| Ok, this sounds great and it seems everybody is | | | | cleaning process more efficient. You don't have to |
| going green, but just what does it take for you to | | | | build a better mouse trap with your program but you |
| get a green cleaning program in place? How do you | | | | do want to insure that everyone is up to speed with |
| start? If you don't have everyone in agreement on | | | | the procedures. |
| starting such a program, then your chances of | | | | 4. Creating a toolbox. This is not just about changing |
| success are limited. | | | | products from standard cleaning products to green |
| Here are some key steps that will help you get | | | | cleaning products. It is more of a new approach to |
| started and implement your green cleaning program. | | | | taking care of the building. And to do this you have |
| 1. Get everybody on the bus. To get everyone to | | | | to have the right tools in your toolbox to do the job. |
| come to agreement involves two key issues: a. Each | | | | You may need to change chemicals, equipment, |
| person or stakeholder must agree that they want a | | | | paper, liners, mats and other supplies that you use in |
| green program and b. An agreement as to just what | | | | order to care for the building and stay on track with |
| such a program consists of. | | | | your green cleaning program. |
| After you reach an agreement, the team has to be | | | | 5. Communicate and stewardship. When you make |
| formed. These will be the people responsible for the | | | | changes you have expectations and to get your |
| development and implementation of the program. | | | | program off to a good start, you must have a |
| 2. Set a bench mark and develop your plan. Not | | | | communication plan that manages your expectations |
| having a plan is like not having a map to when you | | | | and shows off your successes. You must also be |
| start a journey. To find your benchmark or your | | | | sure that all occupants of the building know what you |
| starting point, the green cleaning team should | | | | are doing and how it will affect them and let them |
| conduct several facility and housekeeping surveys. | | | | know their responsibilities and how they are to be |
| Take your information and analyze it with your team | | | | carried out. Making this point is key in your |
| to find the best opportunities for improvement. | | | | communication plan which will gain you greater |
| 3. Developing procedures and training plans. Green | | | | success with your green cleaning program. Creating a |
| cleaning procedures focus on cleaning effectiveness | | | | stewardship plan will keep your program strong and |
| and are not much different than a normal cleaning | | | | headed in the right direction and sustainable. |
| system. Making your system green focuses on | | | | Green cleaning is no longer just a trend. It's a reality. |
| reducing the building occupants' and custodians' | | | | Start today and set your sights on implementing your |
| exposures to possible harmful contaminants, reduce | | | | green cleaning program. |
| waste that impacts the environment and makes the | | | | |