| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fall
2004 - Article 7
Green
Cleaning Benefits
They Go Beyond Health and Safety
The "green
cleaning" movement has been gaining momentum for a number of years
and it is now here to stay. Many of the older negatives such as poor
product performance and higher costs have disappeared - allowing for
increased usage and acceptance. Most people intuitively understand the
health and safety benefits of using green products. There are other
benefits that aren't so obvious which we look at in further detail below.
- Reducing
health effects to building occupants and custodial personnel. This
includes such things as skin, eye, and respiratory irritation. Allergies,
chemical sensitivities and accidental poisoning are also common health
effects.
- Increasing
safety. This is accomplished by reducing the likelihood of hazardous
chemical reactions, fires, spills, and splashes of toxic chemicals
and products.
- Reducing
the environmental impact of cleaning
products. Green cleaning prevents certain toxic chemicals from becoming
airborne and entering the waste stream thereby lessening the effect
on plants, animals, and humans. It also helps reduce the total amount
and toxicity of chemicals requiring disposal.
- Reducing
costs for the companies and buildings where it is applied. Studies
have found that sick leave, health care costs, and productivity losses
are all reduced when green cleaning is implemented.
|
|
|
