Green cleaning has certainly come a long way, depending on the marketplace we are discussing. In the institutional and commercial marketplaces, which include offices, schools, public buildings, etc., green cleaning products are now selected over conventional products 35 percent to as high as 50 percent of the time.
This not only includes cleaning chemicals made from environmentally preferable ingredients, but also green paper products, high-efficiency cleaning equipment designed to be more sustainable and protective of the environment, and other tools and products that typically make up a green cleaning program.
But, this green cleaning success in the commercial and institutional markets does not appear to be evolving as fast or as far in the residential market. According to estimates, sales of green cleaning products sold in grocery stores and other retail outlets amounts to only about one percent of the market.
The question is why?
The simple answer is that the institutional and commercial industries have more reasons to be green. If seeking LEED certification, they must be using green cleaning products. Some facilities, such as school districts, are now required by law to only select environmentally preferable products.
And, there are several economic reasons. Commercial property owners often can ask higher rents when a facility is green cleaned. Tenants and potential tenants believe it is an indication that the facility is better operated. Additionally, studies now indicate worker productivity often goes up in green facilities. When worker productivity goes up, costs go down, and that is something that is on the top of every business’ list right now.
So, what about the home market? Let’s be frank. There are millions of Americans very concerned about their jobs and finances right now. If green cleaning products cost more, as they often do in the residential market, it is not surprising when a less environmentally healthy, but less costly and still effective, conventional product is selected.
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