Implementing a Sustainable Cleaning Strategy

A more sustainable approach to your cleaning strategy not only minimizes your carbon footprint, but also saves on cost. Products that last longer, reduce waste and have sustainability certifications and attributes support effective and efficient cleaning and minimize your facility’s environmental impact.

Sustainable benefits can range from shelf life to composition to durability and more. The first step to a more sustainable cleaning approach is auditing your current cleaning strategy and product lineup. After evaluating the products you’re currently using, identify areas where you could improve and select replacement products that leverage sustainability benefits without sacrificing cleaning capabilities.

To incorporate products that support your sustainability efforts, you need to start from the ground up. Best practices for developing a cleaning program with a low environmental impact include:

• Select floor pads that are Green Seal GS-20 certified based on a design, as they can improve performance and durability by helping to extend the life of the floor pad and reducing solid waste generation. Many 3M™ Floor Pads have Green Seal certification and are also produced in a "zero-landfill" facility, resulting in less waste.
• Cleaning supplies that minimize waste can also support your sustainability efforts. 3M™ Easy Trap Sweep and Dust Sheets are not only made with at least 60 percent recycled content, but you can use both sides of the sheet, providing a more efficient clean and minimizing waste.
• Achieve your sustainability goals and contribute to LEED certification with products that produce increase accuracy, such as 3M™ Chemical Management Solutions. Additionally, many 3M™ Chemical Cleaning Concentrates are packaged in bottles made with 25 to 35 percent post-consumer recycled content.
• Ensure cleaning efficiency, effectiveness and safety with the 3M™ Flow Control System. Up to 60 percent more accurate chemical concentrate dilution than the nearest competitive system when tested under laboratory conditions at water pressures ranging from 20 to 120 psi, 3M™ Flow Control System helps mitigate under-dilution and chemical waste.

When it comes to keeping your facility clean, it’s important to not only select products that are reliable and high-quality, but also support your sustainability goals. Ultimately, green cleaning products and practices benefit your guests, budget and the environment.