My name is Alexandria Dini and I am the office manager for The Restoration Company, INC. I am officially Green Cleaning Certified and would love to share how I plan on implementing going green into the workplace as well as provide you with our amazing services.

The Restoration Company, INC. is a full service disaster management and restoration team. We are ready and able to restore damages resulting from; fire, water, wind, hail or any other catastrophe or natural disaster that may impact your home or business. We offer emergency services, and have a certified team of professionals in place to prevent and eliminate any further loss to your home or business. 

The first thing I would do when it comes to going green in the workplace is write down a list of items or areas I would like to see improvement. Starting with the basics, I would change all the light bulbs and switch out all the hazardous chemicals we currently use for cleaning and start bringing in natural remedies. Hydrogen peroxide would kill bacteria and be used around windows and door handles etc as a substitute for Lysol. As we are open to the public, instead of using air fresheners which are toxic, I would bring in a diffuser and some essential oils. I would switch out toilet cleaners in the bathroom and use vinegar or bleach. Using baking soda as a paste will help with any stains on tile or porcelain. 

Going green may seem to be the latest trend, but it is a trend with a variety of benefits for business owners. Applying green processes to the workplace creates a healthy environment for employees, reduces unnecessary waste and recognizes the role that businesses play in leading the way for social change. I am proud to be Green Cleaning Certified with IJCSA!!!

We’ve all used conventional cleaning products and looked at the label and wondered what exactly those ingredients are. After that, however, we don’t give it much thought. Using green cleaning products instead of conventional products has its pros and cons, and it's important to consider different kinds of cleaning products.

Now don't get me wrong, there are cons to going green. Green products usually come at a higher price point and take a little bit more muscle for the same level of clean that you get from traditional products. Green products are continually improving however. The only product that can’t really match is chlorine products such as bleach. These chemicals aren’t necessary to cleaning, though. They just make the job a bit easier.

On the Pro side however, one of the many benefits of green cleaning is that green products won’t damage surfaces over time like traditional products can. They are also better for the environment if you are using something that needs to go down the drain. Remember, what goes into our water and food systems eventually comes back to us! They also have no harmful effects if you accidentally come in contact with them to your skin or eyes. In the long-term, you are less exposed to toxins which is better for your health.

Most green products advertise they are green and don’t use harmful ingredients. They also list all ingredients on the label so you’ll know what is in them, unlike some other products. Some "green" products aren't as green as they claim though, so always check labels and stay away from products that don't disclose what's in the product. Please make sure to watch out for: Formaldehyde, Thiourea, Perchloroethylene, Nonylphenol,Ethoxylate, Butoxydiglycol, DEGBE, Phthalates, and Ammonia. Many of these ingredients are skin or lung irritants and some are even carcinogens! 

Generally, everything in your house can be cleaned with baking soda and vinegar, which is completely harmless to you and the environment. Although this does require more time and will power, it is one of a couple very inexpensive alternatives to green cleaning products and is better for the environment than the traditional chemical cleaning products. Doing a half and half mixture of baking soda and water makes a great antacid for cleaning many different surfaces, while a half and half mixture of water and vinegar leaves a good finish. If you're looking for green cleaning solutions for other parts of your home, check out the IJCSA Green Cleaning Service Directory at https://www.ijcsa.org/Green-Cleaning-Services

When something needs to be cleaned, people often times are concerned about the cleaning of their home or office and do not take into account the harmful impact it can have on their health, the environment, and that of their family.  Not all cleaning chemicals or practices are created equal.

For example cleaning products containing ammonia "window cleaners" can cause burning sensation in eyes, nose, and throat.  It can also cause headache, nausea, coughing, and increased breathing rate.  Ammonia is listed as a toxic chemical on the EPA's Community Right-to-Know list.  A healthy eco-friendly alternative to such window cleaners would be use of vinegar and water or use of a high vapor steamer.

Furniture polishes, stain removers, oven cleaners, and detergents can be harmful to your health.  Such cleaners contain a chemical known as Benzene.  According to the "International Agency For Research On Cancer" Benzene is made from petroleum and coal, and is classified as a carcinogen.  Benzene is listed in the 1990 Clean Air Act as a hazardous air pollutant.  Choose the healthy green version for said cleaners. Use olive oil and lemon for furniture polish or use white vinegar to remove grease, mildew, some stains and build up.

Scouring powders, detergent, laundry bleach, basin/tile/tub cleaners, and the like contain chlorine which is most frequently involved in household poisonings.  The reaction of chlorine with organic materials has been shown to cause reproductive, endocrine, and immune abnormalities.  Healthy environmentally-safe alternatives can be created with baking soda, washing soda, lemon, hydrogen peroxide, and other healthy alternatives.

In conclusion, keep yourself and your loved ones healthy and safe.  Research cleaning products and know what you are using.  When hiring a cleaning company know what products they are using.  If you are unsure of the products or companies you are using for your cleaning needs refer to the International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association (IJCSA) for recommendations and research on healthy cleaning products and cleaning services.

As previously discussed; going green is not only beneficial for the workplace and public, but for yourself and your close friends and family. The result is nothing but positive not only financially but also environmentally. 

Like I have previously stated, going green may seem to be the latest trend, but it is a trend with a variety of benefits for business owners. Applying green processes to the workplace creates a healthy environment for employees, reduces unnecessary waste and recognizes the role that businesses play in leading the way for social change.

Eliminating the use of hazardous chemicals and implementing environmentally safe products is key to going green. One of the best locations to find great references is IJCSA Green Clean Service Directory!  They provide a variety of companies that are certified in Green Cleaning and each are available to you! (https://www.ijcsa.org/Green-Cleaning-Services)

Being green cleaning certified will benefit myself as an individual by being able to use my training and teach others how going green is the only way to go. I would implement green processes at home with my children and teach friends and family how environmentally and financially freeing it is. 

The information and training provided by IJCSA is absolutely impeccable. Their attention to customer service training is paramount to the success of all their members. Everyone goes with rigorous customer service training which enables their business to perform at it's best and provide customers with the best service.

The members have all dedicated themselves to the industry and in making the world a clean, healthy place. You can be sure that any of the members in here have implemented the best service practices to stand out from the crowd.

Some of these remarkable companies are Ace Steam Cleaning, Beach Home Cleaning and MascMaids to name only a few. This community of well trained servers is making a great impact on the world

Customer service start with having through knowledge of inventory, experience with your product that you offer, which make you able to help the customer make the best choice in their interest

Members of IJCSA has the knowledge and experience to provide the best customers service. Over the years IJCSA had given it's members the best training en tools to care for their customers and clients. The aim of the members is to provide the best service and advice to the customers and clients. The means going beyond all expectations to meet the demand of the customers and clients. We listen, we hear and we act to please. 

For more information you can visit https://www.ijcsa.org/

Carol Baptist-Clark

Having a successful business all hinges on having good customer service.  Customers are who make the business so treating them with as you yourself expects to be treated with respect, empathy, positive attitude, enthusiasm, and great company knowledge.  Good communication with your customers is key, listen to their needs, be engaged in your conversations, act on their needs and respond to them honestly and quickly to keep a good relationship that will help keep them as customers and grow your business.  

As a IJCSA member we know the value of good customer service and stride to learn more to make our businesses successful and be able to give our clients the best service there is.  Here are other members of IJCSA that have been proving they have great customer service https://www.ijcsa.org/Find-A-Cleaning-Service-Janitorial-Service.

Remember the 7 major points for good customer service, 1. Be aware of 3 things your customer wants. 2. SEC- Smile, eye contact and comment. 3. Listen to the customer. 4. Empathize with your customer. 5. Create solutions for your clients issues. 6. Clarify the solution with your client. 7. Follow up with your customers.  

Going green may seem to be the latest trend, but it is a trend with a variety of benefits for business owners. Applying green processes to the workplace creates a healthy environment for employees, reduces unnecessary waste and recognizes the role that businesses play in leading the way for social change.

Eliminating the use of hazardous chemicals and implementing environmentally safe products is key to going green. One of the best locations to find great references is IJCSA Green Clean Service Directory!

IJCSA has a variety of companies that are certified in Green Cleaning and each are available to you! Going green has improved these companies by reducing their waste, creating a comforting and safe environment for their employees and clients. 

You can visit the IJCSA Green Clean Service Directory at:

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

The first thing I would do when it comes to going green in the workplace is write down a list of items or areas I would like to see improvement. I would start with the basics. I would change all the light bulbs and switch out all the hazardous chemicals we currently use for cleaning and start bringing in natural remedies. Bringing in things like dish soap, vinegar, salt, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and citrus juices would be the first things to try out. 

Hydrogen peroxide would kill bacteria and be used around windows and door handles etc as a substitute for Lysol. As we are open to the public, instead of using air fresheners which are toxic, I would bring in a diffuser and some essential oils. I would start cleaning from the back to the front, from the floor to the ceiling. Scrubbing the baseboards and trims with a natural mix of dish soap, lemon juice, and coconut oil so while it disinfects  and also polishes.

I would switch out toilet cleaners in the bathroom and use vinegar or bleach. Using baking soda as a paste will help with any stains on tile or porcelain. Purchasing eco friendly toilet paper and towels will also help the earth and maintain the going green way.

I  have a drywall repair and painting company that have found many walls full of mold. I have found disturbing mold and not having a certification in mold remediation made me not to advice my clients correctly. With new viruses and respiratory problems I feel we need to address many mold problems correctly to avoid future problems. 

When performing an inspection for a future or prospective client I would be able to tell them if mold is growing or if  they need to address mold problems. When you face mold you need to take immediate care. Now as a company we will be able to warranty our clients we will follow a process for mold remediation before we do our drywall repair. 

Our goal is to warranty our customers that we are becoming a master of moisture and we can identify and locate mold growth that is not visible to their eyes, documenting, creating a remediation plan and calculating the extend of the mold contamination according to EPA Rules.