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Why Being A Green Cleaner Or Green Cleaning Company Is Better Than Being A Cleaner Or Company That Uses Hazardous Chemicals

24 Sep 2025 1:28 PM | Priscilla Harris

Why Being A Green Cleaner Or Green Cleaning Company Is Better Than Being A Cleaner Or Company That Uses Hazardous Chemicals

Promoting Healthier Environments Through Eco-Friendly Practices

The cleaning industry is undergoing a transformative shift toward eco-friendly and sustainable methodologies, primarily driven by escalating concerns over the detrimental health and environmental impacts of conventional cleaning agents. Traditional cleaning products often contain hazardous chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are associated with adverse health effects such as respiratory issues, skin irritations, and long-term conditions like cancer and neurological damage[2]. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified common sources of VOCs in indoor environments, including cleansers and disinfectants, which can significantly compromise indoor air quality[2]. In contrast, green cleaning companies that utilize non-toxic and biodegradable formulations not only help mitigate these health risks but also foster safer environments for clients, employees, and the wider community by reducing exposure to harmful substances.

Safeguarding Human Health with Non-Toxic Solutions

One of the most compelling advantages of choosing a green cleaner or green cleaning company lies in its ability to provide a safer and healthier indoor environment. Residues from traditional cleaning agents can persist on surfaces and in the air, posing risks to occupants, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), exposure to indoor air pollutants, including those from cleaning products, can result in a wide range of health problems, from respiratory illnesses to cancer[13]. Certified green cleaning services, which employ eco-friendly and non-toxic products, eliminate this risk by ensuring that cleaning solutions break down naturally and safely. This is especially critical in sensitive settings such as schools, hospitals, and residential homes. For example, PLS OneCleaning Solution, certified by the International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association (IJCSA), emphasizes its use of eco-safe supplies that are safe for children and pets, demonstrating how green cleaning can meet rigorous health standards while delivering effective results[1].

Reducing Environmental Impact Through Sustainable Consumption

Beyond health benefits, adopting green cleaning practices yields significant environmental advantages. Hazardous chemicals from traditional cleaners can leach into soil, waterways, and ecosystems, causing long-term damage to wildlife and natural resources, a key concern addressed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in its work on sustainable consumption and production[22]. The 2019 Global Resources Outlook report, previewed by UNEP, analyzes the global impact of resource extraction and use, underscoring the urgent need for more sustainable alternatives[28]. Green cleaning companies counteract this environmental strain by using biodegradable, non-toxic products designed to minimize pollution and promote sustainable development. By embracing these practices, cleaning businesses reduce their carbon footprint, conserve water and energy, and align with global efforts to achieve environmental responsibility, such as those outlined in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 12[23].

Gaining Economic and Competitive Advantages

In addition to health and environmental benefits, green cleaning companies gain tangible economic advantages. Sustainable practices often lead to lower operational costs, reduced waste disposal fees, and decreased liability risks. Moreover, consumer preference is increasingly shifting toward environmentally responsible businesses. Articles published by Forbes in 2020, such as "How Leading Global Companies Are Using Sustainability as a Market Differentiator" and "Transforming Sustainability Into a Competitive Advantage," highlight that sustainability enhances brand reputation, strengthens customer loyalty, and creates a clear market edge[37]. By offering eco-friendly and non-toxic cleaning solutions, green cleaning companies appeal to a growing market of environmentally conscious clients, including Airbnb hosts, property managers, and health-conscious families[1]. These services not only meet client demand for safety and sustainability but also support long-term business growth through customer retention and positive reviews.

The Role of Certification and the IJCSA Green Cleaning Directory

The International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association (IJCSA) plays a pivotal role in advancing green cleaning standards by certifying companies that adhere to rigorous eco-friendly protocols. The IJCSA Green Cleaning Directory serves as a trusted platform where consumers can locate certified providers committed to using biodegradable, non-toxic products and sustainable methods. As verified through the official IJCSA website (ijcsa.org), the directory features professionals who have completed specialized training in green cleaning, ensuring high standards of safety and effectiveness[14]. Consumers can confidently choose services listed in the directory, knowing they support sustainable business practices and reduce environmental and health risks. This certification framework, exemplified by companies like PLS OneCleaning Solution that are certified by both the Green Clean Institute and IJCSA, validates the cleaner’s commitment to environmental stewardship[1]. As the demand for eco-friendly services continues to rise, the IJCSA Green Cleaning Directory empowers consumers and positions green cleaning companies as leaders in a healthier, more sustainable future.

References:
[1]: https://plsonecleaningsolution.com/
[2]: https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatile-organic-compounds-impact-indoor-air-quality
[3]: https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/technical-overview-volatile-organic-compounds
[4]: https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/what-are-volatile-organic-compounds-vocs
[5]: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2773049223000430
[6]: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/11/12/2024-25971/air-quality-revision-to-the-regulatory-definition-of-volatile-organic-compounds-exclusion-of
[7]: https://gispub.epa.gov/air/trendsreport/2020/
[8]: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8700805/
[9]: https://www.regulations.gov/document/EPA-HQ-OAR-2021-0420-0001
[10]: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S036013232500602X
[11]: https://www.geoforward.com/volatile-organic-compounds-vocs/
[12]: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/household-air-pollution-and-health
[13]: https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/themes/air-pollution/household-air-pollution
[14]: https://www.undrr.org/understanding-disaster-risk/terminology/hips/en0101
[15]: https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/indoor-air
[16]: https://www.healtheffects.org/system/files/Comm18-SummaryForPolicyMakers.pdf
[17]: https://www.ccacoalition.org/news/world-health-organization-releases-new-global-air-pollution-data
[18]: https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/06/why-indoor-air-quality-must-be-a-global-health-priority/
[19]: https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq
[20]: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412022004834
[21]: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7564377/
[22]: https://www.unep.org/explore-topics/resource-efficiency/what-we-do/sustainable-consumption-and-production-policies
[23]: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-consumption-production/
[24]: https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/3982453?ln=en
[25]: https://open.unep.org/resolution/outcome-report/420
[26]: https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/speech/circularity-accelerating-sustainable-consumption-and-production-uneps
[27]: https://www.oneplanetnetwork.org/organisations/consumption-and-production-unit-economy-division-unep
[28]: https://sdg.iisd.org/news/unep-previews-global-resources-outlook-2019/
[29]: https://www.e-unwto.org/doi/book/10.18111/9789284420605
[30]: https://www.unep.org/topics/sustainable-development-goals/why-do-sustainable-development-goals-matter/goal-12
[31]: https://www.oneplanetnetwork.org/sites/default/files/report_unea5_catalysing_science-based_policy_action_on_scp_-_task_group_irp-one_planet_0.pdf
[32]: https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2024/06/07/18-reasons-why-sustainability-can-be-a-strategic-business-advantage/
[33]: https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2019/12/16/how-sustainable-businesses-can-save-the-planet-in-2020/
[34]: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbooksauthors/2023/08/11/can-sustainable-practices-generate-business/
[35]: https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2024/05/28/implementing-sustainable-practices-in-business/
[36]: https://www.facebook.com/forbes/posts/participating-in-social-initiatives-such-as-partnering-with-a-charity-or-by-inve/1071700898153233/
[37]: https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnewman/2020/07/24/how-leading-global-companies-are-using-sustainability-as-a-market-differentiator/
[38]: https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbescommunicationscouncil/2020/09/09/transforming-sustainability-into-a-competitive-advantage/
[39]: https://forbes.ge/how-can-a-business-benefit-from-becoming-greener/
[40]: https://www.stern.nyu.edu/experience-stern/about/departments-centers-initiatives/centers-of-research/center-sustainable-business/news-events/news-insights/forbes-consumers-respond-sustainability-claims-about-better-health-cost-savings
[41]: https://www.forbesindia.com/article/news/sometimes-sustainability-does-not-cost-more-jenny-davispeccoud/95130/1


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