A2X Consulting

Usually the term “greenwashing” carries a great deal of negative connotations. But taken more literally, green-washing may actually be a low-cost janitorial asset to your office building. Using environmentally-friendly cleaning supplies will promote employee health, improve ecosystems surrounding your building, and  save you money in the long run. Below is a list of green cleaning products, services, and helpful tips:

Products:

• TheGreenOffice has everything from dish soap to glass cleaners to bug spray, and it’s all organized into an easy-to-navigate system that includes icons that show whether the product is biodegradable, cruelty-free, and non-toxic.
• GreenLine Paper Company has an extensive selection of green cleaning products for cheap, some less expensive than their non-green counterparts. Of course, they also sell recycled office stationary, hence the name.
• Marcal, the toilet paper and paper towel manufacturer, has a website all about their new line of environmentally-friendly products. It’s worth a look for the insights into their marketing and manufacturing processes.

Services:

• ServiceMaster Clean is a nationwide green cleaning service that specializes in office spaces. The company promises a 24-hour response to anyone who fills out a request and will assist a building owner in obtaining LEED-certification.
• Budget Home & Office Cleaning has a Green Cleaning NJ program that is, as its name implies, only available in New Jersey. They work on offices as well as homes.
• Unicco is another national cleaning company with a new green cleaning service and a long history of  charitable local community work.

Resources:

• Planet Green has an exhaustive list of green cleaning tips, facts, supplies, and anything else you’d need to start cleaning in an environmentally-friendly way.
• The Office of the Federal Environmental Executive has a Pollution Prevention Calculator built for use by janitors and office sanitation managers.
• Check out the website for New York’s Green Cleaning Program for an inventory of green cleaning benefits and frequently asked questions.

Use this list as a starting point for a green cleaning program at your own office. Soon you’ll find that both your windows and the future of your business will look a little clearer and brighter.