News / Business
As the Ozone Layer Heals, Green Business gets a Headache
Indoor Air Quality is Part of the Green Office Issues
The ozone layer is a big part of preventing the ultraviolet light from the sun that causes aging and wrinkle. I for one am very much against aging and wrinkles. However, there is always a downside. The increase of ozone has added to the smog factor as more ozone contributes to smog making. There is rarely a perfect solution.
The atmosphere outside is actually better than the air inside most buildings. We spend more than 90% of our time indoors, and the EPA tells us that the indoors air can be 3 to 5 times worse than the outside air. So, while we may take a moment’s pleasure knowing that the ozone layer is not going to fail, there is a matter much closer to home, and that is the quality of the air our homes, schools, offices, and building.
Let’s start with some basics:
First: Your cleaning service needs to be Green. I don’t mean Greenwashed (like so many firms), but honestly Green certified. Unless your cleaning service has the training, equipment, and product mix required by a Green service; it simply isn’t Green. We recommend that you require your cleaning services to be Green certified (but not by some sham online program). Askl your cleaning service if they are certified by the Green Clean Institute, or find one that is.
Secondly: Use low-VOC paint when you remodel, choose carpet that is recycled, and any glue should be low-VOCS as well. Be careful in choice of furniture that will continue to dry and outgas for months. And change the air filters according to the recommended schedule.
Thirdly: Take your company through an assessment process with the Green Business League. They have consultants nationwide who will help improve the indoor air quality, suggest cost-savings Green practices, and show your company how to Go Green legitimately. (Avoid Greenwashing solutions that will embarrass your company later on.)
A Green office or building is a healthy building. We have some lessons to learn about how long-term exposure impacts the workers in any business. These are a company’s biggest asset. There needs to be a better program to keep them healthy and highly productive.
If your company is going Green, the Green Business League is the company to trust. With a wave of sham Green certifications offers by website purchase, companies are being duped into a cheap and unethical way to obtain their Green certification. The Green Business League offers the only Greenwashing-proof certification available. Every GBL Green business certification is the result of a live audit and Green improvement process.
