CloroxPro Offers Sustainability Suggestions

As key stakeholders meet in New York, New York this week as part of Climate Week, Kirsten Hochberg, a senior specialist on CloroxPro™’s clinical and scientific affairs team, offers the following suggestions on how facilities and other businesses can effectively, yet easily, implement the use of sustainable “green” products.

For an easy place to start, Hochberg recommends looking for cleaning products verified by credible third-party certifications, specifically the Safer Choice and the Design for the Environment (DfE) certifications of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To identify eco-conscious cleaning products, the EPA manages the Safer Choice program; to identify eco-conscious antimicrobial products like disinfectants and sanitizers, the agency offers the Design for the Environment (DfE) certification.

Hochberg also suggests that organizations cut down on number of products being used to get most cleaning jobs done. Using fewer products can make it easier for staff to learn how to use them and can also cut down on waste.

According to Hochberg, the following five product types can accomplish most cleaning tasks, and all of them are available with EPA Safer Choice or DfE certifications:

• Broad-spectrum disinfectant—used to kill germs on surfaces that people touch a lot, like doorknobs and tables. Choose one that disinfects quickly (two minutes or less).
• Glass cleaner—used to keep windows and mirrors clean and looking good. Look for one that says “streak-free.”
• All-purpose cleaner—used to clean visible dirt and soils and help remove dust from virtually everything.
• Neutral floor cleaner—used to remove everyday dirt and soils. These are made specifically to clean floors without them becoming slippery.
• Degreaser—used to clean up tough, greasy messes in places like kitchens. These are stronger than all-purpose cleaners, so you’ll need to use less, even for the tough jobs.

Implementation of eco-conscious cleaning products can also help organizations earn their own certifications such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification for green buildings from the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED-Certified buildings must have a policy that focuses on reducing energy use and waste, using more sustainable products, and using practices that improve the health and well-being of the facility.

Many eco-conscious cleaning products offer comparable performance to traditional cleaners and disinfectants, but it’s still important to reference the product’s kill claims and contact time to use the disinfectant effectively and to ensure it will work against a specific pathogen of concern. To learn more about getting the most out of your disinfectants and cleaning products, also check out Increase Your Knowledge, Improve Your Cleaning.