Increasingly more and more people are taking responsibility for their impact on the environment. Businesses have a prime responsibility to the environment and the workplace offers many opportunities to adopt environmentally friendly practices.
Eco-friendly office cleaning involves using cleaning methods and techniques that protect both the environment and human health. Thorough and frequent workplace cleaning remains a top priority following the (COVID-19) pandemic and the approaching cold and flu season. But is there a way to keep your offices clean and help the environment whilst doing it?
The good news is yes! Making a few changes can help the environment and save money.
Ways to get you going
Use less chemicals
Office workers touch many surfaces in the workplace – handles, countertops, desks, and phone receivers. Research shows, that many employees have some form of chemical sensitivity, and utilising mainstream commercial cleansers is associated with asthma-related symptoms and diseases. With regular use chemicals accumulate on surfaces and leave behind a build-up of toxic chemicals. However, by adopting an environmentally friendly approach you can significantly reduce the use of chemicals and enhance the air quality in your office.
Swapping regular cleaning cloths for microfiber cloths is an effective, less toxic alternative. Microfiber cloths clean, dust and polish without needing any cleaning chemicals. The tiny fibres trap, hold dirt and remove 99% of bacteria on surfaces. Since they last longer and can be reused, they help save money. Using microfibre cloths reduces employee exposure to chemicals, benefiting those who have chemical sensitivity. Employees breathe healthier air, encounter fewer germs, and enjoy a cleaner work environment.
When using chemicals, ensure correct dispensing. Reading labels for proper dosage and using pump dispensers prevents overuse.
What is in your chemicals
Is “green” really an environmental term? Checking product labels ensures better choices when buying soap, sanitisers, cleaning materials and other products. Look for products that are: phosphate-free, non-toxic, fragrance-free and bio-based.
Avoid products labelled as “green,” “eco-friendly,” or “organic” without supporting evidence. Since there is no regulation surrounding such terms, many businesses “greenwash” their products, making them appear greener or more eco-friendly than they are.
Reduce Plastic Waste
Traditional cleaning products come in plastic packaging, it’s almost unavoidable, but there are methods to reduce the amount of plastic your workplace uses. Buying cleaning supplies in larger containers and refilling smaller containers – such as hand soap dispensers or cleaning spray bottles – lowers overall plastic waste.
Removing single-use plastic cups from coffee/water machines and replacing them with recyclable cardboard helps, but encouraging staff to use reusable cups and bottles is even better.
Shop Smarter When Buying Single-Use Products
According to several studies, paper towels are more hygienic than hand dryers as hand dryers can transfer germs via the air. Some ways to ensure you are providing eco-friendly paper towel option are: purchasing paper towel products created from environmentally friendly materials which have a lower environmental effect – paper towel dispensers do not require staff to touch anything other than the towel however you need to make sure it is not over dispensing, check you are filling the right dispenser with the right towel size – a costly outlay which may be cheaper in the long run is to purchase automatic towel dispensers which distribute only one towel at a time.
When considering toilet rolls rather than using standard rolls that run out quickly, are costly and have a lot of waste cardboard on each roll, install dispensers that can be filled with jumbo toilet rolls or a bulkpack system.
Do you need to use kitchen roll for every spillage, or could you provide reusable washable microfibre cloths as an option?
Think about where your products come from
Where products come from and how they are delivered affects their carbon footprint. Finding a local supplier ensures fewer emissions from transportation. Choosing UK-made products reduces environmental impact.
Buying in bulk from a single supplier decreases overall transport emissions and ensures stock availability.
Hire A Cleaning Company that can help you be more Eco-friendly
If you need a cleaning provider that genuinely cares about the environment, Solution Services Ltd can help you.
- We use microfibre cloths
- We buy chemicals in bulk and choose UK-made products
- We offer a wide range of products/supplies available for local delivery
- We use 99% recyclable packaging
- We supply 5ltr tubs of many products reducing packaging
- We train cleaners to use the correct dosages of chemicals
- We work with clients to solve any requests/concerns they have to provide more eco-friendly products
Contact Us For More Details
