Go Green Matter

More and more workplaces are starting to take an interest in going green and green living. With the boom in technology today, we are surrounded by a rich variety of technological tools to get things done more efficiently and effectively. We don’t realize that this same technology can be used as a solution to help us in our objectives of greener living. Here are some ways that you can use technology, and turn it into green technology that will help the environment:

Using Voice over IP to have Remote Meetings
Instead of flying or driving to different places to have face to face meetings in distant places, encourage employees and managers to use VoIP, Skype, and other great applications, that only need a good internet connection, to have a productive meeting. Instead of tiring out employees to have meetings outside the office, have them do teleconferences from the office to clients outside.

Take Advantage of Communication Gadgets
With the technological breakthroughs in communications, provide employees with communications gadgets that can keep them in constant contact with each other to increase productivity and to enable a better monitoring system. Teamwork can be better achieved if you keep communications of all forms open to all team members.

Maintaining Online Libraries and Databases
You will find that when you run an organization, at one point or another, you will need databases and libraries to store all your information. Instead of a physical library, create an online library of information so that employees don’t find themselves digging into physical files to look for data or printing information that they will end up throwing away later. Online information made available at least on the local network for your employees will save paper and time.

With these technologies, you will find that productivity will go up because of people doing work more efficiently due to open communications, available online searchable data, and teleconferencing. It is always important for all organizations to keep up with the times by using compost bin, practicing green living through green technology through the wise use of available technology.

It’s already hard going green in basic home cleaning what more commercial cleaning. Cleaning products both in normal to industrial strength can be found for practically everything from dishes and furniture, clothing and windows and floors.

Commercial cleaning definitely needs something a whole lot stronger compared to domestic cleaners but that doesn’t mean green cleaning can be forsaken. In our war on dirt and germs, there’s definitely something that is environmentally friendly.

In commercial cleaning, the best way to go is to incorporate the use of green cleaning products. With the whole world becoming more and more aware of our carbon footprints on earth, more and more companies and industries are coming up with eco friendly cleaning alternatives compared to the conventional cleaning products. With the emergence of eco friendly cleaning products, it brings about a new legion of non-toxic, biodegradable and environmentally safe cleaners.

What to look for in green commercial cleaning:

a)     Neutral pH

What exactly is neutral pH? In scientific terms, neutral is classified and given the value of 7.0 and this is based on how the product reacts with the environment once it has been introduced to water systems, the effects of the cleaned surface as well as the effects on the usage on skin. Neutral 7.0 pH levels do not have reactive effects to surfaces.

Some of the benefits of using neutral pH cleansers is that it would not harm even sensitive areas such as marble and it would definitely not harm the pH levels of your skin. Commercial cleaning green products will keep your surfaces cleaned without emitting harmful toxins or substances.

b)    Biodegradable

It really isn’t no point if your cleaner says its green but it isn’t biodegradable. Some of the main elements that make up green cleaners are the fact that they are biodegradable. Commercial cleaning takes a lot more water and cleaning liquid or substance to clean both interior and exterior of a building. Once this gets washed out from the building, the build up of the excess water and cleaning products can cause pollution. Our environment is exposed to all the filth that we wash down the drain. That is why using biodegradable cleaning products are essential in going green while cleaning. When buying commercial cleaning green products, look for those that meet the EPA’s standard of biodegradability which is within 28 days with no aquatic toxicity.

c)     Plant-Based

Plants have long been used for medicinal and health purposes both as traditional healing methods as well as for modern medicine. Even while looking for green commercial cleaners, purchase those that are plant based. Plant based cleaners have more benefits to your commercial building, its occupants as well as the environment than any synthetic cleanser can give you. Plant based cleaners are also more safe compared to synthetic cleaners. They do not emit any harmful smells that could eventually damage the lungs long term, they are also safer on the skin.

At the end of the day, green cleaning is essential to not only protect the environment but it is also important in maintaining and keeping the safety levels of cleaners and the maintenance crew in check. Using green cleaning products can reduce the risk of any accidents and harmful reactions of your workers.

I am only 15 years old but have learned a lot in school and on my own about how important it is to take care of the planet and try to repair much of the damage that has been done by previous generations. Don’t get me wrong, I love my iPod, my net-book and getting a ride to the local mall with my mom but I just think it is so sad that so many generations have taken this earth for granted and now it is up to me and my future generations to fix it.

I spend a lot of time doing research on the web because I am part of a local non-profit called Green for Saving the Earth we hold weekly meetings and try and educate our local community on how to contribute to a greener earth. I often search the web for good green blogs and directory sites but I also believe in giving to charity. One of the most interesting ideas I have come across is charity car donation programs, they often give money from a donated car to charity and most of them use eco-friendly disposal of the cars. Whatever your age, please help do something today for a greener tomorrow!