By Stephen Ashkin

I’ve been working on the Green Cleaning issue for the past 15 years.  Early on we had little to show for our efforts, but over the past number of years, Green Cleaning has turned from a small niche to a powerful emerging trend.  One reason for this is the dedication and commitment from people like yourself who have helped their clients better understand Green Cleaning and its importance.

The following are some of the most important Green Cleaning accomplishments of 2005.  These are issues that will help your customers and prospects appreciate how quickly the Green Cleaning Movement is accelerating and they’ll want to get involved soon.

Green Alphabet Soup:  ISSA, USGBC, H2E, IEHA, BOMA, IFMA, ASHES, APPA and others have all launched or expanded green or sustainability initiatives.  From building owners, to trade associations, to professional associations and more, green and Green Cleaning is now a major emerging trend.  And my suspicion is that your clients and prospects belong to some of these organizations.

Green Education:  Not only did ISSA continue its educational programming on Green Cleaning in 2005, but others including the US Green Building Council with its LEED for Existing Buildings Rating System, H2E’s (Hospitals for a Healthy Environment) with its Green Guide for Healthcare, BOMA Canada launched its Go-Green program, and the Green Building Initiative launched its Green Globes program.  What is significant about these programs is that these are our CUSTOMERS and by educating their constituents they will accelerate demand for Green Cleaning.

Green Is No Longer Just About Chemicals:  Until recently, it seemed that it was enough just to switch to a citrus-based cleaning chemical, but no more.  At this year’s ISSA convention a significant number of manufacturers were exhibiting their new green products, while at the US Green Build Council’s annual convention the number of cleaning product manufacturers exhibiting more than doubled from last year and included manufacturers of chemicals, paper, mats and equipment.

Green Contractors and Distributors:  Not only have product manufacturers been forced by the increasing competition to improve their products and offer better Green programs, but the competition around Green Cleaning now includes major, mid-sized and small cleaning contractors.  Plus, more and more jansan distributors have begun launching Green programs, which makes it even easier for contractors to get onboard.

Green Goes International:  For years it seemed the Green Cleaning was a US phenomenon.  In 2005, Green Cleaning made tremendous strides in Canada, who now may actually be ahead of the US, and the Commission on Environmental Cooperation, a joint effort between the US, Canadian and Mexican governments who is trying to harmonize environmental purchasing in North America set launching Green Cleaning in Mexico as one of its primary objectives.

New Product Standards And Certifications:  In 2005, Green Seal completed a new floor care standard and launched the development of a new program for janitorial contractors.  Additionally, we saw both chemical and paper manufacturers certified through the Environmental Choice Program out of Canada, the Greenguard Environmental Institute began certifying cleaning chemicals for VOC content, and the Carpet & Rug Institute launched a new Green Label program for carpet spot removers in addition to their standard for vacuum cleaners.

2005 was an incredible year for Green Cleaning.  As the number of organizations, educational programs, products, contractors, distributors, international efforts, new product standards, and certification programs continue to grow it will bode well for Green Cleaning.  With your help, we should see this growth continue, as one of the most important trends in the cleaning industry in decades.

Good luck selling.