The Solution
Cleaning Products Many alternative products are available that can clean just as well as conventional products. Products that are less toxic than typical cleaners pose lower, if any, health risks. When purchasing cleaning products make sure that they’ve been green-certified by an independent institution, such as Green Seal. It’s also important to read the label, noting the ingredients, warning labels, and instructions for proper use. There is an online database provided by The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's website for green cleaning products.
Green cleaning products use:
• Grain alcohol, instead of toxic butyl cellosolve, as a solvent
• Coconut or other plant oils, rather than petroleum, in detergents
• Plant-oil disinfectants, such as eucalyptus, rosemary, or sage, rather than triclosan.
Green brands for commercial/industrial use
• Advanced Vapor Technologies
• The Clean Environment Company
• EnvirOx
• JohnsonDiversey
Office Products There are many simple ways to improve product purchasing and use, lower costs and environmental impacts. Below are some quick ideas:
Go Digital: Instead of printing everything keep online files. When printing, print documents double-sided. Most companies and banks have online bill pay options that enable you to stop the delivery of paper statements.
Buy Bulk: Purchase office products, such as paper and cleaning products, in bulk, so packaging and shipping wastes are reduced. Make sure you recycle, or even better, reuse the shipping boxes.
Paper: Printer and copier paper should be of high post-consumer content (over 30%) and made from 100% recycled paper. Green cleaning and office products can be purchased online.
Here are a few suggestions: The Green Office Core Products Green Earth Office Supplies
Recycle: Old printer cartridges are recyclable, and you can purchase recycled replacements, which are generally less expensive, at most office supply stores.
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