In the fast-paced world of contract cleaning, where efficiency and effectiveness are essential, the environmental impact often takes a back seat. The routine use of conventional cleaning chemicals, laden with harmful toxins and pollutants, poses a significant challenge to the well-being of our planet. However, the contract cleaning industry now finds itself at a critical crossroads, presented with a unique opportunity to embrace sustainable alternatives that not only uphold rigorous cleaning standards but also prioritize environmental responsibility.
In this blog, we will shed light on the pressing environmental challenges faced by the contract cleaning industry and explore some eco-conscious cleaning chemicals that are helping reduce the footprint of the cleaning industry. By making this pivotal shift towards sustainability, you can pave the way for a greener, cleaner, and more environmentally responsible future.
What is the environmental risk of traditional cleaning products?
While traditional cleaning products have long been favoured for their effectiveness, they come with a host of concerning health and environmental effects. These hazards can pose significant risks to both cleaning operatives and occupants of the spaces being cleaned. Many of these products contain harmful chemicals that can cause eye and throat irritation, headaches, and other health issues. The presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in these products is particularly alarming, as these chemicals can lead to long-term breathing problems, allergies, and headaches, especially for individuals with underlying respiratory conditions.
Moreover, the ethos surrounding the use of traditional cleaning products is often unsustainable, with outdated practices leading to an abundance of single-use plastic packaging. The importance of proper disposal and environmentally conscious packaging is often overlooked, exacerbating the problem of plastic pollution.
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In addition to their impact on human health, these chemicals can have severe consequences for the environment. Many of the substances found in cleaning products are slow to degrade or fail to break down entirely, leading to water pollution. As these chemicals find their way into pipes, sewers, and water treatment plants, they wreak havoc on water sources and ecosystems. Despite efforts by wastewater treatment systems to remove these harmful substances, they often fall short, allowing many chemicals to reach freshwater and marine environments. In turn, this poses a serious threat to animals, plants, and ultimately, our own drinking water and well-being.
How can the environmental impact of your commercial cleaning products be minimized?
Green inventory Management – Sourcing greener products. Creating a code to help cleaning companies select more environmentally friendly supplies is a great idea. Having a set of values or codes will help organizations align and make the right decisions when selecting more environmentally friendly products.
Build a Green Brand – By making the changes and branding your company with greener and more sustainable business practices, it will help partners and potential clients align their CSR goals by your leading example. Collaboration on sustainability will have great business development effects.
What are some environmentally friendly cleaning products?
Fenton Eco Handwash: Using a wash which is too strong may be harmful to the skin long term. Your operatives and clients will need a suitable handwash as it is used frequently therefore it is important to have a safe and pleasant wash with a nice aroma. Fenton ECO French Lime & Basil Hand Wash: A luxury hand wash with a combination of French lime and basil extracts which use natural ingredients and are eco-friendly, these are perfect for thoroughly cleaning and moisturising hands.
Bio D Eco-Friendly Limescale Remover: To remove limescale buildup, you do not need to use extremely harsh chemicals or expensive cleaning products. We recommend the Bio D Eco-Friendly Limescale Remover. It uses a powerful, plant-based formulation, and can tackle limescale build-up on multiple surfaces, from taps and tiles to shower screens and sinks. A bonus is that all ingredients are 100% naturally derived.
Toucan Eco eSpray: Virus protection and sanitization are critical in maintaining a sterile environment. The Toucan Eco eSpray is a revolutionary multi-purpose disinfectant cleaner that kills more than 99.99% of germs. The spray creates electrochemically activated water using a 240V, 13amp plug. In addition, it is certified to EN14476, EN16777 and EN1276. The product is compact and easy to use.
Triple 8 GREEN: Building on the point from green inventory management, a renowned brand or range such as the Triple 8 GREEN range. It has a comprehensive set of products ranging from sanitisers, a variety of cleaners and polishes. All products from this range are eco-friendly and are ideal for offices, commercial environments, leisure centres, schools or wherever optimum hygiene conditions are required.
Cleaning with chemicals has become a norm which has negative consequences for health and the environment. Certain chemicals are hazardous to our wellness and our planet’s well-being. It is time for organisations to make the step to reduce as much harm as possible with more environmentally friendly cleaning products.