Spring 2008

June 10th, 2009 by Laura Voisine

Categories:

of Greater Bridgeport

Spring/2008 Industry INsights

Dear Laura,

With tax season behind us and summer looming attractively in the distance, we are turning our attention to our greener side. In light of our present economic and ecological positions, you might also be having green thoughts. Last quarter we brought you some of our favorite tips for increasing productivity. In this edition you will find a practical and compelling perspective on the green movement. Read on!

Betwixt or BeGreen?

In my 25 years in the cleaning business, I've witnessed the gradual elimination of products that were excellent at cleaning things buthad serious health trade-offs. Your carpet spots would come out very nicely but your skin would burn afterwards. It was discovered that these chemicals were finding a home in people's livers and kidneys after making our homes sparkling clean.

Now, I would not consider myself a "tree hugger", but sharing a home with my wife, children and dog prompts the sensitive side of me to think greener thoughts.

For those of you not ready to replace your Volvo with a Prius or your methylbenzene-buterol with baking soda quite yet, we suggest you take this revolution in rational increments beginning with the affordable healthy choices first.

There are many good web sites dedicated to natural cleaning products, etc. In fact, stocking your shelves with vinegar, table salt or castile soaps and hydrogen peroxide would be a great place to start. Have fun with this and try some of the do-it-yourself recipes on the web. Also, always follow safety warnings!

If all else fails, call us at 800-933-6569 or check out our website, www.gogreenwithclean.com.

Paul Plouffe

President CEO

ServiceMaster Greater Bridgeport

What does it really mean to "go green"

Listed below are a few of our favorite links. Check them out and be informed.

WorldChanging A solutions-based online magazine informed by the premise that new tools, models and ideas for building a bright, green future lie all around us. A great overview of green tools and technology for businesses and homes.

New York Times: "Buying into the Green Movement" This article takes a closer look at the environmental "return on investment", if you will, of green consumer trends.

Green Cross International The mission of this organization is to ensure a just, sustainable and secure future for all cultivating a new sense of global interdependence and shared responsibility in humanity's relationship with nature. This site gives a good global perspective on environmental issues.

GoGreen ServiceMaster's green division which focuses mostly on "green cleaning." A great example of a company that is active and innovative on the environmental front.