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Business owners concerned with reducing their carbon footprint may take a particular interest in the types of cleaning products that they use. While they’re all formulated to minimize dust and contaminants that otherwise take away from the aesthetic of your workplace, they might also harm the environment at the same time. Opting for green commercial cleaning products is one way to minimize this potential damage. Here’s what you need to know about these cleaning materials and what you can use instead. 

What Is the Environmental Impact?

commercial cleaningMany traditional commercial cleaning products contain harsh chemicals, many of which can pollute the air and cause a variety of disturbing health symptoms. Many of them contain voluntary organic compounds (VOCs), or chemical components emitted as gases that can react with other airborne gases to create equally harmful pollutants. Some of the most common pollutants found in popular cleaning products include ammonia, phosphorus, and nitrogen. Heavy concentrations of these ingredients can impact the quality of your indoor air, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and promote outdoor smog production.

When used to clean sinks and toilets, these chemicals travel through the plumbing system to wastewater treatment depots. Although most of the contaminants are extracted during treatment, those that don’t eventually end up in rivers, streams, and lakes. The buildup can affect the health of fish and other aquatic life, and some can even wash up on shorelines and serve as fertilizer for plants. Thick, abundant vegetation can affect the quality of life for animals, and eventually decay if left untouched. Moreover, some cleaning products are packaged in non-recyclable packaging, which contributes to greater energy consumption and material waste.

What Are Some Alternative Cleaning Products?

Replacing your janitor’s standard commercial cleaning products with more environmentally conscious cleansers is an excellent way to promote change, both within the confines of your business and on a greater scale. Natural agents, like lemon juice, baking soda, and vinegar, clean efficiently without contaminating your indoor air.

Always check ingredient lists for harmful additions, including phosphates, phthalates, and fragrances, and be mindful of products that are advertised as “green” or “eco-friendly.” Consult the ingredients on the Environmental Working Group’s healthy cleaning guide to confirm that they’re safe to use.  
 

Maintenance One is the leading source for dependable, eco-friendly commercial cleaning services throughout Stamford, CT. Offering comprehensive cleaning services using only environmentally sound methods to protect the planet’s natural resources, they provide the type of detailed, meticulous work that you can’t get anywhere else. They leave no space untouched, from the cubicles and partitions in your office to restrooms, break rooms, and kitchens. They also wash windows and provide floor maintenance and carpet cleaning. Find out more information on their website, or give them a call at (203) 348-1700.

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