How sustainable cleaning plays a vital role in the B2B environment 

February 26, 2024
By CLR PRO, for the Blue Print

Sustainability is crucial in every industry, though its definition varies. Broadly, it’s about satisfying today’s needs without compromising health and safety, while considering future generations, balancing environment, society, and the economy.

The commercial and industrial cleaning industry has been actively adopting sustainable practices.

While less obvious than energy or water consumption, or plastics and paper usage, cleaning and maintenance chemicals play an important role in sustainability for the environment and occupants’ health and safety. 
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While commonly used hazardous cleaning chemicals pose significant risks, despite their effectiveness and low cost, incorrect disposal can pollute soil, water, and air, damaging ecosystems. Moreover, human health is at stake, as exposure to hazardous chemicals can lead to respiratory problems, skin irritations, and even carcinogenic effects. 

To lessen these risks, it is crucial to minimize the use of hazardous chemicals.

Choosing safer alternatives to hazardous chemicals is essential to protect the environment, preserve biodiversity, and promote human health. 
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The EPA Safer Choice program—helping businesses to make better choices

One significant initiative that promotes sustainability in cleaning is the EPA Safer Choice program—a voluntary initiative by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA.) The program evaluates the chemical ingredients in cleaning products, emphasizing safer alternatives that are effective and sustainable. By awarding the Safer Choice label, the EPA identifies products that meet their rigorous standards for safety and environmental impact.
 
Benefits of Safer Choice products include:

• Ingredients have been thoroughly assessed for their potential impacts on human health and the environment.
• Products are designed to meet high performance standards while minimizing hazards and reducing waste generation.
• Using Safer Choice products bolsters sustainability efforts, reduces environmental impact, and fosters healthier workplaces. 
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Aligning with corporate sustainability goals

Business using cleaning products with the Safer Choice label not only enhances reputations for environmental responsibility, but they can also qualify for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) points through the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), further incentivizing their adoption and supporting their sustainability credentials.
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​Content originally from CLR PRO. Reused here with permission.

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