5 Ways to a More Sustainable Cleaning Regime
Looking for some simple ways to look after our environment?
Looking after our environment is becoming increasingly important. Having recently obtained the ISO 14001 certification, we are constantly seeking ways to do better. To follow are five ways we can all move towards a more sustainable cleaning regime...
1. Reduction of Single Use Plastics
According to the WWF, eight million tonnes of plastic end up in our oceans every year, killing and harming marine life. It’s therefore important that we play our part in putting an end to this harmful use of plastics.
At Rapid Clean we use the Triple 8 Dose which is the best on the market for reduction of single use plastics. The chemical comes in a highly concentrated format with an easy dosing system. Our cleaning operatives re-use the trigger bottles over and over again, which eliminates single use plastics.
It also has the added credentials of reducing CO2 in transport; as it is concentrated, each box is smaller (a 1L bottle makes the equivalent of 100 trigger sprays) so this dramatically reduces CO2.
2. Re-using Consumables
Re-using consumables is a great way to avoid disposable items going into the waste stream. Microfibre cloths can be washed after every use which makes them a good tool to aid sustainable cleaning. At Rapid Clean we use these on every site.
Did you know that we can even source mops made out of old baby wipes? Or cleaning trolleys and buckets made from recycled plastics?
3. FSC Sourced Paper
The key with paper is to ensure it comes from FSC sources. The FSC system allows businesses and consumers to identify, purchase and use wood, paper and other forest products made with materials from well-managed forests and/or recycled sources.
Our aim is that all paper-based consumables come from a sustainably managed forest, so trees are planted to replace those harvested for paper usage.
Fully recycled paper is the most eco-friendly option but this is usually of a lower grade than "pure" tissue, so customers often prefer the latter. FSC sourced paper is a good alternative and our customers currently use a mixture of both.
4. Biodegradable Refuse Sacks
These do exactly what you expect - when put into the waste stream, they biodegrade instead of sitting in landfill as a plastic bag. Biodegradable sacks are currently quite a bit more expensive than standard refuse sacks so if you’re looking for something in between, green sacks are made from recycled farm bale so have a good environmental profile.
5. Reducing Journeys by Buying in Bulk
Our supplier, Castle (EU) Ltd, works hard to reduce their carbon footprint. They do this by distributing from a single location, rather than a multi-depot. They also use pre-established courier networks, which reduces carbon emissions by combining fleets.
Another way we can all assist in this mission, is by buying in bulk. It not only reduces the need for multiple journeys, but minimises packaging waste. If you have plenty of storage space, this can also reduce your costs which makes it a win/win! 
If you're a Rapid customer and would like to enquire about the products mentioned here, or investigate sustainable versions of the products you are currently using, please contact us on 0845 0742981.
Credit to Castle (EU) Ltd for the facts and images.
