Go
Green in Facility Cleanliness
by Sydne
Check, a student at Columbia Theological Seminary (Decatur,
GA)
who was part of the Camp and Conference Program and Administration course
Everyone
is “going green” these days! Researchers are working overtime for
their companies in order to figure out how to combat the depletion of the
earth’s natural resources. Environmentally-friendly or “green”
products are slowly working their way into mainstream culture as they
become more attractive, more affordable and more available to
conscientious citizens. Not only are homeowners going green, but so are
businesses and organizations, including camps and conference centers. The
idea of going green is not new – in fact, there are a few companies who
have been providing environmentally-friendly cleaning products for quite
awhile. These product lines are meant for any type of facility and are
affordable for all budgets.
Green
Works
The Clorox family has introduced a
product line called Green Works. Although these products do not yet
disinfect, they are powerful, natural and found to work as well as the
original Clorox formula products. Green Works’ motto is “Hello Deep
Clean, Good-bye Chemical Fumes.” Researchers started the product
development from scratch and did not use any of the original Clorox
“recipes.” These products have been in development for about five
years, and the introduction of the products into the market was delayed an
additional six months in order to work out the kinks of the product line.
Their products, which includes all-purpose, bathroom, toilet bowl,
glass, glass and surface, and dishwashing cleaners, is made from plants
and minerals. Some of the ingredients that can be spotted on the label
include coconut oil, lemon essence and corn-based ethanol.
The
Green Works line costs a bit more than other household cleaners, but the
price reflects the higher cost of natural ingredients. These products can
be purchased at most major retailers or wholesalers. A 64 oz. bottle of
Green Works dilutable all-purpose cleaner costs around $7.00.
Seventh
Generation
A Vermont company, called Seventh
Generation, has been creating an environmentally-responsible brand of
cleaning products for 20 years. These products are non-toxic and
phosphate-free. The line consists of a carpet cleaner, kitchen cleaner,
all-purpose cleaner, glass and surface cleaner, bathroom cleaner and
dishwashing detergent (liquid, powder and gels). The expansive product
line offers a wide range of scents, including green apple and lavender.
These products do not contain any chlorine, petroleum or glycol ethers.
Seventh
Generation products are available for purchase at many major retailers and
online stores. A full list of merchants who carry their products is
available on their website. While the company does not manufacture a
dilutable cleaner, you can purchase eight 32 oz. bottles of Seventh
Generation Free and Clear All-Purpose Cleaner for about $50.00 (including
shipping).
Simple
Green
Over 30 years ago, an
entrepreneur developed a biodegradable, non-toxic, non-flammable and
non-abrasive product that has since transformed industrial and household
cleaning. The original Simple Green cleaner took three years to develop
and was first sold in 55-gallon drums. Presently, the product line has
over 20 products and includes concrete cleaner, degreasers, deck and paint
prep treatments, all-purpose cleaners, bathroom cleaners, house and siding
cleaners and industrial strength cleansers and disinfectants. Simple Green
cleaning products do not contain ammonia, bleach or oils.
Simple
Green offers purchasing opportunities through their website. Most major
chains of hardware stores, groceries and wholesalers carry Simple Green
products in volumes suitable for homes and larger facilities.
A gallon of the Simple Green all-purpose cleaner/degreaser
concentrate costs about $20.00.
www.greenworkscleaners.com
www.seventhgeneration.com
www.simplegreen.com
