You can be as effective by using eco-friendly cleaning products. Eco-friendly cleaning methods mean not using harsh chemicals that can be harmful to humans, your employees, and the environment. Now the market is flooded with eco-cleaning products because people are more conscious about their and the planet’s health. Here are 10 eco-friendly cleaning tips for the office that you can use to transform your workplace.
1. Make your own cleaning solutions
There’s no need to spend heavily on expensive eco-friendly chemicals. You can make your own in your own kitchen. Keep some lemon, vinegar, and baking soda. Mix lemon juice with water in a spray bottle; lemon has citric acid antibacterial properties, and everyone loves the citrus smell. Sprinkle some baking soda on a cloth or sponge to remove stains from office walls and sinks. Use a 1:1 ratio of diluted vinegar with water; vinegar works wonders in your office for removing coffee stains on tables. There are different types of vinegar like apple cider, white vinegar, rice, and wine vinegar, so you can use them according to your preference of smell, which definitely will improve the mood of your workplace.
2. Use products that can be recycled and are naturally available
Switch from chemical-based solutions to eco-friendly ones. Use glass spray bottles instead of plastic ones; they are easily available in the market nowadays. Your liquid will stay fresher for longer in glass bottles, and glass is easily recyclable. Use green polyethylene bags instead of plastic ones; they are easily available in the market nowadays. Look for well-known eco-friendly signatures, but be mindful of false marketing. Use cloths more than paper towels because cloths are easy to wash and can be used multiple times.
3. Hire an eco-friendly cleaning company
Many cleaning companies are adapting and teaching their employees about sustainable cleaning solutions. But if your office cleaning company is not doing that, then explore your options and switch to a cleaning company that is more responsible to the environment and aligns with your vision to improve indoor health and the environment. Hiring a cleaning company that follows natural cleaning methods will certainly reduce indoor pollution, resulting in more productivity.
4. Switch to equipment that consumes less energy
Investing in energy-efficient equipment will contribute to zero carbon emissions by 2050 and reduced by 45% by 2030. The reduction of energy use will save you tons of money, and the cost of running these equipments is far less.
5. Promote indoor air quality by not relying solely on air conditioners
Open up your office windows whenever it’s appropriate and let the fresh air hit your employees’ faces; it will definitely put a smile on their faces. There is nothing better than natural air. By simply opening up the windows, you are sending carbon dioxide outside and inviting oxygen in. Avoid chemical-based air fresheners; instead, you can use homemade ones made from lemon, flowers, and even fruits.
6. Develop a green plan
If you have a cleaning company, you can ask them to supply you with a green plan for your office. This plan will include how you will work together towards keeping toxic and non-recyclable materials out of your workplace. This will include measuring performance, training cleaners, educating employees about eco-friendly cleaning methods, and how they can be beneficial for them and for the planet. Cost-effectiveness, research, and so on.
7. Waste management
Waste management may be the most important pillar of cleaning. Take the most popular approach of waste management, installing 3 color bins: Green, Yellow, and Red. Red is for non-recyclable materials, yellow for recyclable ones, and green for landfill. It is very important to know and educate employees about different types of waste; what material will go into red, green, or yellow bins. For example, if you put material meant for the red bin into the green one which is used for landfill, it will release chemicals into the soil. You can teach your employees by a simple memo or in meetings if there is any confusion about any material so everyone is well aware.
8. Eco-friendly certification
Global Ecolabelling is the organization that certifies products and companies if they are following strict guidelines and reducing waste. There are many other factors to consider as well. Focus on products and services with eco-labels; these badges and labels are there to let users know that the products and services they are using are environmentally friendly. These labels are very helpful when you are out to buy products and services for your business.
9. Decorate the office with plants
This method will promote freshness in the office, make your employees feel good and natural, and will remind them about nature. Studies have shown that indoor plants can improve productivity and lighten the mood.
10. Use technology to reduce waste
Like performing video conferencing to avoid business travel, setting the printer to print on both sides of the paper, and switching to electronic mails instead of traditional mailing techniques will reduce paper waste. Have a different schedule to discuss improvements and goals.
Conclusion
Switching to eco-friendly cleaning practices in your office makes it healthier for everyone. By using homemade cleaners, recyclable products, and eco-friendly services, you can reduce harmful chemicals and pollution indoors. Also, managing waste better and adding plants can make a big difference. Using technology wisely helps cut down on waste, too. These changes show you care about the environment and your employees’ well-being.