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Green Cleaning Basics: Safer, Healthier, Less Wasteful Workplaces
Day Shift Cleaning
Switching to Day Shift Cleaning saves energy since lights and equipment can be turned off earlier every evening. That cuts power bills for building owners by as much as 8%, as well as global warming pollution from power plants into our atmosphere. If our downtown buildings turn off the lights — like we do at home when we leave the room— it could save up to 10 million dollars per year.
Nontoxic Cleaning Products
Commercial cleaners contain many toxic chemicals that can cause serious skin and respiratory illnesses, as well as cancer and endocrine disruption. Janitors face the brunt of these risks since they use them every day, but the risk of toxic exposure doesn't stop there. Office workers are also at risk from toxic cleaner residues wherever those cleaners are used. Switching to safer green cleaning products will make our workplaces safer for everyone, and they cost the same or sometimes even less than conventional toxic products.
More Recycling in Downtown, Less Waste
Many office buildings in the Twin Cities lag far behind Minnesota homes in the amount and types of material they recycle. Adding recycling to janitors’ duties gives them extra hours so they can stay at full time. It also saves money and our environment by reducing waste. Isn’t it time downtown businesses cut out waste through recycling, just as Minnesota’s families did decades ago?