How to keep your work space clean while being sustainable

As your awareness of sustainability practices grows, you realize that most processes for cleaning end up being wasteful or release harmful substances into the environment.

In general, most cleaning products start with a petroleum base or release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the environment. At the same time, wipes and paper towels are often single-use solutions. These traditional approaches increase the amount of waste heading to landfills, pollute indoor air quality and release questionable, toxic substances into the atmosphere.

In turn, as you think about cleaning your desk at home or in the office, make your cleaning eco-friendlier with the following suggestions:

Go for Green Cleaning Products

This no-brainer marks a logical starting spot. As an introduction, green cleaning products, whether purchased or made at home, are non-toxic, biodegradable and use renewable ingredients. Take this approach across soaps, multi-purpose cleaners and sanitizers.

As you shop around, look for solutions that use plant oils or enzymes rather than petroleum products, are free of phosphates and feature a Green Seal. Or, for a quick alternative, combine vinegar and baking soda to clean and deodorize a number of surfaces.

Furthermore, consider how you dispose of existing traditional cleaning products. Avoid throwing them in the trash or pouring them down the drain. Instead, look for recycling programs geared toward disposing toxic substances. Otherwise, these end up in a landfill environment and can contaminate the local water supply.

Think About How You Dust

Ask yourself if you truly need that dedicated dust spray, or if water or a vinegar and baking soda combination plus a rag made of repurposed fabric will do.

For your desk, remove all objects first and then go over all surfaces and corners with the rag and cleaning solution. Then, individually clean each item that sits on or gets placed below the desk.

Don’t forget about the mousepad. Rather than risk damaging the surface or aluminum components, you can use a mild soap and water or a dry brush to remove dust from the surface.

Pay Attention to Indoor Air Quality

Air fresheners also release potentially harmful substances into your home’s or office’s interior. As a substitute, consider boiling spices or herbs to generate a more pleasant scent for your at-home desk area, or add a few house plants.

Reduce Plastic and Single-Use Products

Desk cleaning, unfortunately, frequently relies on single-use products — many of which use plastic. To get out of this habit:

·         Avoid cleaning products that use plastic packaging and, instead, seek out options in glass or paper.

·         Look for reusable and refillable products or purchase in bulk, including for soaps and cleaners.

·         Move away from paper towel and sanitary wipe use. Instead, look for reusable rags or repurpose old clothes or fabrics.

·         If you have to have a roll of paper towels or wipes around, look for those made from post-consumer waste.

As you think about making your office’s cleaning strategy more sustainable, get custom guidance from Packaging HERO®. Contact us today to learn more about our consulting services.