So much has happened since last month’s issue of DestinationGreen. Since returning we have begun our participation as part of the implementation Task Force for the State of Illinois as they put together the implementation of their new Green Cleaning in Schools legislation. What makes this even more important is that we believe that other states will be following Illinois lead.

In addition, we recently attended ISSA’s Convention which they now conduct along with IEHA, ARCP and other organizations in Orlando. I gave an “advanced” presentation on what the future holds for Green Cleaning to a packed room (drop us an email if you want a copy of the presentation), introduced our newest book coauthored with David Holly titled Green Selling Tips and we began finalizing the next steps in helping to “green” the Mexican cleaning industry.

And if you walked the Convention Hall I’m sure you’d agree that “green” was everywhere. It was evident that more R&D dollars are being invested in “green” technologies as the innovations are becoming more significant. It is really amazing how far we’ve come in such a short period of time and I felt so proud to be part of the cleaning industry.

But our month still wasn’t finished as we headed to New Orleans for IFMA’s World Workplace. Please don’t misunderstand --- I am very proud of the cleaning industry and what our trade associations are doing to support and advance the “cause” of Green Cleaning. But IFMA is significant because they represent the customer or the “demand-side” of the marketplace. And by helping to accelerate demand, we can reduce the risk for manufacturers, distributors and service providers and to help insure a “healthy” return on their investment.

And while at IFMA, I was fortunate enough to participate in what I consider a historic event. A Memorandum of Intent was signed between IFMA and the US Green Building Council to work together on sustainability and Green Building issues. And by working together, not only will this increase the global environmental benefits, but it will serve to accelerate the demand for green products and services as well. A true win-win!

Finally, since our last edition of DestinationGreen I received a package that I have been waiting to get for almost 15 years. I received samples from Clorox of their new “green” consumer product line. Please know that Clorox is not my client --- so this is not a case of simply promoting a client’s new product.

What makes this significant is that these samples represented the first products from one of the major household product companies specifically marketed as “green”. Now that the first of the giant consumer companies have entered the field --- the others won’t be far behind and with their multimillion dollar advertising dollars I believe that this will have a spill-over affect and contribute to hastening demand for green products in the jansan industry.

As Victor Hugo once said “nothing, not all the armies of the world can stop an idea whose time has come.” Clearly, Green Cleaning’s time is now and I can’t thank you enough for your efforts. Together, we really are changing the world.

Steve

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About the Author:

A 25+ year veteran of the cleaning industry, Stephen Ashkin is the author of Green Cleaning for Dummies and a tireless advocate for environmentally preferable cleaning products. Often referred to as the “father of green cleaning,” Ashkin has played a pivotal role in setting industry standards, promoting environmentally preferable products, and advocating for socially responsible practices.

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