Sustainable green cleaning practices are rapidly trending upward with facilities maintenance and management teams, building occupants, business owners, and school faculty and administrators, due to its demonstrated ability to cost-effectively increase productivity while decrease costs associated with illness and injury acquired in the workplace.
Sustainable Green Cleaning Trends
Everywhere you look, green, sustainable business practices are on the rise, and those responsible for implementing and managing the initiatives are not shy about sharing their motivations and success with everyone, as shown by a recent Facility Cleaning Decisions reader survey.
Of the respondents:
- 61% felt implementing sustainable practices into their cleaning operations is very important, compared to 45% in 2017.
- 45% of managers agree that communicating the value of sustainability has grown in importance, up from 25% in 2017, resulting in;
- Approximately 66% of departments who implemented and marketed their green, sustainable practices experiencing an improved perception of their department, and;
- 82% of respondents are putting pressure on their manufacturer and distribution partners to embrace sustainable initiatives in their own processes, which is way up from 64% in 2017.
Source:
Emerging Trends in Green Cleaning and Sustainability
Green cleaning products and equipment, such as biodegradable cleaning chemicals and microfiber, have been on the market for years, and you're likely very familiar with their use and benefits, especially in your home.
However, several additional trends have begun to emerge that you may not be familiar with that many expect to see as commonplace in the near future, including:
- Recycled Greywater - Greywater is water that is typically captured from rain runoff, sinks, showers, and washing machines. The water can be treated onsite and reused for lawn irrigation, urinal, and toilet flushing, as well as washing exterior walls and windows. Its emergence is a direct response to the increasing threats to our potable water supply, and;
- Engineered Water - Regular tap water that has been treated by either been ozonated, electrolyzed, or treated in some specific way to turn it into a useful cleaning product without the costly chemical manufacturing processes that have severely damaged our food, air, and water supply over the decades.
Reasons to Adopt Green Sustainable Cleaning Practices
There are several practical reasons for switching from conventional commercial cleaning practices to environmentally friendly and sustainable ones, such as:
- Performance - Green cleaning products and equipment are designed to perform more efficiently, using less product and fewer natural and human resources to accomplish the same cleaning tasks commonly required in schools and businesses.
- Cost-Effectiveness - The increased performance, reduced packaging, and almost non-existent health concerns associated with green and other sustainable custodial practices significantly reduce the financial burden commonly observed with conventional toxic chemical cleaning processes, and;
- Environmental Awareness - Long story short--no planet, no business or profits, and the consumers of your organization's products and services know this, and aren't afraid to vote for or against your school or company with their patronage. Smart school administrators and business owners realize these factors play a considerable role in their future success and aren't just making the change, but advertising that to prospective students, customers, and employees.
References & Resources
- Emerging trends in green cleaning technology
- Explaining Engineered Water Used In Cleaning
- Insight: Do you know the Five Most Important Trends in the Cleaning Products Market?
- Sustainable Green Cleaning
Takeaway
Regardless of any political or other stance one may have on climate change, pollution, and what humans are or are not doing to contribute to it, we can all agree on a few basic principles:
- We only have one planet.
- We need to stop dumping poison into our food, air, and water, and;
- We must strive to make better use, and become better stewards of the natural resources available to us.
In the United States, these beliefs are held by many of your prospective customers and students who are looking to local schools and businesses to assume a leadership role in environmentally friendly and sustainable cleaning and other business practices.
Though the scientific cause and effect of many environmental issues remains debated by some, what is undeniable is a significant consumer interest in environmentally friendly business practices and products.
A recent survey found that 88% of Americans believe taking care of the earth is very important - but only 52% believed that the government should be taking action to protect it.
Green business can benefit either way: greater consumer interest and/or more protective policy!
If you would like to learn more about the advantages of sustainable green cleaning services for your school, or if you would like to schedule a free, no-obligation onsite assessment of your facilities custodial or infection control requirements, contact us today for a free quote!
In Bakersfield CA, call (661) 437-3253
In Fresno CA, call (559) 206-1059
In Valencia CA, or Santa Clarita CA, call (661) 437-3253
