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| Thursday, July 29, 2010 |
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| [Thursday, October 12, 2006] |
| What is Green Cleaning ?
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| Cleaning Procedures - Robert Shelton |
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Answer # 1:
Dr. Michael Berry, the world's foremost scientific and academic authority on cleaning, said recently at a national cleaning symposium that "the words 'green' and 'cleaning' do not go together." There is no such thing as "Green Cleaning." He also discussed that much of what is called cleaning in the Jan/San industry is "polluting."
His entire presentation (with his overhead slides) is being reprinted, and will be available in a few days. Some of his talk is available to view free by downloading it onto your iPod or MP3 player at the iTunes Store.
John Walker
President, ManageMen, Inc.
Founder, Janitor University
Former ISSA Director of Education and Training
Answer # 2:
Green Cleaning is a concept, like continual improvement and stewardship. It is a way of looking at cleaning that sets as its priority protecting health and the environment --- as compared to focusing on cost, efficiency, or appearances. While these other issues are very important, they just aren't the first priority in Green Cleaning.
In practical terms, Green Cleaning begins with your concern about the occupants in your building and your desire to create a safe, healthy, and high performing environment. This may result in changing the process by which you clean (training), when you clean, as well as your supplies. It also means that you'll need to think about how your cleaning process affects your custodians' health.
Green Cleaning also involves rethinking your selection and use of supplies. This includes everything you purchase for your cleaning operations --- chemicals, paper, equipment, entry mats, etc., because these products have huge impacts on the environment and many traditional products are made using unsustainable practices.
Many religious organizations on getting more deeply involved with Green Cleaning because they understand the fundamental issues of being good stewards of both people and the environment.
And what is really exciting is that the cleaning industry is really beginning to recognize this issue. Today, it is getting easier and easier for you to implement a Green Cleaning program as many of the major manufacturers in every product category, along with their local distributors, have started this journey and can help you begin yours.
The best initial advice I can offer to you if you choose to head in this direction is "do NOT try to reinvent the wheel." There are several programs out their (i.e. the US Green Building Council's LEED for Existing Buildings Program, the Healthy Schools Campaign's Quick & Easy Guide to Green Cleaning, and Hospitals for a Healthy Environment's 10 Step Guide to Green Cleaning) which all lay out the typical requirements. Following one of these "roadmaps" will allow you to put your time and effort into implementing your program, rather than researching what it means.
Stephen P. Ashkin, President
The Ashkin Group, LLC - The Green Cleaning Experts
Ph- 812-332-7950
SteveAshkin@AshkinGroup.com
www.AshkinGroup.com
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| ICAN representative |
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