Green cleaning saves businesses money

Media release                                                                                                                7 April 2009

Green cleaning saves businesses money

New Zealand businesses are being urged to do their bit for their employees, the environment and their bottom line by using green cleaning products.

Grant McLauchlan of Crest Cleaning Commercial says businesses that switch to green cleaning practices and products not only show their commitment to a healthy environment – they can also save money.

“Keeping a working environment clean is vital for employee health and morale, but many employers don’t realise that the products used to clean their workplaces could actually be making their employees sick,” he said. “That costs employers in terms of lost production and sick leave.

“International studies show that environmentally friendly cleaning products are healthier for the people working in a building. Employees report less sensitivity to chemicals, fewer allergies, less skin, eye and respiratory irritation, and decreased nausea and headaches when cleaners use green cleaning products.

“All of this adds up to increased productivity and less sick leave for business owners.”

Mr McLauchlan said the health effects of many common cleaning products were well-documented. For example, chlorine bleach could irritate the lungs and eyes, alkylphenol ethoxylates were suspected of disrupting hormones, many fragrances contained phthalates, which have been linked to asthma in children and sodium lauryl sulphate, a common sudsing agent, could cause contact dermatitis.

Green cleaning programmes could save businesses money in other ways, said Mr McLauchlan. “For example, Crest suggests to its clients, where possible, that they carry out cleaning during the day, rather than at night. This can produce energy savings of 5-12% compared with night cleaning.”

And minimising water waste could cut business’s waste disposal and water costs.

Corporate social responsibility was becoming more important to customers and to employees, he said. Adopting a green cleaning programme was one way businesses could show they cared about the environment they operated in, so creating more customer loyalty.

“Some businesspeople want to do their bit for the environment, but think that it is going to cost their business too much money. However, if they look past the headline costs, to issues such as staff welfare and decreased energy and waste disposal costs, they might be pleasantly surprised at how they can be green and cost-effective.”

Crest Cleaning’s green cleaning practices include:

•           Using microfibre cloths and mops that hook dirt without the use of chemicals

•           When chemicals are needed, using those that are formulated to strict environmental criteria. They are non-toxic, biodegradable and safe for humans and the planet

•           Using energy-efficient equipment

•           Conserving power by switching off lights and equipment as directed by clients

•           Day cleaning where possible to save 5-12% of energy costs

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