Going green doesn’t necessarily mean being in the red. Choose the right cost-effective and environmentally conscious cleaning supplies and solutions so your office stays spotless. Read the tips below to learn more about keeping the office environment clean and green.

Green Cleaning Products Are a Great Solution

Today, both consumers and businesses have a variety of cleaning supplies available, including  many different brands with greener options. While some may be more expensive than traditional options, what buyers are most interested in is whether the green products are as effective.  To answer that question, look for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Design for the Environment (DfE) label for chemical-based products or the Green Seal label for a scientifically-backed standard of leadership.

Products must pass rigorous performance tests to receive the DfE and Green Seal labels. [1] While each needs to contain ingredients good for both human beings and the environment, they also must clean effectively and efficiently. Some of these tests determine whether the products have the same as or better results than their traditional counterparts with similar claims.

Comparing the Cost of Going Green

One myth surrounding greener products is that they are too expensive to purchase on a regular basis. That’s not entirely true. While some may be more expensive, there are many more that give traditional products a “run for their money”, whether purchased in regular or bulk quantity. Buyers should compare the cost per ounce of each product, or the cost per quarter for each type of supply or material.

For chemical-based cleaners, both liquid and others, several greener products from well-known brands not only match the cost of the most popular versions of the same category of cleaner, but they beat them by several cents per ounce. Some cleaning supplies that cost less in the long run include microfiber cloths and dusting mitts as alternatives to disposable products. These supplies are both easy to clean and do not need to be replaced as often as their counterparts.

A product’s concentration also can affect its cost. Some greener cleaners have to be mixed with water to produce an effective solution. So, while some products have a higher price tag, each bottle produces several hundred gallons of cleaner, making that product only a few cents per gallon rather than $15 to $20 per gallon.[2]

Suggestions for Greener Products and Solutions

An all-purpose cleaner works on grease and dirt in kitchens and bathrooms, as well as on stainless steel and granite surfaces, among others. There are, however, some things it cannot clean. In addition, there are offices that require a thorough carpet cleaner as a standalone product or to use with a carpet cleaning machine. Many greener carpet cleaners deodorize, brighten and remove tough stains, even in high-traffic areas.

Other greener cleaning products include compostable cleaning wipes, window cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners and hand soap. If your office has a kitchen or lunch room, consider dishwashing liquid at a green value. If there’s a washing machine for fabric supplies, such as towels or clothing, a green laundry soap is your best bet.

Staying clean and green is not just about liquid products. Some other options are reusable towels and cleaning cloths, recycled paper towels or cloth towels for the bathroom, washable mop heads and dusters as well as sponges made from recycled material.  Consider setting up a trash and recycling center with appropriate bins in a central location to sort trash in a more eco-conscious way.

Making the move to a greener office environment can work with any budget. Read the labels carefully so you can find both efficient and effective products. Many good brands compare with or beat traditional products in both performance and cost. Whatever your cleaning needs, there’s a green cleaning product made just for that purpose.

1.www.rit.edu/affiliate/nysp2i/sites/rit.edu.affiliate.nysp2i/files/how_green_is_your_clean_handout_understanding_ecolabels__selecting_environmentally_preferable_products.pdf

2.www.reviewjournal.com/news/green-cleaning-great-results-without-breaking-bank