If you’re already investing in green commercial cleaning, you might be curious to know what you can do between scheduled services to keep your space clean and green. We know how fabulous it feels to have a pristine work environment, especially one that is good for the larger environment.
Since maintaining that level of eco-friendly office cleanliness isn’t always easy, our team has put together some easy, practical tips to help extend your professional green clean feel…
Set up recycling stations
Make it easy for employees to dispose of recyclables properly by setting up designated recycling stations throughout the workplace. Label bins clearly for paper, plastic, glass, and electronic waste, and place them in high-traffic areas like break rooms, near printers, and next to workstations. This encourages everyone to dispose of waste responsibly and reduces the amount of trash that ends up in landfills.
Deter clutter and encourage clean desks/work surfaces
A clutter-free desk promotes a more productive work environment and makes routine cleaning more effective. Encourage employees to tidy up their desks at the end of each day, removing any unnecessary items, paper clutter, or food wrappers. You can also provide reusable cloths or eco-friendly disinfecting wipes for quick daily wipe-downs of surfaces, ensuring dust and germs don’t accumulate between professional cleanings.
- Pro-tip! Depending on the size of your office and staff, you might even consider incentivizing a clean workspace by offering rewards at the end of each week or month to the employee who best understood and embraced this assignment.
Go green with your office supplies
One of the easiest ways to maintain a green workplace is by opting for eco-friendly or zero-waste office supplies. Swap out single-use plastic pens, sticky notes, and highlighters for refillable or recycled alternatives. Stock the office with sustainable cleaning products like non-toxic, biodegradable dish soap, and reusable kitchen supplies such as bamboo dishcloths and glass containers.
Enter the no-shoes zone
Consider implementing a no-shoes policy or providing reusable shoe covers in specific areas of the office. Shoes can track in dirt, chemicals, and outdoor pollutants, which compromise the cleanliness of your workspace. By leaving shoes at the door, you reduce the amount of debris and pollutants brought inside, leading to a cleaner, healthier office environment.
Optimize the natural light and ventilation
Maintaining good air quality is essential for a green workplace. Between professional cleanings, maximize natural light by keeping blinds open and minimizing window obstructions. If weather permits, open windows to improve ventilation and reduce the reliance on artificial air conditioning. For extra air purification, consider adding indoor plants to the office, as they can help filter toxins and improve overall air quality.
Make way for waste-free lunches
Encourage employees to bring waste-free lunches to work by using reusable containers, utensils, and water bottles. You can also eliminate single-use plastic utensils, cups, and paper plates in break rooms by providing eco-friendly alternatives like stainless steel utensils, ceramic mugs, and cloth napkins. This simple change can significantly cut down on the amount of waste generated during the workday.
Practice green cleaning between professional appointments
Even between professional cleanings, green cleaning practices can be part of your office culture. Provide eco-friendly cleaning supplies for employees to use, such as plant-based cleaners and reusable microfiber cloths. You can also assign small green cleaning tasks, like wiping down shared spaces or disinfecting high-touch surfaces, to help maintain cleanliness in an environmentally-conscious way.
You’ll have an easier time getting your staff on board with this if you explain why green cleaning is so beneficial to your professional environment and their personal health.
To help you get started, point them to our blog post: The Eco-Friendly Advantage: Who Benefits from Green Commercial Cleaning?
Embrace energy-efficient appliances and lighting
Ensure that office lights, computers, and other electronics are turned off when not in use. Encourage the use of energy-efficient appliances and energy-saving light bulbs, smart power strips, and timers to reduce electricity consumption. Regularly clean and maintain appliances like air conditioners, refrigerators, and office machines to ensure they are operating efficiently, thus reducing energy waste.
Add clean-up days to your office calendar
Incorporate a regular “clean-up day” into your office routine. Once a week or bi-weekly, designate a time for all employees to clean their individual workspaces, as well as common areas. Use this time to remind staff of green cleaning practices, proper waste disposal, and recycling habits. These short, focused cleaning sessions can make a big difference in maintaining an organized and healthy office environment.
Watch the water usage!
Water conservation is central to supporting a green workplace. Install low-flow faucets in kitchens and bathrooms, and encourage employees to report leaks or dripping taps immediately. Make a habit of running the dishwasher only when it’s full and using eco-friendly cleaning products that require minimal water for rinsing.To schedule professional green cleaning services, request a proposal and treat your staff to healthier workspaces!
