Green's Accelerated Acceptance

It's hard to believe that 10 years ago green cleaning was only a novelty. Many building service contractors thought that green was merely a passing fad. But as we now know, that impression changed.

As recently as five years ago, just half of the BSC industry practiced green cleaning, according to a Contracting Profits survey. Now, our surveys show that four out of five BSCs offer green products. I wouldn't be surprised if in five years most building service contractors — like Cardinal Building Maintenance in our cover story, offer green programs exclusively.

This rapid acceptance of environmentally preferable products is why we're dedicating the April issue to green practices. And with Earth Day being celebrated on April 22, the timing couldn't be better.

Every article features a green spin: from recycling to sustainability to LEED. So whether you're jumping on or driving the green bandwagon, I'm confident you'll find something in this issue to incorporate into your program.

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I'd like to encourage you to take a minute and register for the free Cleaning Innovations Virtual Conference and Expo, taking place May 18, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. The online event is hosted by Contracting Profits and its sister publications Sanitary Maintenance and Housekeeping Solutions.

During the daylong show, building service contractors will be able to attend educational Webcasts on topics including immigration, janitor training, recruiting Generation Y and improving cleaning productivity.

In the interactive expo hall, suppliers will provide product information and video demonstrations via virtual booths and use online chat to talk with attendees. BSCs can also converse with all members of the cleaning industry in the networking lounge.

For more information and to register, visit www.cleanlink.com/virtual.