Answers to Your Questions About Green Cleaning What & Why.

Answers to Your Questions Answers to Your Questions About Green CleaningAbout Green Cleaning

What & Why

Cleaning for GreenCleaning for Green

--Turning the Right Thing to Do Turning the Right Thing to Do into the Rational and Profitable into the Rational and Profitable

Thing to Do!Thing to Do!

What is Green Cleaning?

Is Now the Time?

Two fundamental principles

1. Cleaning Green is a process, not just a new cleaning product.

2. Cleaning green must not only be the right thing to do, it must be the rational and profitable thing to do.

Dr. Michael Berry – Retired EPA Research Scientist

Retired Professor – U. of North Carolina

Led two groundbreaking scientific studies of cleaning and indoor environmental quality improvement

CIRI Scientific Advisor

Author of “Cleaning for Health – Protecting the Built Environment”

““Be Be CautiousCautious Before You Rush To Before You Rush To Green”Green”

Dr. Michael Berry

Be Be CautiousCautious Before You Rush To Before You Rush To GreenGreen

Green is a process, not a chemical.

We must have science that supports the effectiveness of the “green” solution.

“Green” and “cleaning” are synonymous terms – proper removal, collection, and disposal of unwanted matter is healthy and good for the environment. Dr. Michael Berry


Examples of indoor environmental disasters caused by switching to so-called green chemicals for political purposes

1. Bacterial and viral outbreaks in health care facilities caused by ineffective and untested “green” disinfectants

Dr. Michael Berry


Disasters - Continued2. Overuse and misuse of “green” cleaning

chemicals because they were not getting the surfaces cleaned. A build-up of “seed-based” organic surfactants being applied and not completely rinsed / extracted leading to “mold farms.” When products are ineffective at cleaning, the natural tendency of the technician is to apply more.

Dr. Michael Berry

Green cleaning could be called Green cleaning could be called “cleaning green”“cleaning green”

“Cleaning green ... is achieved by employing cleaning products, formulas, equipment, procedures or systems intended to minimize any harmful environmental impact and maximize sustainability of our built environment; such environments include human health, the air we breathe, the water we use, the land and our earth.”

Dr. Steven Spivak

• Professor Emeritus, University of Maryland• ASTM International• RIA (Formerly ASCR)• ANSI• Standards Engineering Society• ISO

Is Green Always Green?Is Green Always Green?

Just because something is called green, does that mean it is really beneficial for you, your customer and the environment?

Some green ideas, adopted for political reasons or marketing strategies are not well thought out.

Remember How the Government Remember How the Government Helped Us Save Water?Helped Us Save Water?

Those low flow toilets that had to be flushed several times to get the job done

Ideas like using cold water and limiting cleaners to less effective products can result in more chemicals getting into the environment.

What Should Green What Should Green Cleaning Include?Cleaning Include?

8 Dynamics of green 8 Dynamics of green cleaningcleaning

1. Outdoor environmental impact and footprint 2. Indoor environmental quality 3. Sustainability and the use of renewable

resources 4. Packaging and recycling issues5. Reducing use of resources 6. Health impact upon the occupants of the home

or business7. Impact of the “new” green chemistry upon the

construction and texture of the surface being cleaned

8. Cleaning effectiveness

What is called green today?What is called green today?

Almost anything someone wants to call green.

Example - Clinton era rule: If it is environmentally preferable over what it replaced it can be called green.

Switching from plastic wrap to cardboard box qualified some products to be called green.

Green Cleaning Chemistry Green Cleaning Chemistry and Certification Programsand Certification Programs

Some of the Players in this Game Green Seal (GS-37) US EPA Design for Environment (DfE) GreenList Program Eco-Green Cleangredients California Air Resource Board

(CARB)

DfE

C.A.R.B.No one certification program covers all of the 8 dynamics!

Shades of GreenShades of Green

Over 300 organizations with different definitions of green

How do our customers define green?No harm to them or family; Their pets;

Cleaning techs; The environmentNatural sources, sustainable

Who Else Is Trying to Who Else Is Trying to Define Green?Define Green?

Home products manufacturers are introducing their definitions of “green cleaning” through ads on Oprah and Desperate Housewives.

Do your customers listen to what Oprah says?

Look at What’s Been called Look at What’s Been called Green for Carpet CleaningGreen for Carpet Cleaning

Is It Really Green?Is It Really Green?

One company who has SOME Green Seal products, shows the Green Seal Logo in advertising that includes other products that are not certified as green.

The fact is that…The fact is that…

Kermit was wrong….

It’s too easy to say your “green”

Green Cleaning Certification Green Cleaning Certification and Your Walletand Your Wallet

This has an immediate impact upon you as a professional cleaner ...

Large commercial business or government cleaning contracts may require “green products” as a provision of the bid.



Upper Middle and Upper Income Prospects:Many Work in “Green Buildings” Informed about Green IssuesAre Socially ResponsibleShow “Green Concerns”

Who Is a Green Customer?Who Is a Green Customer?

Not her!It is not aging hippies

that spend money on green cleaning.

Who Is a Green Customer?Who Is a Green Customer?

This woman. (Yes, it is women we market to.)

EducatedWell informedProfessional job with

responsibility

Will These Prospects Buy from Will These Prospects Buy from a Green company?a Green company?

Will These Prospects Buy from Will These Prospects Buy from a Green company?a Green company?

Good Housekeeping survey reports that 42% will pay more for environmentally friendly or green products and services.

Survey – 73% would choosegreen if price was equal

or only slightly more.

Cleaning the totally trashed out and filthy carpet with caked on grease in a Chinese Restaurant has NOTHING to do with what we are discussing!

Why is Bridgepoint Involved?

What do We Offer?

Bridgepoint is Bringing Common Bridgepoint is Bringing Common Sense and Balance to the Green Sense and Balance to the Green

PicturePicture

We have been innovative and first on many products – but these issues were too important to rush into. We wanted to get the facts straight, use the truly best formulation technology, and put our customer first in how we approached this.

Green is a process, not just Green is a process, not just a cleaning solutiona cleaning solution

We recognize that green is more that a cleaning solution. It’s a process.

Green cleaning must include the proper management of the environment being cleaned.

It includes a properly trained cleaning technician who understands the nature and construction of the surface they are cleaning, as well as the composition of the soling they want to extract.

It includes proper cleaning procedures according to industry standards.

Finally, it includes the proper disposal of cleaning waste water.

Green is so much more than how a chemical is made; it’s a commitment to understanding how it is used in the overall cleaning process.

Green based on research and Green based on research and scientific testing, not hype and scientific testing, not hype and

what “sounds good”what “sounds good”

We carefully studied and evaluated the science behind the recommendations for “green ingredients” from a number of sources. While we evaluated guidelines from a number of “green” certification and listing programs, we found that the best guidelines came from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Design for Environment (DfE) program

We insisted that the companies who supplied us with ingredients and claimed they were “green,” had the information to back up their claims.

Green based on research and Green based on research and scientific testing, not hype and scientific testing, not hype and

what “sounds good”what “sounds good”

We tested and evaluated the formulas for cleaning effectiveness in our own laboratory and in field testing. Then we submitted the formulas to a leading independent testing laboratory to scientifically measure the level of actual soil removal, and to ensure that they did not contribute to rapid resoling.

Then we knew that we had green cleaning solutions that had the best presently available facts and science backing them up.

Committing to the process ofCommitting to the process of Cleaning GreenCleaning Green

1. We chose green cleaning products that have been tested, measured, and demonstrated to work – Bridgepoint Green Balance. The answer to a carpet cleaning job with significant soiling is not to continuously apply more chemical to get the job done.

Introducing Green Balance from Introducing Green Balance from BridgepointBridgepoint

They are approved by the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Seal of Approval Program (SOA) signifying their cleaning effectiveness, as well as the fact they do not contribute to re-soiling. The CRI testing process Assure pH is not excessive The solution contains no optical

brighteners Measures any negative effect on carpet

texture Makes sure no residue is left that would

cause rapid re-soiling. Finally it measures for soil removal and

cleaning effectiveness.

Green Balance from Bridgepoint Green Balance from Bridgepoint – –

Ingredients from renewable sources, quickly biodegradable

Non-toxic; no known carcinogens; no allergy triggers

No added fragrancesNo Added dyesNo Solvents!

Ideal for homes with chemical sensitivities

Green Balance from Bridgepoint Green Balance from Bridgepoint – Why no solvents?– Why no solvents?

Safety for the users and occupants Regulations (in California and 10 other

states) limit the allowable level of solvents to a level where effectiveness is doubtful. These restrictions are only going to get tighter.

Solvents, even natural ones, are not typically “green.”

Soybean oil replacement solvents are massive contributors to carpet re-soiling.

Why is now the time for green cleaning and Why is now the time for green cleaning and Bridgepoint Green Balance Cleaning Solutions?Bridgepoint Green Balance Cleaning Solutions?

The right thing to do is now finally the rational thing to do.

It is highly “marketable” to the clientele most of you are after.

Because you recognize green is more than a cleaning product, it’s a commitment to an overall process.

We have Many Green ProductsWe have Many Green Products

Different shadesNone are harmful when used as

directedProducts from Natural or renewable

Sources – Citrus SolvPlentiful sources – Prolon

phosphates Only food grade ingredients are used,

Green is a commitment ...Green is a commitment ...

... to providing your customer with cleaning and confidence.

Green Balance is also a commitment to you our customer, to use the best available science, understanding and testing we can to bring to you, recognizing that the way carpets look, feel and perform after they have cleaned them is critical to your reputation as a professional.

It’s about providing you with a “green” cleaning solution that you can be absolutely confident will provide your customer with a cleaner, fresher carpet.

Is marketing the concept of Is marketing the concept of “green” or “environmentally “green” or “environmentally

preferred” new to carpet preferred” new to carpet cleaning?cleaning?

The answer is a resounding….The answer is a resounding….

As a matter of fact, many successful and savvy marketers like you have been

doing this for years!

NO!

So what has changed?So what has changed?

The right thing to do has now become the rational business decision to make

Why? Improved performance of green cleaning

products Improved marketing strategies have taken the

cleaners in this audience beyond cleaning the carpet in a Chinese restaurant

Whether you believe it is the planet, the professors, or the politicians that are in peril, the economic drive to switch to

green is growing.

Consumers Are AssaultedConsumers Are Assaultedwith Green Informationwith Green Information

The environment and green causes are in the news daily.

Consumer may be persuaded to Consumer may be persuaded to think globally but she acts think globally but she acts

locally.locally.She is more concerned about her

kids and pets (and maybe her husband) than global warming.

““Green” Marketing Programs Green” Marketing Programs that are Working…that are Working…

Sell the benefits that mean the most to her… (clean carpet looks good and it is healthy) ... then bring in the added benefit that your service is green

Does Your Client Believe You’re Does Your Client Believe You’re Green?Green?

It takes more than your ad copy to convince her ...

The Green Balance The Green Balance Carpet Cleaning Process Carpet Cleaning Process

Provides…Provides…

How can you market green and answer every potential client’s question ...

“What’s in it for me?”

Carpet you can truly live Carpet you can truly live on…on…

Committed Technicians - “Our company is committed to the technical education of our cleaning technicians in the best cleaning practices in the industry. They understand the construction of your carpet and the nature of the substances that soil them.”

What’s in it for your customer?The Green Balance™ Process for A Clean, Safe, & Healthy Home


Safe Cleaning Products – “The cleaning solutions we use are safe for your children and pets. They are ideal for cleaning in homes with chemical sensitivities because they contain no added fragrances, dyes, or solvents. And they won’t hurt the construction or texture of your carpeting.”



EPA Studies Confirm Cleaning Makes Your Home Healthier -

“Environmental Protection Agency studies confirmed that periodic, professional cleaning using truck mounted hot water extraction carpet cleaning had a dramatic, positive impact on the reduction of contaminants, pollutants, and allergens in the indoor environment.”



Guaranteed Work – “If you’re unhappy with our work for any reason, we’ll work until your satisfied.”



Effective Cleaning Products and Techniques -

“The cleaning solutions we use have been tested and scrutinized by an independent laboratory to ensure they work effectively. We guarantee they will improve the visual appearance of your carpet and not contribute to rapid re-soiling. Your carpets will stay cleaner longer.”



Effective Cleaning Products and Techniques – “Also, our powerful cleaning process safely and effectively removes almost every spill your family can conjure up. A few specialty stains may require additional treatment steps, but rest assured we have the most technologically advanced stain removal processes available.”



– Cleaning that Keeps Your Carpet Warranty Intact - “We are your carpet warranty experts. Our cleaning processes and solutions have been tested and approved by leading carpet manufacturers. Most carpet stain resistant and texture retention warranties require periodic professional hot water extraction cleaning. Our cleaning solutions are approved by the Carpet and Rug Institute Seal of Approval Program We’ll provide you with the documentation you need to keep your carpet warranties in full effect!”


Oh yeah. Our cleaning processes and solutions are GREEN, too!

What makes them feel good and reinforces their decision?

And a world you and your children can truly live in…

What Message Does Your Customer Want to Hear from You?

Let’s examine the points you want to make to position your company as their choice for green cleaning.


1. Our company is committed to protecting the earth When they provide the equal or best

cleaning performance available, our cleaning solutions contain ingredients that are derived from sustainable and renewable resources rather than petroleum oil

Our cleaning solutions are biodegradable and non-toxic

We safely and properly dispose of our cleaning wastewater in accordance with the highest standards of care. There is no harmful build-up of caustic or dangerous solutions in our water supply.


Our company is committed to protecting the earth

Our cleaning solutions are completely solvent free. No harmful Volatile Organic Compound (V.O.C.) Emissions. No contributions to harmful atmospheric gases

Our Green Balance cleaning solutions are ultra-concentrated, reducing use of resources in transport and use, and the amount of cleaning solution needed.

Our company has made a commitment to recycling all of the product containers we use.

Committing to the process of Committing to the process of Cleaning GreenCleaning Green

2. Our company is committed to best practices to minimize waste, maximize recycling and the conservation of natural resources, and leaving no harmful environmental footprint as a result of the carpet cleaning process and the daily operations of our company.


3. Our company recognizes the product life cycle of carpet from fiber production to manufacturing, to installation, to maintenance and cleaning, to recycling after the useful life of the carpet has been reached.


4. Our company has made a commitment to clean carpeting in accordance with the best practices of the industry.

5. Our company is committed to the education of our cleaning technicians as to what these best cleaning and operation practices are, as well as an understanding of the construction of carpet, and the nature of the soiling to be extracted from the carpeting.



6. Our company has made a commitment to the proper operation and maintenance of its cleaning equipment, tools, and vehicle fleet. We want to reduce emissions and avoid wasting precious resources.

7. Our company has made a commitment to make sure that exhaust from the cleaning equipment or vehicle is directed away from the building being cleaned, and properly exhausted to the outdoor environment


8. Our company has committed to educate the public about the importance of cleaning in accordance with cleaning frequencies recommended by the carpet manufacturer, and as outlined in cleaning industry standards developed with the input of the United States Environmental Protection Agency. It recognizes that the carpet should not be allowed to deteriorate to the point that green cleaning products can not adequately remove and extract the build up of soil and pollutants from the carpet.


More on marketing and selling More on marketing and selling “Cleaning Green”“Cleaning Green”

Consumer Brochure You could use our

brochure… You can make your

own.

How Can You Address How Can You Address Consumer Concerns About Consumer Concerns About

Carpet Cleaning?Carpet Cleaning?

Responding to ConcernsResponding to Concerns

What Should Be Mom’s #1 Concern?1. Dirty Carpet is a much bigger

threat than any cleaning product!Spilled food and beverages, clothing lint,

tracked in organic matter are all great food sources for microbes, mold, bacteria


#2 Unprotected carpet allows more of these food sources to be absorbed into the carpet and stay in the carpet longer.

When Maxim Advanced Protector is applied, liquids can be blotted up; even dry soils are vacuumed away more effectively


#3 Inhaling products being sprayed is more of a hazard than being on carpet after cleaning is complete.

Thorough rinsing removes soil & cleaning agents

Keep children, pets, people with illness away from the area being cleaned.

Stay off carpets until dry.

Waste DisposalWaste Disposal

Waste water should be disposed of properlyVaries by state, even city or countyAlways safe to empty into treated

sewage line. Filter lintNever dump into storm drains or where

waste will flow into creek, stream, pond, lake or other body of water

Answers to Your Questions About Green Cleaning What & Why.

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