Article Number : 3956 |
|
Article Detail |
|
 | |
| Date | 12/5/2008 8:47:35 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=3956 |
| Abstract | By Denise Levesque Chemical companies commonly use terms such as green, eco-friendly and environmentally preferable when marketing green product lines. These claims have lulled the average consumer into a state of false security. Green is not simple, nor is it always logical... |
| Article | By Denise Levesque Chemical companies commonly use terms such as green, eco-friendly and environmentally preferable when marketing green product lines. These claims have lulled the average consumer into a state of false security. Green is not simple, nor is it always logical. The truth is that not all are created equal. However, the vast majority of people accept at face value the claims made by the chemical companies. Notwithstanding the above, not all is doom and gloom. There are responsible corporate citizens out there, and the following guidelines will help you recognize them. As a general rule of thumb, they are companies that have well-documented evidence of a genuine commitment to the environment. When accessing their Web sites, you immediately sense their passion for the environment. The information they provide is easy to understand and educational. They aim to inform the consumer and are fierce disciples of “full disclosure.” Because they have nothing to hide, they readily provide easy access to their Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) directly on their Web sites and guide the consumer through the important areas to look at. In essence, they decode this complicated document, which is filled with scientific jargon that only a precious few understand. The price of chemical cleaning The increase of diseases directly linked to cleaning chemicals is staggering. Only 30 years ago, the three prevailing childhood diseases were chicken pox, measles and mumps. Today, it is asthma, attention deficient disorder and cancer. And, compelling research points a decisive finger at the cleaning chemicals we use everyday to keep our homes clean and germ free, and the pesticides we use to keep our lawns green. There are a number of ways to initiate change. The first is to hold chemical companies accountable by insisting on full disclosure of all ingredients in their products. In my opinion, MSDS must be available to the average consumer—not only in the workplace. Next, regulatory bodies need to ensure that all sections on the MSDS are completed fully and should be standardized. Finally, the certification guidelines for green cleaning products need to be far more stringent than they are today. It is clearly apparent that our actions with respect to the environment will impact the quality of life for future generations. It is essential the general public is adequately informed about the chemicals they use and understand how these chemicals affect their health and the wellbeing of their children. Only then will they be adequately equipped to separate the wheat from the chaff and demand the changes that are necessary to keep us healthy. Denise Levesque is a 21-year veteran of the hospitality industry. She researched, pioneered and implemented chemical-free cleaning in both a hotel and luxury resort. She is the recipient of a number of environmental awards. She can be reached at denisemlevesque@hotmail.com. |