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No matter where you look these days, it seems that the environment and a "green" way of life has begun to creep into everyday living. From diesel fuel and hybrid cars to household chemicals, many people are beginning to embrace "green" or more environmentally-friendly products.
In a study conducted by the Mortgage Lenders Network (MLN), 94 percent of Americans surveyed wanted to work in a building that was designed and maintained to be healthy, energy-efficient and ecologically-sound. And we're already seen an increase in LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for newly constructed buildings — up 150 percent in the last three years.
But what does that mean for our industry? In a recent online survey Maintenance Supplies conducted, 84 percent of respondents believe that the green cleaning focus will continue to intensify. We've already seen an increase in "green" cleaning products with fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and ingredients that can cause potential health risks — some even receiving a Seal of Approval from various third-party organizations. Some states are even considering enacting various laws or acts to require the use of green cleaning products. New York State has already passed such a law for all private and public schools. When will it follow for other industry sectors or states?
In this issue, we take a closer look at green carpet care — specifically carpet chemicals and carpet extractors. Reports have found correlations between carpet cleaning, the chemicals used and respiratory outbreaks. While this has already led to green-certified products, a look at low-moisture carpet extractors is also needed.
In Green Market Pulse, Kevin Gallagher examines the new environmentally preferable criteria category, CCD-166. This should help distributors and end customers market and select disinfectants that are Green certified. This should enable Jan/San distributors to more easily locate disinfectants that are effective, but have less harmful impact on the environment.
In addition to these green topics, we'll also focus on how eliminating odors can aid in the positive perception of facilities, how distributors can use the technique of bundling products and services to increase profits and help their customers, and provide several ideas for Jan/San distributors to stay ahead of the big box stores.
While it is getting easier for distributors to locate and provide green cleaning products to their customers — thanks to various certification programs — it can still be a challenge to educate their customers on the benefits of establishing a green cleaning program. But as consumer awareness continues to increase and more green-certified products become available, this is one challenge that should get easier to handle.
Ed Bauer
Publisher