Green Cleaning - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: “What do you know about green cleaning?”

A: Green cleaning can also be defined as effective cleaning that protects health without harming the environment. Green cleaning is about more than just green chemicals. A true green cleaning program also has appropriate equipment, tools, disposables, accessories, and perhaps most importantly, training on procedures.

Q: “What are your references?”

A: Depending on the products being proposed, several case studies exist that could be used as references. One example of a case study is the LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance certified San Diego Natural History Museum, which used the GPS^® Green Partner Support program from WAXIE to assist with green cleaning credits for the project.  Another example is the SMUD Building in Sacramento which received LEED for Existing Buildings Platinum certification. In addition, WAXIE Sanitary Supply has two of its own facilities which have earned LEED Sliver certification, and the company is currently involved in assisting several other LEED projects for customers.

Q: “What is your green product or service range?”

A: WAXIE offers several options of low environmental impact cleaning products, tools, and equipment, and in addition to recommending products, WAXIE can also provide training.

Q: “Are you familiar with USGBC & LEED? Are you a member?”

A: WAXIE is very familiar with USGBC and LEED. WAXIE Sanitary Supply is a member of the US Green Building Council (USGBC). In addition, WAXIE employs twelve LEED Accredited Professionals (LEED AP’s) and two LEED Green Associates, and the GPS^® Green Partner Support Program™ can help contribute a significant number of the credits required to certify a LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance project. A “Green Housekeeping Program” can also assist a LEED for New Construction, LEED for Core and Shell, or LEED for Commercial Interiors project.

Q: “How do your products differ from traditional products?”

A: It depends on the product. If it is a cleaning chemical, it will be safer for human use and it will have a more favorable environmental profile than a “traditional” product because it will be formulated without ingredients that have been demonstrated to have a negative impact on human health and the environment. If it is a disposable paper product or trash bag, it will contain a recommended amount of post consumer recycled content, or be made from more rapidly renewable materials. If it is a piece of cleaning equipment, it will contribute to better indoor air quality or use less water, and if it is a vacuum cleaner, it will meet filtration requirements set by the Carpet & Rug Institute.

Q: "Are your green products certified?"

A: WAXIE offers certified products in several different categories. Some examples of third party certifications include EPA Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines for post consumer recycled content paper products and trash liners, Green Seal and EcoLogo certification for cleaning chemicals, and Carpet & Rug Institute Green Label certification for vacuum cleaners. In addition, Green Seal and EcoLogo have certifications for floor care products and sanitary paper products that WAXIE offers, and cleaning chemicals are also available that have been formulated in partnership with the EPA Design for the Environment (EPA DfE) program. In addition to certified products, WAXIE also offers product solutions in categories that are not currently "certified", but which still demonstrate a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment.

Q: "What is your level of support on the street?"

A: WAXIE Sanitary Supply offers the support of the sales consultant, who is supported by all the resources of the company, including WAXIE sales management, WAXIE chemical and equipment specialists, as well as manufacturers’ vendor representatives. WAXIE also employs twelve LEED^® Accredited Professionals, two LEED Green Associates and thirty-two CIMS-GB ISSA Certification Experts.

Q: "How will you help me communicate the benefits to my customers?"

A: WAXIE can assist a building service contractor communicate the benefits of green cleaning to one of their customers by offering examples of case studies. In addition, a WAXIE sales consultant can assist in end user sales presentations.

Q: "What training programs do you offer?"

A: WAXIE offers training on green cleaning procedures as part of its GPS Green Partner Support program.  

Q: "If I am starting with a blank slate – how should I begin?"

A: You should begin with a Green Cleaning Site Survey conducted by a WAXIE Sanitary Maintenance Consultant, who can make recommendations on how to make your cleaning operation "greener".