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Does Green Cleaning cost more
than conventional products?
Often, people think so, and that
it doesn’t work as well. Answering this
question is not without a challenge.
However, if looking at the total costs
of using a product, the idea that green
cleaning is ineffective and too expensive
is a myth that is not borne out by
the following.
To answer the question of green
cleaning’s efficacy, one must look at
all factors, such as:
• How frequently the product must be
applied?
• Labor time cost reduction savings
and benefits;
• Long term effectiveness of
product as compared to
traditional chemicals;
• What are hazardous chemicals doing
to the long-term deterioration of
surfaces?
• The costs of using hazardous chemicals:
use, handling, disposal, plus worker health
and safety costs, liability costs, and risks of
indoor air contamination.
The green competitive marketing advantage
generates financial benefits to
business.
Is the demand for green products a
fad or part of a long-term trend? Examining
the current data:
• Twenty-eight percent of organizations
surveyed by TerraChoice report that
their contracts for janitorial supplies
require green cleaning products.
• A recent survey by GreenBiz indicates
that more than 40 percent of household
consumers prefer eco-friendly cleaning
products.
• Another recent survey of corporate investment
in environment, health and
safety by GreenBiz: 83 percent said
their 2010 spending will be equal to
or greater than 2009, with 43 percent
reporting an increase in spending.
• A 2008 survey of 6,000 global customers,
conducted by Edelman, found that 87 percent believed it was their
“duty” to contribute to a better environment
and that even in a recession,
55 percent would pay more for a brand
if it supported a cause in which they
believed.
The green movement has now hit critical
mass and there is no turning back. A
new development has to do with the manufacture
and distribution of a nanotechnology
that has the potential to provide a
“sea change” in the way surfaces are
cleaned and maintained.
Nano technology refers to any process
that exploits phenomena and structures
that occur at the nanometer scale. The
prefix “nano” signifies the scientific notation
for one-billionth of a meter.
For comparison, a grain of sand measures
one million nano meters across, the
average human hair is 80,000 nano meters
in diameter. For all nano structures
it’s not just the chemistry, it’s the way they
are put together under the rules of quantum
mechanics; nano scale materials can
behave very differently than their largescale
parent particles. At this scale, elements
display different properties. It is due
to this sub-molecular level of functioning that enables these particles to penetrate so
deeply into the surface, fill microscopic
voids and create an impenetrable seal that
is capable of repelling dirt and grease.
Nanotechnology can now be found in a
water-soluble “spray-on” finishing product
that applies in seconds, leaves no
residue and can be used on virtually any
surface. One maintenance company has
already reduced its cleaning time by 60
percent. Eduardo Ballesteros, vp of Master
Maintenance, a Tampa, Fla. janitorial services
provider, uses nanotechnology from
CTA Products LLC called Nano Power
Finish. It was used in a university classroom
setting and applied to 275 desks
with Formica surfaces. By the end of the
third week of use, the number of manhours
for this daily cleaning task decreased
from 28 hours per week to 12
hours per week.
“It now only takes 30 seconds to clean
each desk. The grime does not stick to the
desk surface as before and is quickly removed
with a few swipes,” said Ballesteros.
Nanotechnology helps create a more
eco-friendly environment, as surfaces
(metal, wood, glass, plastic, ceramic, etc.) become super repellent to dirt, oil, bacteria,
grime and all types of liquids. It can
be used on countertops, cabinets, woodwork,
glass tables and chairs, desks, and
dozens of other surfaces. This technology
is proof that green cleaning does not have
to cost any more. It offers a completely
new approach to the problem of maintaining
a clean environment and reducing
chemical usage.
It now becomes possible to use less
chemicals and spend less time in cleaning,
while keeping the environment
shining and beautiful.
Furthermore, it’s long-lasting. Spray
on, wait one minute, wipe off, and your
surfaces are fully protected for months
at a time. Ultra thin invisible nanotechnology
surface treatments keep
the home, car and possessions clean
with minimal effort, reduce chemical
impact and help us achieve our collective
goal of reducing our environmental
impact.
Manny Aguiar, the general manager of
the Wingate by Wyndham Hotel in
Tampa, FL was looking for a green cleaning
product that would also save money.
The hotel industry is facing a severe
downturn as occupancy levels have
dropped throughout the industry.
Therefore expenses are being scrutinized
on every level and as housekeeping
is one of the major expenses that area
is looked at closely. The question is how
to save money without sacrificing the
quality of accommodation that is provided
to the guests? When he discovered Nano Power Finish he began saving
money on housekeeping labor costs, as
well as chemical usage. “The product has exceeded our expectations
in the results we have obtained so
far,” said Aguiar. “We have not only reduced
our housekeeping payroll – we
have also reduced our expenses on cleaning
chemicals. At the same time, the
rooms look better than ever – surfaces are
shinier and the abrasions caused by wear
and tear are less.”
A nano finish forms an invisible, protective,
microscopic coating. It preserves
the natural beauty of surfaces, retards fine
scratches, repels dirt and water, and
makes future cleaning quick and easy. It
prevents static, reduces minor scratches,
and does not increase the weight or
change the dimensions of any solid surfaces.
Most of all, it protects surfaces
against damage from liquids, dirt, UV
rays and bacteria.
What was also important to Aguiar, as
in so many businesses today, is that the
product had to be eco-friendly in order
for the hotel to maintain their State of
Florida Green Lodging designation.
Nano surface protection is at the
cutting edge of green technology as it
offers a multi-dimensional green
cleaning approach:
• It is a water-soluble product that contains
no waxes, oils, petrochemicals or
hazardous substances of any kind.
• Dirt doesn’t stick to surfaces, thus reducing
the need to use hazardous chemicals.
• Eliminates the need for many different
finishing products, each of which might
have hazardous components.
• Invisible protective layer extends the usable
life of assets and equipment reducing
landfill and corresponding
replacement costs. ❑
For more information, visit
www.nanopowerfinish.com. To get a nano
starter kit call 866-559-8581. |
