As the organic movement increases in popularity in the United States and across the world, more and more research is being done on how chemicals in our food, cosmetics, and cleaning products are impacting our health as well as the environment. This research sounds great to most individuals, but if you work in one of those three industries targeted by the research it can make you nervous. No one wants the products they have been trained in for years and built their work around scrutinized. With that being said, the commercial cleaning supply world has and will continue to make fast and efficient adjustments to their products as this research comes out.

“Green Cleaning” is defined as using cleaning methods and products with environmentally friendly ingredients and procedures which are designed to preserve human health and environmental quality. Let’s take a look at a few features of Green Cleaning.

• Non-caustic
• Non-corrosive
• Non-flammable
• No chlorine, ammonia, petroleum phosphate, or dangerous acids.

Organic products aren’t necessary for the survival of your business, but you should be informed on what is in the products you use and stay up to date with research on them. It is easy to forget that not everyone knows all of the terminology and details we assume are common sense in the cleaning industry. Take the time to breakdown the products you use, why you choose them, and be able to explain the ingredients to clients you are bidding too, especially if they express concern about using non-organic products.

There are a couple of industries in which you may need to provide organic products to win bids for - these are predominantly healthcare and childcare. The reason these are the two industries that would be the most cautious about using harsh chemicals is because children and ill individuals are more susceptible to the possible side effects of certain products. Some of these side effects include lung issues, killing off good bacteria along with the bad bacteria, risks to pregnant women and children, and actually weakening the immune system by over killing all germs you come into contact with.

Remember, you don’t have to go green entirely but being “green friendly” will increase your potential clientele significantly. It is always best in business to be accommodating to all possible preferences. Do your research and have a green plan so when people inquire – you have the answers.