Going “green” or being eco-savvy is no longer a trend, but a lifestyle that affects consumer attitudes and behavior, when it comes to how we live, the businesses we patronize and even where we work. Green policies and practices are quickly becoming the norm in the workplace. While there are many green efforts that can benefit a business, one practice that has been gaining a lot of traction is green cleaning because it is simple to implement, it is cost effective and it can help improve your workplace environment.

In fact, a huge up-swing in retail sales of eco-friendly cleaners clearly demonstrates the growing demand in the US. A 2009 Mintel report shows that green cleaning products will do $623 million in business by 2013 , taking a 30 percent share of the total market for household cleaners.

Benefits of Green Cleaning
By switching to natural cleaners, you can improve many aspects of your business, including the satisfaction of employees and customers, your business environment, your green-friendly community relations initiatives, and your bottom line, through improved productivity.

Health and Safety
Everyone at work will benefit from a healthier environment, with the improvement of indoor air quality, and a reduction in harsh chemical fumes and residues. Employees will appreciate improved control of chemical inventory and storage locations and fewer chemicals in water waste.

Community Relations
Implementing a solid green cleaning program will help you receive recognition, create a sense of community among stakeholders, and increase the efforts of staff and stakeholders alike. It may also encourage building occupants to become more active and green in their business decisions, as well. Businesses can also market their green initiatives, as well as highlight the compliance with certain government incentives.

Improved Productivity & Financial Gains
With these efforts come measurable financial gains. With improved indoor air quality, employee satisfaction is improved, which means better performance and comfort. The LEED program also gives credit for green cleaning, which can help boost a facility’s potential for LEED certification.

Green Cleaning Solutions
Whether you are cleaning your office, restaurant kitchen facility or a manufacturing plant, there are now many natural solutions available for commercial use on floors, surfaces, equipment, laundry, grease, stains and other heavy-duty industrial cleaning jobs.

One green commercial cleaner new to the marketplace is from The Clorox Company. Clorox has leveraged its world-class expertise in household cleaning to develop four new natural cleaning products for businesses called Green Works® Concentrates. Adhering to the high standards of natural product development, the Green Works® line is 99 percent natural, and is made with plant and mineral-based biodegradable cleaning ingredients.

“Green cleaning – or using cleaning products and methods that focus on natural ingredients – is in the best interests of businesses, tenants and cleaning professionals,” said Craig Stevenson, vice president and general manager of Clorox Professional Products Company. “By using products with naturally derived ingredients, like Green Works®, businesses can attract new customers and reap the rewards of having more satisfied tenants and employees, which contributes to a healthy bottom line.”

Green Cleaning Standards
Consider switching to natural cleaning products for your business. Make sure the products adhere to a high standard of natural content and don’t contain known toxic by-products. Check to make sure that the products meet regulatory certification requirements, to help obtain points toward the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. In addition, determine if the products are recognized and certified by leading environmental organizations, such as Design for the Environment (an Environmental Protection Agency partner) and The Sierra Club.

“Today’s business owners want green cleaning that’s effective,” added Stevenson. “And when it comes to powerful clean, the brand they trust is Clorox Green Works® Concentrates.”

By using natural cleaning products, your business can make the statement that you not only care about being a good steward of the planet’s resources, but you care about your customers and your staff.