By: Briana Smith, Social Media & Product Branding Specialist, WAXIE Sanitary Supply
It’s always interesting to look back and reflect on the twists and turns of what was going on during the course of a year. Checking out the major milestones that have been achieved, world happenings, new industry innovations, upcoming trends and the like. Contemplating which of these trends may continue forth into the new year.
Sustainability is no longer a trend, but a lifestyle that society is embracing more and more each year. We'll continue to see new innovations in a variety of products, accessories & ways of doing things that will make it easier to practice both individually & for businesses. Water conservation in particular has been a hot topic – the drought in the West is not something that will be gone quickly and has caused many to rethink water usage and consumption.
Other types of consumption are also being rethought, for instance how we process our waste as landfills literally fill to capacity. The way that energy is produced and used is another area of focus. Many businesses and government institutions are adding solar panels, installing LED lighting, etc. as ways to save energy & money. The implementation & re-evaluation of green cleaning programs will continue to be important in the operations of many facilities.
Many projects from 2014 will carry over, especially industry regulations that have deadlines that will come to fruition in 2015. As always, WAXIE will continue to develop training & education for our customers with our Online Training Program, Training Events & Tradeshows, as well as personalized consultations.
What are your thoughts for what 2015 will bring?
The Green Sports Alliance and the emergence of promoting sustainability at sports venues and events – encouraging attendees to think about & incorporate sustainable living into their lifestyles. In fact, many newer facilities are being constructed with an eye towards achieving LEED certification, such as in Santa Clara, the site of the San Francisco 49ers Levi’s Stadium.
Other sectors are also focusing on improving how we look at health & our environment. For instance, many healthcare facilities are also implementing LEED standards into their operations, whether or not they are attempting certification. Many large metropolitan areas have passed laws requiring that cities and communities go “zero waste”, as a way to manage waste resources better – reducing the trash that is sent to landfills.
There has been a lot going on in the Jan-San industry as well, particularly as manufactures and suppliers get ready for the implementation of the major portions of OSHA’s Globally Harmonized Standard (GHS) in 2015.
News headlines featuring the Ebola Virus, the Enterovirus D68 and the current flu epidemic have brought hand hygiene and infectious diseases to the fore again for the first time since the H1N1 (Swine Flu) pandemic in 2009.
General cleaning knowledge, especially restroom maintenance & sanitation, proper techniques for cleaning various flooring surfaces and equipment maintenance, prove that it's always good to have a good understanding of the basics.
Many of our top blog articles of 2014 reflect these topics & trends. Here were our Top 10:
10) How BigBelly Solar Compactors are Improving Waste Diversion at UCSD
9) Do Women Care About Restroom Appearance Than Men?
8) Workplace Wellness – It Starts in the Restroom!
7) Assisting the San Francisco Giants towards Achieving their Sustainability Goals in Recycling
6) Tackling Grease in Kitchen Grout Lines with the Windsor TAZ
5) WAXIE Announces General Manager for San Diego, CA Division
4) WAXIE Announces Several Promotions & New Sales Managers
3) 6 Tips for Giving Your Upright Vacuum Cleaner a Tune-Up
2) GHS Hazard Classifications in Relation to HMIS III & NFPA 704 Rating Systems
1) Public Toilet Seat Sanitizers – Do They Work or Is It Piece of Mind?