2020's World Environment Day falls on June 5th, and this year, we are all encouraged to take proactive steps to improve our planet's air quality.
Celebrating World Environment Day 2020 With Advanced Cleaning
World Environment Day was initially conceived of by Sweeden in 1968 during a United Nations conference.
Since then, the day has been used to promote awareness surrounding the harmful impact human activity has on the environment, human life, and human health.
According to National Today;
Sweden first suggested having such a conference to the UN way back in 1968. And in 1969, the UN agreed that after 3 years they would have a conference in Sweden that focused on environmental issues.
Interestingly enough, the conference was led by Maurice Strong, a Canadian diplomat who worked in the oil and mineral industry, who also had a soft spot for the environment.
Finally, it all came together in 1972, after 4 years of preparations and $30,000,000 later.
World leaders from around the world sat together to discuss how they can raise awareness to protect our environment — and it was then WED was made.
Then 2 years later, the first-ever WED was celebrated with the slogan “Only One Earth.”
This year's WED asks participants to:
- Plant a tree.
- Recycle, and;
- Volunteer to an organization focused on planetary health and cleanup.
From the perspective of office and classroom cleaning, we can interpret this to mean:
- Improve indoor air quality.
- Source sustainable materials, and;
- Commit to ongoing resource use improvements.
Environmentally Friendly Cleaning in the age of COVID-19
Amid COVID-19 cleaning requirements, it likely is not a top priority for schools and businesses to cater to the idea of upgrading their cleaning products to green, environmentally friendly chemicals that have not been listed on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencies (EPA) List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2.
However, given COVID-19 is an enveloped virus, and that enveloped viruses are highly susceptible to deactivation by regular cleaning soaps/detergents and household disinfectants, such as bleach, it is entirely feasible to entertain the idea of upgrading current enhanced cleaning practices with more environmentally friendly detergents.
Additional methods to reduce the introduction of cleaning chemicals into the environment and maintain or improve indoor air quality include the use of modern no-touch cleaning systems with built-in chemical management and mixing systems to prevent overuse of cleaning products.
Further, sourcing your product purchases from vendors focused on sustainability initiatives, especially in regards to transport, packing materials, and storage containers, will help reduce the creation of waste and level out the carbon footprint associated with the manufacture, transportation, and storage of cleaning and sanitization products.
Finally, implementing a repurpose, reuse, and recycling program in your facility allows occupants, likely exhausted with the negativity of COVID-19 news, to directly engage in positive activities that promote ongoing health and wellness while reducing unnecessary face-to-face interactions with product deliveries.
All of these initiatives will serve the purpose of eliminating waste outside of your facility, as well as the creation of pollutants inside, and simultaneously improve indoor air quality--a significant factor in all studies regarding human health and performance.
Takeaway
Increasing cleaning and sanitization frequencies can have a positive impact on the presence and spread of viral pathogens in your classroom or business by following certain guidelines, including:
- The use of modern cleaning products and tools--meaning get rid of your cotton string mop, old wash rags, dirty mop bucket, and replace them with color-coded smart microfiber, touchless cleaning and sanitization machines, and other related smart tools.
- Using products recommended by the EPA to combat outbreaks, but not overdoing it with harsh chemical cleaning and sanitization products, which are associated with numerous health and performance issues, including occupant death, and;
- Adhering to strict safety protocols that mandate training in the use and handling of chemical products, exposure, mixing, and dilution, as well as the use, care, and disposal of personal protective equipment.
Following these recommended guidelines in accordance with well established repurpose and recycling programs will not only ensure environmental health, but reduce unnecessary travel, contact during the initial stages of facility reopens, and promote the long-term health and performance of all building occupants by ensuring the highest standards of indoor air quality.
If you would like more information regarding the effectiveness of high-performance infection prevention and control measures, or if you would like to schedule a free, no-obligation onsite assessment of your facility's custodial needs, contact us today for a free quote!
In Bakersfield CA, call (661) 437-3253
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In Valencia CA, or Santa Clarita CA, call (661) 437-3253
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