Did you know that many traditional cleaning products release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air? These compounds harm both human health and the environment.
Making the switch to environmentally friendly cleaning products isn’t just a trendy business choice—it’s now a necessity. Your workplace needs cleaning products to stay attractive and healthy, but standard options often pose risks to health and the environment. Green cleaning products work just as well and use natural, nontoxic ingredients that protect the environment.
Your business can create safer, healthier spaces for employees and customers by choosing eco-friendly cleaning products. More clients now actively look for businesses that use environmentally responsible cleaning products. The U.S. Green Building Council states that cleaning practices qualify as truly green only when 90% of cleaning chemicals bought yearly meet Green Seal or EPA standards.
The switch to green products won’t take extra time or effort in your daily cleaning routine. This piece guides you through everything about changing to environmentally friendly commercial cleaning products. You’ll learn to pick the right supplies and add new practices that help your business, people, and the planet.
Why Your Business Should Switch to Green Cleaning
Businesses must switch to environmentally friendly cleaning products. This change protects our planet and keeps employees healthy. Companies need to adapt to customer priorities and comply with regulations.
Health and environmental risks of traditional products
Traditional cleaning products hide dangerous chemicals that put people at risk. Scientists have found 530 unique volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in everyday cleaning products. Among these, 193 could harm human health. These chemicals trigger various health issues from mild skin rashes to severe asthma attacks and burns. Cleaning industry workers face a tough reality – their risk of asthma jumps by 50% and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by 43%.
Water systems suffer too when conventional cleaning products enter the ecosystem. Ingredients like phosphates and chlorine bleach harm aquatic life. Many surfactants take too long to break down and create even more toxic chemicals that stay in the water.
Growing demand for sustainable practices
People want eco-friendly options now more than ever. Climate change affects 85% of consumers’ lives directly, and 46% buy environmentally responsible products to reduce their carbon footprint. Products that claim to be environmentally and socially responsible grew 28% over five years. That’s 8% more than products without such claims.
The numbers tell an amazing story – 80% of buyers will pay extra for sustainable products. Some even accept a 10% price increase.
Regulatory and compliance considerations
Green cleaning practices get more support from regulators each day. The EPA now recommends trusted private sector standards and ecolabels for cleaning products. On top of that, states want companies to reveal what’s in their products. California already requires this by law.
Schools must follow special rules too. New York State’s Green Cleaning Law (Chapter 584) tells educational facilities to use environmentally sensitive cleaning products. Smart companies adopt these standards early to stay ahead of current and future rules.
How to Identify Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
The right eco-friendly cleaning products need careful label reading and package inspection. The market offers many choices to buyers. A person’s ability to spot genuine eco-friendly products becomes easier with specific markers.
Look for trusted certifications like Safer Choice and Green Seal
These certifications serve as reliable proof that products meet strict environmental standards. Green Seal, an independent non-profit organization, certifies products that meet tough environmental criteria to protect people and the planet. Their certified products are free from harmful chemicals and have low VOC levels. The EPA’s Safer Choice label shows that experts have checked each ingredient to ensure safer chemical components without losing cleaning power. None of these products contain known carcinogens or reproductive toxicants. EcoLogo stands as another reliable certification that proves products meet environmental standards through scientific testing.
Understand ingredient labels and avoid harmful chemicals
The product label needs careful attention for these harmful ingredients:
- Ammonia and chlorine bleach (respiratory irritants)
- Phosphates (water pollutants)
- Phthalates and PFAS (persistent chemicals)
- Synthetic fragrances (potential allergens)
Laws don’t require manufacturers to list every ingredient on their products. This means buyers should look beyond simple claims like “eco-friendly” or “natural” that lack proper backing. The best products offer clear ingredient lists and minimal health risks.
Choose biodegradable and low-VOC formulas
Biodegradable products naturally decompose, which reduces their environmental footprint. Products with “100% biodegradable” labels that use plant-based or other eco-friendly materials deserve priority. Low-VOC or VOC-free cleaning solutions release fewer harmful chemicals into indoor spaces. These products maintain good air quality while cleaning effectively.
Your business can stay clean and safe by choosing eco-friendly commercial cleaning supplies that meet these standards. These products work well without risking anyone’s health or harming the environment.
Steps to Transition Your Business to Sustainable Cleaning
Image Source: Janitorial Manager
Making the switch to green cleaning needs a clear plan. The first step is to review your current methods before you bring in eco-friendly options.
Audit your current cleaning supplies and practices
Start with an environmental audit of your cleaning routines. Make a list of all your products, how often you clean, and your waste handling steps. Take a look at each custodian’s training history and spot areas that need extra attention. This full picture helps you match current methods against green standards and shows what works well and what needs improvement.
Source eco friendly commercial cleaning supplies
Once your audit is done, switch your regular products with certified ones. Pick items that have Green Seal, EcoLogo, or EPA Safer Choice labels. Think over concentrated formulas that cut down on packaging waste and shipping emissions. Team up with vendors who focus on green commercial cleaning products and can help you along the way.
Train staff on proper usage and safety
The next step is to give complete training to all cleaning staff. Run workshops that cover green product use, eco-friendly methods, and safety rules. Staff training must include health standards, chemical handling, and storage guidelines. Subscribe for 10% off your first cleaning supply order as your team learns the right mixing methods!
Set up a green cleaning policy for your workplace
The final step is creating a green cleaning policy that spells out your goals, approved products, and how to put everything into action. Regular checks and feedback from users help track progress. Look at your purchases each year to see if they match policy goals and fix any issues quickly.
Long-Term Benefits of Environmentally Friendly Cleaning
Image Source: Shorrock Trichem
Green cleaning products offer lasting advantages for your business beyond the quick wins.
Better indoor air quality and employee health
Eco-friendly cleaning solutions make workplace air quality better. Studies show that green cleaning programs can cut airborne dust by 52% and VOC concentrations by 49%. These changes boost employee wellness by reducing respiratory problems, allergies, and chemical sensitivities. A Harvard study found that cleaner indoor air boosts cognitive function scores by 61%, which means higher productivity and fewer sick days. Businesses report less absenteeism and fewer health disruptions when employees face less exposure to harmful chemicals.
Smaller environmental footprint
Your business’s ecological impact shrinks with green cleaning products. Eco-friendly formulas often come concentrated, which cuts down on packaging waste and transportation emissions. These biodegradable ingredients break down naturally without ecosystem damage, unlike traditional cleaning chemicals that pollute water and harm the environment.
Better brand image and customer trust
Modern consumers prefer environmentally responsible businesses. Research shows that 66% of global consumers will pay extra for sustainable brands. Companies with green practices earn more customer loyalty and enjoy a stronger brand reputation. This matters even more now that 80% of consumers will happily pay up to 10% more for sustainably made goods.
Money savings over time
Green cleaning products save money in the long run, even with higher original costs. Concentrated eco-friendly formulas last longer because they need fewer applications. Businesses save through lower waste management costs, reduced healthcare expenses, and less employee sick time. Many green cleaning products work for multiple purposes, so you need fewer products overall, which saves more money.
Conclusion
Making the switch to eco-friendly cleaning products marks a vital step toward a healthier workplace and planet. Traditional cleaning chemicals create serious risks to human health and natural ecosystems. Green cleaning solutions work just as well without harmful side effects.
The advantages of this change go way beyond the reach and influence of environmental responsibility. Your business will have better indoor air quality, healthier employees, and a smaller ecological footprint. On top of that, customers prefer and support companies that show a steadfast dedication to eco-friendly practices.
Picking the right green products might look tough at first. Certifications like Green Seal and EPA’s Safer Choice help guide these choices. Your transformation should start with a full picture of current practices. Then replace products and train staff properly.
Note that this change is an investment, not just an expense. Green products might cost more upfront, but you’ll save money through less waste, fewer sick days, and boosted productivity. Your business will stand out as a forward-thinking organization that meets growing consumer and regulatory demands.
Starting a journey toward eco-friendly cleaning takes dedication but brings real rewards. Today’s actions create healthier spaces for employees and show environmental leadership to customers. They also help build a cleaner planet for future generations. The time to make this vital change is now—your business, people, and the environment will without doubt benefit.