You would think that the cleaning products that are easily sold in your local grocery store are safe but you may be wrong. Studies have shown that chemicals found in common household cleaners and cosmetics contribute to diseases. Not only have these chemicals shown to be a burden of disease but also economic and environment cost. 

A study in 2010 shows that endocrine-disrupting chemicals have lowered IQ points and intellectual disability. These chemicals have also been linked to obesity, autism, heart disease and reproductive toxicity, let alone the effects it has on your skin. A lot of these chemicals are meant to break down grease and grime and are very abrasive. 

Fragrances added to many cleaners, most notably laundry detergents and fabric softeners, may cause acute effects such as respiratory irritation, headache, sneezing, and watery eyes in sensitive individuals or allergy and asthma sufferers. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health has found that one-third of the substances used in the fragrance industry are toxic. But because the chemical formulas of fragrances are considered trade secrets, companies aren't required to list their ingredients but merely label them as containing "fragrance."

We can protect the environment by not using petroleum-based products, which contribute to the depletion of non-renewable resources. Phosphates is another famous water pollutant and are commonly found in laundry and dishwasher detergents. Too much of these chemicals can make our water very toxic to both humans and wildlife.

Green cleaning products are not only safe for your household and environment they are also cheaper. One of the common misconceptions is that natural, green products are more expensive but in the long term they actually save you money. Natural cleaning products include vinegar, lemon, borax, castile soap and baking soda. These ingredients have never been marked as harmful and are most likely in your cabinets now. 

So instead of waiting for these chemicals to become illegal, make the switch now. When looking for green products to use, choose products with plant-based, instead of petroleum-based ingredients. Another good sign to look out for is the "keep out of reach of children" label and other tell-tale hazard warnings. 

Health Problems from Common Chemicals Cost $340 Billion Per Year: Study

Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals in the USA: a population-based disease burden and cost analysis

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Here at Intec Building Services, we plan on implementing a GREEN cleaning program both for the safety and overall health of our customers, employees and the environment. Being in the janitorial business for over 35 years, experience and research has proved that cleaning chemicals are loaded with toxins and can produce harmful effects to individual’s overall health and to our environment. 

Many common cleaning chemicals such as general purpose cleaners, Windex, oven cleaners and even simple air fresheners can cause lung and eye irritation, headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, burning of the skin, cancers and can poison humans, animals and plants.  Said chemicals will ultimately end up in our rivers and streams causing irreversible effects on our environment.  

Here at Intec, we strive to be a socially and environmentally friendly and responsible company, which is why we are choosing to go GREEN!

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Acquiring the IJCSA Green Cleaning Certification for my company; Green Clean Home Care Services, places the seal of approval that we have met all the required international "Green" standards. 

To us as founders and owners of this company, we do not want to be another listing in the cleaning company industry, but more importantly, to stand out, have an edge on the janitorial cleaning industry and in our market. We don't want to just say we use these products, but that we have bragging rights to do so - as we are trained and meet the "green clean" standards through a legitimate and an internationally well-known company as IJCSA. Being part of an international membership whereby there are active discussions via a knowledge-sharing forum available to gain information from experts who are engaging - this is a huge benefit particularly to our company.  

Green Clean Home Care Services is a unique company, as we are the only company on our islands that is 100% Eco-Friendly and chemical free. We offer an array of personalised services including but not restricted to; home care services for your family, home and pets. Our staff are trained in using green products and have over 15 years of residential cleaning service experience. We go the extra mile, and take exemplary care in whatever task we undertake. Our goal is to meet and exceed our client's expectations.

From inception, we only stocked specifically required cleaning equipment and products, and have implemented the green cleaning program as part of our policy, day-to day routine, as guided on your website. We only use  Citrus Clean product - which is a multipurpose cleaning solution made from orange peel, and is a product out of Florida, baking soda, lemon, cleaning vinegar, peroxide, dish soap, essential oils and peppermint oil soap - all natural, eco-friendly products. We are open to exploit other green products we have identified and noted by other members.

We only use micro-fibre cleaning supplies including; micro-fibre mops, sweepers, cleaning cloths, H.E.P.A. vacuums, and steam cleaning systems. We do not use any other products other than Eco-friendly and green products - this is what we stand by. We take the name seriously and have therefore equipped ourselves and trained our staff to live by this mindset. 

Training workshops are ongoing for our staff so they are kept current as well and are able to educate our clients, if asked why we do what we do.

We care about our environment and will be proud to be an IJCSA Green Cleaning Certified Company! 

Following the OSHA Guidelines regarding Bloodborne Pathogens is important for any cleaning employees that may come in contact with any body fluids while performing their cleaning tasks.

By following OSHA's "Universal Precautions" the cleaning employee assumes that all fluids containing pathogens are infected and insures that proper precautions are taken.

It is important for the cleaning employee employ Protective Practices when handling any type of Pathogen Clean ups. This could include; Blood, Vomit or Saliva. Safe protective practices include; Vinyl Gloves, Eye Protection, Face Masks, or Gowns. Never smoke, apply lip balm, or compress any bags that contain pathogens are additional best practices. Not splashing while cleaning and using tongs to avoid sharp objects are also important.

Learn More About Bloodborne Pathogens For cleaning Employees Here

Having a mold cleaning program in place is imperative to the health of the users of any environment that is contaminated. Unchecked Mold can damage buildings but more importantly cause many health effects in humans. Effects such as, allergic reaction and asthma attacks are just few causes. The lack of knowledge on this matter by most people is also a concern and if addressed can have positive impact on how mold is handled in residential or commercial property.

CleanRite Intend to implement a program that will educate clients on mold prevention and the support we will provide in the remediation process.  We will provide training to schools and commercial property discussing key topics. What is mold? How does it affect you? What can we do to prevent it? What steps do we need to take to contain and remedy mold? This approach will arm our clients with the knowledge to make the first critical step in the cause of mold i.e. moisture control, cleaning up water damage wit in the 48 hours needed to stop mold. We will support them in the event when there is mold. We will discuss the steps we will take after an assessment is done and how we will follow up after the remediation to make sure they are working or living in a clean environment.

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Traditional cleaning chemicals can have a harmful effect on people and on the environment. Everyday cleaners contain toxic ingredients such as chlorine bleach, napthas, phthalates, and methylene chloride. Many cleaners also contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Regular exposure to these chemicals can have adverse effects on the health of the workers who handle them and on the people exposed to places where they have been used. 

Green cleaning products are a great alternative to traditional chemicals. They have less of an impact on human health and the environment. They contain things like vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and cornstarch. They are generally biodegradable and can be mixed at home, which reduces plastic packaging waste. 

These green and eco-friendly products are also superior cleaning products. For example, a vinegar and olive oil mixture makes an excellent furniture polish which compares favorably to any other polish on the market and can be made by individuals very inexpensively. 

Using green products in place of traditional cleaning chemicals can also be advantageous from a business standpoint. More and more customers are demanding the use of products which are safer to use around their families or employees. It is in the best interests of cleaning businesses and individuals to become Green Clean Certified to meet these market demands. 

Customers can find a provider of green cleaning services through IJCSA's Provider Directory. Businesses or individuals who are Green Clean Certified can also be verified through IJCSA's Directory. 

Sources:

http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html

Green cleaning certification provides a stamp of approval for obtaining the proper knowledge and use of green products and in reducing our carbon footprint. Switching to green cleaning products is good for the health and well-being of the people I employ and serve, and it also prevents unnecessary chemicals from being released into the environment. The difficult part is letting go of the products we know and love.

The chemicals found in common cleaning products can have many negative impacts, including contributing to asthma, cancer, and increased birth defects, according to the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Cleaning Supplies and Your Health. With the potential negative impact of current chemicals in cleaning products, the need for green cleaning is necessary. The increasing popularity of “being green” has caused many companies to see this as an opportunity to capitalize on its popularity.  Green washing is causing a lot of distrust in the idea of being green and may sway consumers to continue to use the products they are comfortable with, which may include toxic ingredients. Also, many companies do not fully disclose their ingredients, which makes evaluation about the health and environmental impacts difficult. 

Essentially, being green cleaning certified allows me to act as a change agent for green living and the environment. Initially, I need to take an inventory of what I currently have and research green alternatives. For example, many of the products I currently own can be replaced with many products from the Method line (https://methodhome.com/). Along with the products being naturally derived, the company also works to make sure every bottle they design goes through a rigorous process to ensure that it’s as green as possible. The goal is not to advertise for companies but to choose products that work best for my clients.

Protecting my clients and the world from harmful chemicals is my overall goal. I must continue to be a learner in green cleaning to meet the various needs of my clients. Even though I may be aware of various products, I also have to merge that with the needs of my individual clients. In the end, my goal is keeping my clients healthy while being environmentally friendly. 

For a Green Cleaning Certified Company go to the Green Cleaning Service Directory

      Looking for a cleaning company who is green or eco friendly can be a challenge. You want what is best for you, for the environment, as well as for your family. You want a company who is knowledgeable and certified in green cleaning.

      Even if you want your carpet shampooed, it can be hard to find someone who offers green cleaning options even for something as basic as carpet shampooing. Green is better on the cleaner's body as well, so they are not inhaling all those toxic chemicals.

      Just do a local search for green cleaners, eco friendly cleaning services, or all natural cleaning services. IJCSA offers an abundance of knowledgeable and certified green cleaners. There are many companies out there, but only a few offer green and eco friendly cleaning. 

https://www.ijcsa.org/Green-Cleaning-Services

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 1 in 13 people have asthma. There are 10 asthma related deaths daily in America. Bleach chlorine and Ammonia are known triggers for asthmatics. These products can cause eye and throat irritation, and hormone disruption. If used incorrectly, these products can result in poisonous gases.

Other products such as air fresheners, aerosol sprays, and disinfectants and cleaners emit dangerous VOC gases in the home. VOCs are also release into the environment by power plants burning gas, and smoking cigarette. Exposure to volatile organic compounds can damage the nervous system, cause cancer, trigger allergies, headaches, and nausea.  The EPA aims to protect the public against these dangerous gases by providing educational resources on the use of common household products. However, there are safer alternatives

Natural products like lemon juice, vinegar, baking soda, tea tree oil amongst a few can be used as a safer cleaning alternative. The acidity of lemon juice makes for a great disinfecting cleaner. Vinegar can be used to remove grease from the oven or your pans. The alkalinity of Baking soda helps absorbs odors. When combine with vinegar the reaction helps with slow drains in your home.

Baking soda is a great scrubbing agent. Tee tree oil is a natural antibacterial alternative. Used correctly, it helps to kill the bacterial that causes strep throat, MRSA, and mold. A combination of natural products can be used to disinfect bathrooms, clean the kitchen, floors, and furniture. The demand for green products continues to increase. Using green cleaning products helps:

• ·         Protects your health and decreases the chances of getting an asthma attack and allergies
• ·         Saves money
• ·         Reduces exposure to toxins
• ·         Do not contaminate the water or air and are biodegradable
• ·         Increases community morale

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