the wake of the pandemic, many people have become more concerned about environmental issues, and they realize the ways in which traditional chemical cleaners can negatively affect the environment. Facility managers feel it’s incumbent on them to hire professionals who use the right cleaners and equipment to mitigate the impact on the environment, while ensuring the cleaning of the building is thorough and effective.

The Growing Corporate Interest in Eco-Friendly Cleaning

Many businesses are now opting for eco-friendly cleaning practices for their commercial spaces as they recognize how it can enhance the overall health and well-being of their staff and visitors, in addition to the environmental benefits. For a greener, healthier workspace, it’s crucial for managers who hire professional cleaning services to request eco-friendly products that are both safe and efficacious. When choosing ecological cleaning services and products, the most important factors are that they be non-toxic, biodegradable, and made from renewable resources.

Biodegradable products are those that break down naturally, reducing their impact on the ecosystem. Non-toxic cleaning products do not contain harmful substances such as chlorine, ammonia, or phosphates, all of which can cause various health issues as well as damage to the environment. Opting for products made from sustainable materials, such as those formulas which are plant-based, will minimize the consumption of finite resources.

Ask if the cleaning company is willing to use eco-friendly products that can be easily identified by specific labels and certifications. Some examples include Green Seal-certified products, which have met stringent environmental and performance criteria. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Safer Choice label ensures the products that have earned it are safer for humans, animals, and the environment than conventional alternatives. The EcoLogo certification means that the product has been verified by independent testing to meet high environmental standards.

Green Strategies: Implementing a Sustainable Cleaning Policy

A professional cleaning company can help create a Sustainable Green Cleaning Policy for your building that outlines the use of eco-friendly cleaning products, proper waste management, and safe disposal of cleaning supplies. Involving employees and encouraging their participation in recycling programs to properly dispose of paper, plastics, and other materials can take it one step further. Some managers or small business owners even decide to provide recognition and incentives for staff who actively contribute to eco-friendly cleaning practices.

By implementing environmentally-friendly cleaning services and products, you’re moving towards a healthier, more sustainable future for all employees and visitors to your building. It is possible to positively impact the environment while maintaining a clean and healthy space.