Happy Earth Day, but where are your green janitorial services?
Posted In : Education, The Dirt
Happy Earth Day! Companies, and individuals, around the world are celebrating, educating and recognizing employees for their efforts. Many recycling, reduction and re-use programs are being kicked off which is a great thing. But I doubt that many green or sustainable janitorial companies are starting new accounts today, yet green janitorial services are the low hanging fruit on the environmental tree. Why?
Green janitorial is the low hanging fruit, and should be at the top of any company’s green or sustainability initiatives because …
- it does not have a large initial upfront investment like solar (excluding newer lease programs, of course) or cogeneration
- there is a minimal, one-time effort to replace a non-green vendor with a green one
- it is a set-it and forget-it system meaning you don’t have to constantly remind your employees to do something new or change their habits
- it improves indoor air quality
- it uses less energy and water (assuming a team based approach)
- it can have a positive impact on your bottom line because employees will be more productive (6% according to the Department of Energy)
- it reduces waste
- it uses green chemicals
- reduces maintenance and repair costs
If you, or your company, hasn’t considered green janitorial to replace your current services then it is time to seriously consider it. Even though it is too late to put this in place today, don’t wait until next Earth Day to make it happen.
Let me know how you or your company is celebrating Earth Day, and if green janitorial is on the list.