How Popular Is Green Cleaning?

Has the interest in green cleaning products slowed down?

Surprisingly, no. There are still purchasers and market segments that are just beginning their sustainability efforts and have yet to even start with a switch from conventional products to “green.” On the other hand, those users that routinely use “green” products on the housekeeping cart are branching off into products used in other areas of cleaning, such as warewashing and laundry.

— Linda Chipperfield, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Green Seal, Washington D.C.


No, interest has not slowed down. Existing customers are having more of their products certified green by our alternative Programs; and we are experiencing new customers looking to have their products certified or their product claims validated. If the interest was slowing down, would these leading manufacturers be expanding their proven green offerings?

— Mike Sawchuk, Commercial Sector Business Manager, UL Environment, Marietta, Georgia



Some building service contractors buy a few green cleaning products and say that's enough. Should they be doing more?

Absolutely. There is much more focus today on having a green cleaning program that includes operations, training, and equipment, versus just a one-for-one product replacement. The inclusion of Green Seal’s standard for cleaning services into programs such as the US Green Building Council’s LEED v4, the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education’s (AASHE) STARS 2.0, and ASHRAE 189.1 is a good indicator that products alone are not enough.
— Linda Chipperfield, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Green Seal, Washington D.C.


Yes, they should be doing more. All products used should be proven safer (Certified by ECOLOGO or Green Seal) for people and planet, work as well or better, and should not be more expensive “at the use cost.” They are out there. If the products they have tried did not work, try other products or try another distributor.

Standards now exist for most products including urinal pucks, bio-cleaners, odor eliminators, etc. This is where their local distributors can assist finding the right certified products for them and their conditions. Why go part-way green, especially when the products [BSCs don’t typically] convert to green certified (floor strippers and finishes, odor eliminators, carpet care products, urinal pucks, bowl cleaners, etc.) are usually significantly more potentially harmful than the ones typically replaced (glass cleaner, general-purpose cleaner, neutral floor cleaner, etc.).

— Mike Sawchuk, Commercial Sector Business Manager, UL Environment, Marietta, Georgia