As Earth Day approaches, the month of April provides an opportune time to amplify awareness around sustainability, particularly in the industries of facility management and commercial cleaning. These sectors play a significant role in contributing to environmental wealth and health. Let’s take extra time this month to dive into the importance of environmental responsibility, examine current industry practices, and explore ways to improve our sustainable efforts.

Our Environmental Responsibility 

Facility managers and commercial cleaners bear the responsibility of properly managing hazardous waste, conserving energy and water, maintaining air quality, and minimizing chemical usage. Embracing sustainable cleaning practices and green building initiatives not only reduces costs but also meets the growing demand from environmentally aware customers. However, the use of conventional cleaning chemicals poses threats to both the environment and human health. From polluting waterways to contributing to respiratory issues, there is an urgent need to transition to safer cleaning chemicals and practices. By accepting responsibility, facility managers and commercial cleaners can use their roles as stewards of the environment while advancing their organizational objectives. 

Re-thinking Waste in Commercial Facilities  

According to a study conducted by Great Forest, 62% of materials disposed of in commercial facilities are not actually trash. This results in unnecessary expenses as buildings pay more to send waste to landfills that could be avoided. The lack of recycling programs exacerbates this issue, leading to unnecessary landfill contributions. In addition to improper waste management, facilities often encounter challenges related to air filtration, water usage, and consumable products. To enhance both the functionality of their buildings and their environmental efforts, facility managers and owners can implement the following: 

• • Establish a robust recycling program and emphasize its significance to employees through clear communication channels.

• • Implement an organic composting initiative to reduce the volume of food waste ending up in waste streams.

• • Upgrade your building’s air filtration system by investing in advanced air purifying technologies.

• • Transition to compostable consumables and motivate staff to minimize their consumption of disposable items.

• • Implement energy conservation measures during off-hours, including turning off lights, adjusting air conditioning, and optimizing other building systems.

• • Conduct a comprehensive audit of your building’s water usage to identify and rectify leaks. Upgrade restroom and kitchen fixtures and appliances to more efficient and modern alternatives to minimize water wastage.

Green Tips for Commercial Cleaning

Commercial cleaning practices, while essential for maintaining hygiene and cleanliness, often come with significant environmental and health risks. From the utilization of high-grade cleaning chemicals to excessive water consumption, the industry faces pressing challenges. There are significant ways commercial cleaners can improve their operations to take better care of themselves and the planet: 

• • Transition to eco-friendly products: Replace high-grade cleaning chemicals with solutions that are Green Seal Certified. These products are formulated to minimize harm to both human health and the environment while maintaining effective cleaning performance. 

• • Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Awareness: Ensure janitors and facility staff are adequately trained in understanding SDS for all cleaning chemicals. This equips them to handle and use products safely and responsibly, reducing the risk of accidents and exposure to hazardous substances.

• • Proper Waste Disposal Education: Provide comprehensive education and training on proper waste disposal practices. This includes guidelines for recycling, composting, and disposal of hazardous materials in accordance with regulatory requirements. 

• • Operational Evaluation: Evaluate cleaning operations to identify areas for improvement. This includes assessing mopping methods to minimize water usage, adopting High-Efficency Particular Air (HEPA) filtration systems, and optimizing energy usage of cleaning equipment to reduce environmental impact. 

By making these small improvements, cleaners, and facility managers can not only enhance the sustainability of their operations but also contribute to a healthier and safer environment for building occupants and staff. 

MSNW’s Green Commitments

At MSNW, environmental responsibility is deeply ingrained in our operations. We prioritize sustainable cleaning practices to minimize energy usage and operations costs. Our commitment extends to using Green Seal Certified and USDA-Certified biobased products, ensuring safer alternatives to petroleum-derived chemicals. Through comprehensive training programs, we empower our cleaning technicians to uphold the highest standards of environmental stewardship. 

Regardless of your role in the industry, integrating environmental responsibility into daily operations is imperative. This Earth Month, let’s reflect on our sustainability initiatives and strive for continuous improvement. As green practices become the industry standard, sustainability not only benefits the planet but also enhances business resilience and reputation. Through a collective commitment to responsible practices, the commercial cleaning industry can pave the way toward a more sustainable future.