Clean VS. Green: Finding a Happy Medium

When it comes to cleaning products it is difficult to find a good balance between a product that will perform well in a building of the scale of HI-Chicago, but one that will also be environmentally friendly. Many chemical products do a great job disinfecting and getting rid of all the dirt and grime. This is a priority for us, as we want all of our guests to feel comfortable in a clean environment. However, many chemical cleaning products often can be harsh on the environment. For example disinfectants kill virtually all bacteria, which can in fact have negative effects on the environment and arguably on our health, as we will not build immunity to many of these common bacteria. In addition some products can release chemicals that can be toxic. We have already been using multiple “green” products for a significant amount of time. However, in our pursuit of excellence, we are continually searching for something that will better fulfill all of our criteria. Currently we are completing further research and comparing products to determine which products will perform the best while also truly being “green” and safe for our environment, guests and staff.

Let us know what is a priority for you - A “clean” environment, or a “green” environment? When is clean to clean? And when is green too green?

For example, the LEED certification has the following certification for hand soap:

“No antimicrobial agents (other than as a preservative) except where required by health codes and other regulations (i.e., food service and health care requirements).”

This standard is likely an attempt to curtail the very high use and dependency of places on antimicrobial products. Do you support this standard? Feel free to share your thoughts.

Check our blog regularly to stay updated on the progress that we continue to make in finding the best eco-friendly cleaning products!