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Making a Shift to
Greener Cleaning
If you are like most people, it’s a distraction to even think about changing the
way you do things, especially if it is working for you. After all, if it isn’t broken,
why fix it? Then again, if there were a better, healthier way of doing it, you’d
probably want to know that too. The people you work with are no different.
Here are some ideas for making it easier to change to products and procedures
that are more eco conscious. 1
Taking it One Step at a Time
An easy way of implementing a change to green cleaning is to make the switch
one product at a time. By choosing one green product to replace a traditional
product, you can focus on introducing the new product with the least disruption in
normal procedures. You can train everyone in its use, answer questions and follow
up on its implementation in a more relaxed, systematic way. Once a product is
successfully incorporated and becomes the new “normal” way of doing things,
you can add another product.
Consider a Pilot Program
If you are responsible for several buildings or floors, you might
want to consider implementing a green cleaning pilot program
in one area. A pilot program will typically include a plan that
will define the objectives as measurable goals, and specify
the products and techniques that will be used for a period
of 60-90 days with a specific beginning and ending date.
A reasonable goal for any green pilot program is that it
be as effective as your current cleaning solutions. It is
a good idea to involve your team with the intention of
learning from actually using the products and procedures
and resolving any issues before implementing a fullscale
program.
1 H2E 10 Step Guide to Green Cleaning Implementation (h2e10stepgreenclean-r5.pdf), Hospitals for a Healthy Environment
2 http://articles.directorym.net/Greening_your_Supply_Chain_Honolulu_HI-r915094-Honolulu_HI.html
Communication before, during and post-project will
be a key to your success. That includes listening to
what your team members and the occupants of the
facility have to say. This will alert you to problems
and give you an opportunity to resolve any issues
before launching a larger-scale program. 2
Congratulate Yourself!
You’re a professional so you know the
drill. Using greener cleaning products is
just like any quality improvement you
make. Once you’ve made a change,
everyone wonders what all the fuss
was about to begin with.
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