From the desk of Corinne Zudonyi: Our April IssueCover Story
What Does It Mean To Be Zero Waste?
Facilities have turned to their waste management programs looking for a way to improve sustainable initiatives, save money and meet expectations of building occupants. Many have implemented more robust recycling programs or added composting to expand their offerings. The goal in many of the facilities is to have zero waste.
The "Zero Waste" concept is very popular in colleges and universities. Many launched programs in their sports venues, moved on to dining areas and expanded from there. Now other business facilities are jumping on board.
This article should outline what it really means to be "Zero Waste," the benefits of it, challenges associated with it and what it takes to launch a successful program.
Restroom Care
Fifty-six percent of facility cleaning managers believe that restrooms are the most difficult and challenging areas of a facility to keep clean. This article will outline why restrooms are so challenging, what some of the most contaminated surfaces/hot spots are and bacteria that are commonly found in these spaces. It will also address how to remove the bacteria and prevent it from spreading throughout the facility.
Carpet Care
Taking proper care of carpeting can be expensive and time consuming for departments. A strong alternative to some of the deep cleanings required is to clean periodically with encapsulation equipment. Not only does it save time and money, but this technology is big in LEED facilities, as well as buildings in areas prone to drought - desert areas and much of the West Coast that is currently experiencing a reduction in rainfall - because it requires far less water.
Pest Management
Since every season brings new and unique pest challenges, facility cleaning managers should plan ahead and know which steps should be taken as the seasons change. This article will address the unique pest prevention tactics that a facility cleaning professional should implement every season, whether that's protecting against termite swarms in spring or sealing cracks and holes in autumn.
Healthy Schools
This article will feature Mark Bishop, a Green Clean Schools Leadership Council member from Healthy Schools Campaign. It will highlight recent changes made to green cleaning and how they impact educational facilities, as well as what managers can do to improve perception of the cleaning profession.
Green Column
Advice from experts that live and breathe green. This column will be written by Mark Petruzzi, Senior Vice President of Outreach and Strategic Relations at Green Seal. It will focus on what facility cleaning executives can do to improve/support green and sustainable initiatives within their facilities.
Management Column
This column, written by ManageMen's Ben Walker, will offer solutions to management challenges Ben has witnessed while out in the field, as well as advice for overcoming cleaning challenges.