implementing “green” … it’s more than a few safer cleaning chemicals

Implementing “GREEN”Implementing “GREEN”

… …It’s more than a few safer cleaning chemicalsIt’s more than a few safer cleaning chemicals

www.ENVIRO-SOLUTION.com www.ENVIRO-SOLUTION.com • • Resource Center Resource Center • Presentations & Reports • Other Helpful Sites• Presentations & Reports • Other Helpful Sites

1) OVERESTIMATING THE OLD & 1) OVERESTIMATING THE OLD & UNDERESTIMATING THE NEW UNDERESTIMATING THE NEW

• We all hear about “Green” Cleaning & how a variety of organizations are jumping on the “Green Bandwagon”

• Why go “Green” ?* Because “Green” cleaning IS PROVEN:

- safer & healthier for cleaning workers, building occupants

and the environment- easy to start and making a difference is quick and

gratifying- there are various ways to start


* Because “Green” cleaning IS PROVEN:

- with products that work as well as or better than traditional products - for the most part

- to be an effective tool to differentiate your offering and therefore hold & keep your customers and grow new ones

- to be no more costly over the short term and can mean savings over the long term as “Green Cleaning” improves productivity


• In their book “Flight of the Buffalo”, James Belasco and Ralph Stayer write, “Change is hard because people overestimate the value of what they have - and underestimate the value of what they may gain by giving it up.”

• Many end customers and distributors are overly comfortable with the traditional cleaning products they have used and sold for years. They are a known quantity

• It is time to realize that “Green CleaningGreen Cleaning” provides a variety of health and economic benefits to end-use customers and service providers; and for distributors…they open doors and provide opportunities

2) GREEN CLEANING IS 2) GREEN CLEANING IS CUSTOMER DRIVENCUSTOMER DRIVEN

- “Green cleaningGreen cleaning” is not a passing fad…It is here to stay

- you can either grasp the change and use it to capitalize on positive change for you and your organization

OR

- you can let the opportunities go to others


Common Misconceptions…Common Misconceptions…

• Green products are more expensive• Green products are not as effective• Green cleaning is too complicated

In Reality…In Reality…

• Green products are competitively priced/cost neutral• Green products can be more effective and have higher ROI• A good program is easy to monitor, train and maintain


Green Cleaning is real and here to stay!Green Cleaning is real and here to stay!

• Over 1000 registered LEED projects (1000-2000 unregistered)• Federal / State / Provincial Agencies• Cities / States• School Districts / Universities / Colleges • Hospitals / Nursing Homes• Private Building Owners and Large Companies


As Stephen Ashkin, a leading “Green” consultant clearly says:

• It matters to workers and unions if cleaning products are carcinogenic, reproductive toxins, neurotoxins, readily

absorbed through the skin, etc.

• It matters to building occupants, parents of school children and health advocates if products are respiratory irritants, developmental toxins, asthmagens, etc.

• It matters to environmentalists if cleaning products are derived from non-renewable resources, contain no recycled content, pollute air, are toxic to aquatic life, accumulate in the environment, etc.

• It matters to governments and the green-building community in general if cleaning products used by their custodial staff and contractors violate their green initiatives



• It matters to schools if the cleaning chemicals can improve attendance and student performance on standardized tests

• It matters to Universities and Colleges if they can market their facilities as being safer for their students

• It matters to hospitals and nursing homes if they can reduce nosocomial infections and occupational exposure to staff


Product UsersProduct Users

• Improves health

• Helps reduce Worker’s Comp claims and premiums

• Helps reduce turnover, which in turn impacts:

- Recruiting- Hiring- Training- Impact of service


• Purchasing analysis shows that yearly janitorial supply costs actually drop after a few months of instituting proper green cleaning and maintenance system

• Using proper equipment with adequate training and education, combined with using effective, non-toxic cleaning solutions, results in lower operating and maintenance costs, faster, more effective cleaning improved performance


Building Owners & Managers:Building Owners & Managers:

• Helps Reduce Complaints• Helps Increase Tenant Retention and Satisfaction• Helps Increase Profitability

- Vacancy Costs- Sales- Space Improvements

• Marketing/Differentiation Opportunities• Avoid Regulations

Building Tenants/Occupants:Building Tenants/Occupants:

• Increases Health

• Improves Productivity

• Reduces Litigation Potential

• Marketing/ Differentiation Opportunities



The Environment … save annually on WASTE:The Environment … save annually on WASTE:

• 6 Billion pounds of chemicals

• 35 Billion plastic trashcan liners

• 4.5 Billion pounds of janitorial paper

• 500 Million pounds of equipment

• Reduces environmental and health impacts

• Reduces absenteeism and associated health care costs

• Reduces liability, legal costs and insurance

• Reduces regulatory and inspection load

• Reduces overall costs over long-term


• Improves Indoor Air Quality

• Insures healthier facility

• Improves tenant satisfaction

• Improves grades and attendance in education

• Improves quality of work life & moral

• Improves tenant retention

• Improves employee retention


It’s GOOD Business!!!It’s GOOD Business!!!

3) NOW LET’S REVIEW3) NOW LET’S REVIEW

4) What is “Green Cleaning”5) Why go “Green Cleaning”?

5.1 Safer for cleaning workers, building occupants and visitors, and the environment5.2 Easy to do5.3 Various components5.4 Works as well5.5 Helps differentiate5.6 No more costly & can improve productivity5.7 “Green Buildings” Saves Costs

6) Implementing Green/Various Components6.1 Chemicals6.2 Micro Fiber6.3 Entrance Matting6.4 Liners6.5 Procedures,Training, Workloading and Scheduling6.6 Communications6.7 Recycle Programs/Waste Reduction/Conservation6.8 Equipment and Custodial Hardware6.9 Filters6.10 Paper6.11 Ice Melters6.12 Pest Management6.13 People with Special Needs6.14 Your Supplier

3) NOW LET’S REVIEW3) NOW LET’S REVIEW

WE WILL THEN REVIEWWE WILL THEN REVIEW

7) Conclusion

8) Q’s and A’s

4) WHAT IS “4) WHAT IS “GREEN CLEANINGGREEN CLEANING””• “…Products and services that reduce the health and

environmental impacts compared to similar products and services used for the same purpose.”

• “…Cleaning to protect health without harming the environment

• Not just one or two chemicals, not even all chemicals, includes various components such as:

- Cleaning chemicals- Paper- Liners- Equipment- Training - Etc.

5) WHY GO “5) WHY GO “GREEN CLEANINGGREEN CLEANING”?”?

5.1) Proven safer for cleaning workers, building occupants

and visitors, and the environment

People affected in three ways:People affected in three ways:

- direct contact of cleaning chemicals (cleaning workers)

- indirect contact of cleaning chemicals (building occupants)

- Indoor air quality (all)

5.1) PROVEN SAFER

Direct Contact:Direct Contact:

• 6 out of every 100 janitors are injured on the job

• 40% of these injuries involve eye irritations or burns

• 36% of these injuries involve skin irritations or burns

• 20% of these injuries are severe chemical burns to the eyes and skin

• 12% of these injuries involve breathing chemical fumes


5.1) PROVEN SAFER

Indirect Contact:Indirect Contact:

• Sit on / Lean on / Touch cleaned items

• Chemical residues get absorbed through the skin


5.1) PROVEN SAFER

Indoor Air Quality:Indoor Air Quality:• Poor indoor air quality can produce health effects in occupants

ranging from headaches and dry eyes to nausea, dizziness and fatigue; and the possible development of asthma and multiple chemical sensitivity

• These health effects contribute to increased absenteeism/sick days, low moral and decreased worker productivity

• A study of school districts in the greater Washington DC area found that there was a direct correlation between indoor air quality and both attendance and performance of their students


5.1) PROVEN SAFER

Indoor Air Quality:Indoor Air Quality:• Much of the dramatic increase in asthma among school-age

children is the result of poor air quality related to inadequate building maintenance and cleaning, and the exposure to overly toxic cleaning chemicals

• Indoor air quality is ranked among the nations’ top 5 environmental risks. IAQ can be 2 to 100 times as worse than the outdoors

• The World Health Organization estimates that 30% of all buildings experience IAQ problems


5.1) PROVEN SAFER

• Improved cleaning methods and safer cleaning chemicals can very positively affect the indoor air quality, worker and occupant health and the environment

• Clearly, eliminating the toxic ingredients from cleaning products would bring tremendous benefits to society – in reduced occupational diseases and cancer and cleaner air and water

• The main reason for going “green” is for the health of yourself, your staff, and the occupants and visitors to your facilities


5.2) Easy to start and make a difference; quick and gratifying

• Change one item, in one building, then add items and/or buildings

• Change one building, then add buildings and/or other components

• Going “green” is a journey, not a destination


5.3) Various Components:Various Components:

• Some are more difficult and costly to change:

• HVAC• Energy Source• Lighting - Type

- Relamping• Insulation - Type

- R-Factor• Type of glass, roof, building materials, etc.• Resources: - $

- manpower


- Cleaning Chemicals- Micro Fiber – cloths, dust

mops, damp/scrub mops- Entrance matting system- Liners- Procedures, training,

workloading, scheduling- Communications

- Waste programs- Equipment- Filters- Paper- Ice melters- Pest management- Your Supplier


• Some are easier and not costly to change:



• Likely can not do all at once

• But do something

• Pick the on that best fits your priorities, resources, timeline, etc.


5.4) It works as well or better than traditional productsIt works as well or better than traditional products


5.4) Works as wellWorks as well

• If you pick the right product, it will work as well or better

• Some major users have had “green” cleaning chemicals for 6 to 10 years. If the products did not work as well, they would not continue to use

• Perception:

doesn’t smell harsh – therefore doesn’t workdoesn’t burn the eyes – therefore doesn’t work


• Might have to let sit longer

• Might have to adjust procedures slightly

• Might have to leave one or two chemicals that are “not green” for occasional use

5.4) Works as well Works as well


5.4) Works as well Works as well

Key is to pick products for your:

• Location• Soil types• Equipment• Frequencies• Substrates• People• Etc.


5.5)5.5) To help differentiate your offering – make you different To help differentiate your offering – make you different Therefore, helping keep existing customers Therefore, helping keep existing customers

and growing new onesand growing new ones


5) WHY GO “5) WHY GO “GREEN CLEANINGGREEN CLEANING”?”?5.5) DifferentiationDifferentiation

• The key is to “really” know your stuff• The perception is that going “green” is difficult, confusing,

mixed messages, etc.• Therefore, people will gravitate to those they feel are their

local expert• If you think you know “green”, but your prospects believe

others are more knowledgeable, you will find it difficult to use “green” to help your customers as well as using “green” to grow new customers

5) WHY GO “5) WHY GO “GREEN CLEANINGGREEN CLEANING”?”?5.5) DifferentiationDifferentiation

• Customers want someone that can help develop a “turn key” program that will deliver the promised results – easily and quickly

• If they do not think you can – they will find someone who can


5.6) Going Going ““GreenGreen” ” is no more costly over the short term, is no more costly over the short term,

and can mean savings over the long term asand can mean savings over the long term as “ “GreenGreen” ” cleaning improves productivitycleaning improves productivity


5.6) No more costly and improves productivityNo more costly and improves productivity

• “GreenGreen” cleaning can help to improve IAQ

• IAQ can improve worker productivity by more than thirty minutes per day. According to Stephen Ashkin, “Those minutes might be saved by reducing the frequency of blowing a nose, rubbing an eye, or dealing with an allergen-induced headache, not to mention calls to doctors and pharmacies and time wasted discussing these maladies with coworkers.”


5.6) No more costly and improves productivityNo more costly and improves productivity

• This increase in productivity can translate into considerable savings. The cost of salaries and benefits in a Class A office building is approximately $150 per square foot, according to the Building Owners and Managers Association International. Even a conservative three-minute-per-day improvement in productivity, Ashkin says, can result in a savings of 75 cents per square foot for business owners


5.7) ““GREENGREEN Buildings” Saves Costs

A.A. First-Cost Savings:First-Cost Savings:– Streamlined permitting and approvals– Reduced infrastructure costs– Construction waste disposal– Downsizing of mechanical equipment– Tax credits and other incentives

B.B. Reduced Operating costs:Reduced Operating costs:– Energy– Water– Durability and Repairs– Cleaning and Maintenance– Reduced Waste



C.C. Health and Productivity Benefits:Health and Productivity Benefits:– Improved Health– Reduced Absenteeism– Improved Learning

D.D. Community Benefits:Community Benefits:– Reduced demand on Municipal Services



E.E. Environmental Benefits:Environmental Benefits:– Reduced Global Warming Impacts– Minimize Ozone Depletion– Reduced Resource Extraction Impacts– Reduced Toxic Emissions– Reduced Energy and Other Impacts of Transporting Materials– Reduced Contributions to Local & Regional Air Pollution– Reduced Local and Regional Water Pollution– Reduced Urban Heat Islands– Protection of Biodiversity– Increased Environmental Awareness



F.F. Social BenefitsSocial Benefits– Support of Sustainable Economics– Support of Companies with Social Responsible Policies

6) IMPLEMENTING “6) IMPLEMENTING “GREENGREEN””

6.1) Cleaning ChemicalsCleaning Chemicals

1. The hazards of continuing to choose traditional cleaning chemicals are increasing risks to the health and safety of yourself, your cleaning staff and all building occupants. In addition, you are contributing to the widespread damage to the environment for future generations



In a recent survey of 32 facilities in Richmond, California, for250 janitorial products in use, the findings were:

– 7% should not be used as they could cause cancer or were very damaging to the environment

– 56% require extreme care as the ingredients can cause blindness, severe skin damage, interfere with the endocrine system, or be absorbed through the skin or inhaled and subsequently cause damage to the blood, liver, kidneys, nervous system or a developing fetus



• Where possible, use concentrated and closed dispensing systems

• Use only Certified ‘Green Seal’ (GS-37) or ‘Environmental Choice Program’ (CCD-146, 147, 148, 104) where categories exist

• If no category, balance performance with exposure time and ability of the products to meet as many of the criteria of either Green Seal or Environmental Choice Programs. Make manufacturers prove their claims



• That is the easiest, simplest and safest way for users to be sure that they are in fact using products PROVENPROVEN to be safer. Unless you have the time, chemistry background and receive all necessary info and 3rd party verification from the manufacturer, you are at the mercy of misleading and false claims, and can be held negligent



• For all chemicals – avoid / minimize the use of aerosols

• Minimize atomizing chemicals

• Use toggle top bottles or spray chemicals onto clothes

• For more information on “Green Cleaning Chemicals” Review the PowerPoint Presentation “Implementing Safer Cleaning Chemicals” or the 3 “Why” brochures


6.2) Micro FiberMicro Fiber

• Cloths• Dust mops• Damp / Scrub mops• Finish mops

• Reduces labor; up to 70%• Increases performance; up to 6 times• Cut chemical waste; up to 80%• Reduces mop drag; and therefore fatigue

6) IMPLEMENTING “6) IMPLEMENTING “GREENGREEN””6.3) Entrance Matting System/ Dirt Walk Off MatsEntrance Matting System/ Dirt Walk Off Mats

• Stop dirt before it gets in the building and at the entrance ways• 80-90% of all dirt gets tracked in on feet

• System: - Outside/ Vestibule/ Entrance - Scrub / Scrub & Dry / Dry

• All pedestrian entrances, garage entrances, shipping & receiving areas, freight elevators, etc.

• Vinyl vs. Rubber – choose rubber as it is felt vinyl uses manufacturing processes and produces components that are less safe for people and the environment


6.4) LinersLiners

• Ensure correct size• Reduce use• Select correct material for task

– High quality re-pro (pre & post production) for light duty– High alpha olefin (HAO) for heavy duty tasks (less raw

material use, less energy to produce, less packaging, less material handling and transportation, and less impact on landfill sites)


6.5)6.5) Procedures, Training, Workloading and SchedulingProcedures, Training, Workloading and Scheduling Ideas/ConsiderationsIdeas/Considerations

– Dwell time, dilution rates (impact of over and under dilutions), correct product for task, temperature (hot vs. cold)

– Proper use of chemicals and equipment– Clean areas based on traffic patterns– Adequate dust mopping/vacuuming– Vacuum over dust mopping


6.5)6.5) Procedures, Training, Workloading and Scheduling Procedures, Training, Workloading and Scheduling Ideas/ConsiderationsIdeas/Considerations

• Inventory of all chemicals on site & review• Vacuum/sweep outside by all entrance ways• Deep clean to prevent the tracking of soil• Do not use cleaning products or topical treatments

that leave sticky residue• Where & how to empty dust mops• Look for ways to reduce exposures, reduce harsh

products, identify inefficiencies


6.5)6.5) Procedures, Training, Workloading and SchedulingProcedures, Training, Workloading and Scheduling Consider non-chemical cleaning opportunitiesConsider non-chemical cleaning opportunities

• Squeegees for glass & mirrors• Micro fiber to reduce chemical use• Mechanical snakes to open drains• Steam/vapor cleaning• Pressure cleaning• Waterless urinals to reduce water use, use of harsh

chemicals, energy savings, sewage treatment Invest in proper procedural training and workloading. Invest in proper procedural training and workloading.

Consider day cleaning and team cleaningConsider day cleaning and team cleaning


6.5)6.5) Procedures, Training, Workloading and Scheduling Procedures, Training, Workloading and SchedulingDevelop a Plan & Work the PlanDevelop a Plan & Work the Plan

• Identify what and how to clean which areas how frequently


6.6)6.6) CommunicationCommunication

• Stewardship - everyone needs to understand that this all have an impact on the facilities environment

• Internally & Externally

• Educate & Inform on what, why, how, benefits


6.6)6.6) CommunicationCommunication

• Need to influence behavioral changes

- accept change

- give time (30-60 days) to prove it works

- ask for input ideas

- ask for all to help by being neat & tidy, not eating at their desks, keeping their personal space “cleanable” so that the cleaning staff can do their job, etc.


6.7)6.7) Recycle ProgramsRecycle Programs

• Paper• Cans• Plastic• Wet versus Dry• Water Energy Conservation• Energy Conservation• Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions


• Vacuums- CRI Green Label Program- Only use ones with high efficiency filters (HEPA)

• Floor Machines- Attachments to collect dust- Energy use- Noise level/noise pollution- Increased productivity

• Enhance Ergonomics

• Extractors- Maximize moisture removal- Water conservation- Ability to heat water

• Durability, Longevity, ROI, Uptime

• Use of post-consumer recycled content- carts, buckets, wringers,mop handles, recycling bins, etc.

6.8)6.8) Equipment & Custodial Hardware Equipment & Custodial Hardware


6.9)6.9) FiltersFilters• HEPA for vacs• What about for the HVAC

- proper ones- proper cleaning and/or replacement


6.10)6.10) PaperPaper

• Green Seal or ECP Certified = BESTBEST

• If not, look at:

- Post Consumer content (not just recycled or pre-consumer recycled) of 20%+ for toilet tissue and 40%+ for hand towels

- processed chlorine free

- larger rolls (versus small ones or “folded”)

- touch free dispenser


6.11)6.11) Ice MeltersIce Melters

• Effect on sidewalks, vegetation/landscaping, floors

• Application frequency

• Cheapest is not the most effective overall


6.12)6.12) Pest ManagementPest Management

• Prevent pests from entering the building

• Manage food sources, moisture and nesting areas

• Eliminate or minimize entry at dock

• Keep all truck areas clean

• Use of toxic pest methods when necessary to eliminate pests

• Pre-notify occupants prior to application


6.13)6.13) People with Special NeedsPeople with Special Needs

• Identify the building occupants with individual needs and sensitivities

• Develop a plan to address those needs

• Change products, procedures, cleaning schedules, frequencies as required

6) IMPLEMENTING “6) IMPLEMENTING “GREENGREEN””6.14)6.14) Your Supplier = KEYYour Supplier = KEY• They can assist in - product selection

- trouble shooting- training- developing programs- implementing programs- bringing specialized resources to

assist- offering lease or equal payment

options- etc.

• They can provide the benefits of single source supply for all your “Green”Green” components


6.14)6.14) Your Supplier = KEYYour Supplier = KEY

• Going “Green”“Green” can be relatively easy to do

• Select a “Partner Supplier” that can make it easy for you based on your objectives, priorities, resources, etc.

• REMEMBER - going ““Green”Green” is more than just switching a couple of chemicals. It is a comprehensive program of integrated resources


6.14)6.14) Your Supplier = KEYYour Supplier = KEY

• Pick a partner with PROVEN:PROVEN:

- Experience - Full product offering- Knowledge - Ability to train- Resources - Commitment- Added value

• Start the “GREEN”“GREEN” journey and begin reaping the benefits to all


10 Steps10 Steps

Goal= to develop and implement a program that creates the healthiest and productive facility possible for the cleaning workers, building occupants and visitors while at the same time minimizing adverse impacts on the environment.

Program= must be comprehensive, integrated and tailored to the specific needs of the building and occupants, along with all the chemicals, tools and equipment used to maintain the facility, plus training, workplanning and loading in order to meet the goal

6) IMPLEMENTING “6) IMPLEMENTING “GREENGREEN””10 Steps10 Steps

1. Reach an Agreement- specifically what, when, how, etc.

2. Build the Team- members from all stakeholders that are held responsible to “get it done”

3. Conduct Baseline Surveys - need to know specifically where starting from

- to include an inventory of existing cleaning chemicals, tools, equipment, etc

- should also include appraisals of overall housekeeping quality, procedures, training, frequencies, and IAQ problems, complaint records, etc.


10 Steps10 Steps4. Develop a Plan- set priorities, and determine what gets done

when5. Get Everyone on Board- important to have all parties

included in the process, understanding how and why things are being done etc.

6. Acquire “Green” Products and Equipment - chemicals - entrance

matting - vacuums - micro

fiber - etc.


10 Steps10 Steps7. Training in “Green” Cleaning- opportunity for the

adoption of learning the most up-to-date procedures8. Implement the Plan, Products, Procedures- important to

get things done, something/anything, not just spend time thinking and planning

9. Take Responsibility- once initiated, ensure all management and staff responsible for cleaning and the building occupants and visitors share in the responsibility of maintaining to progress


10 Steps10 Steps10.Communicate and Provide Feedback

- vital- measure results and communicate them to all- what gets measured and monitored gets done

7) CONCLUSIONS7) CONCLUSIONS• Going “Green”“Green” has proven over & over that there are many benefits

• Improved health & safety of the users of the products and the occupants & visitors to the building is the most important

• The benefits to the environment, the positive effect on overall long term cost, the potential increase in

productivity, are other important benefits. And there are more

7) CONCLUSIONS7) CONCLUSIONS

• However, to effect change, it takes strong leadership and committed effort

• You can do it! There are plenty of resources to assist in the development of a plan and program. You need to provide the leadership and a committed effort to see the task completed

• Do not overestimate what you have - and underestimate the value of what you may

gain - by giving up the old

Q’s & A’sQ’s & A’s

Thank you for your time and consideration!Thank you for your time and consideration!

Please be sure to visit our web site’s “Resource Center” for ‘Green’ “Presentations Please be sure to visit our web site’s “Resource Center” for ‘Green’ “Presentations & Reports” as well as “Other Helpful Sites”!& Reports” as well as “Other Helpful Sites”!

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