Impact of Janitorial Supplies on Environment
There is a growing concern about the impact of janitorial supplies on environment. Most of these supplies are chemicals that are produced artificially. The manufacturing unit releases some pollutants. Many pollutants that these manufacturing units release are separated into more elemental levels so that microbes may use them, and they get used in the usual processes. Generally, this pollutant degradation process is completed within a month. However, there are some of these pollutants that are not easily broken down by the natural environment. When these chemicals remain in the atmosphere, they may enter the food and water chain, and eventually cause health problems to life forms. In so far as employees of any organization are concerned, such as pollutants may be responsible for respiratory problems, irritation, and even lead to cancers.
Pollutants are nothing but harmful chemicals that are formed during manufacturing process, or while using such products. The pollution control authorities do issue certificates for janitorial supplies. These are the Green seals. This certificate signifies that the pollutants released during or after the manufacture process is possibly biodegradable, or not hazardous. Moreover, the quanta of such pollutants are within the permissible limits. At times, the certificate may be interpreted as stating that only environmentally friendly ingredients are used in the janitorial supplies. Such certificate is also an indication of how much the manufacturer is concerned about the environment.
The raw materials and consumables used for manufacturing janitorial supplies may be a direct or indirect source of the pollutants. Many of these consumables and raw materials are chemicals obtained from petroleum or crude oil. It isn’t as if the manufacturers of janitorial supplies do not have other alternatives. They do. There are ample raw materials and consumables that can be obtained from plants. These are equally effective. However, there is this general impression that janitorial supplies made from materials obtained from plants cannot be as fast or as good as the janitorial supplies that are artificially produced using the chemicals. This impression is not always true. In view of the competition, the manufacturer has a little choice but to lean towards the petroleum-based chemicals over the plant based chemicals, even though a plant based chemicals are renewable. Making people aware of the environmentally friendly products is a long drawn process. Such products may be costlier as well. The other drawback is of course consistent supplies of the plant-based raw materials or consumables.
Many people opt for janitorial supplies based on fragrances. Fragrances are added to these supplies using some organic compounds that are volatile. What people are not aware is that this compound may actually pollute the room where the cleaning agents with such fragrance are used. Moreover, many of these VOCs (volatile organic compounds) cause asthma, and other respiratory ailments. Some of these VOCs are also carcinogenic.
In view of the above, it becomes imperative to buy janitorial supplies with utmost care. Looking for Green seals would help in selecting the right product, and portray the company as an environmentally conscious business. That would fetch goodwill of the employees as well as customers.
