GREEN BUSINESS LEAGUE

We have long argued that a simple look at the ethics of a Green business requires more than a "Front side Greening" while leaving the other parts of the daily operation to fumble along in a careless manner.  Going Green is a holistic project that looks at more than a few niche areas like energy, recycled trash, or installing CFL bulbs.  There are literally hundreds of ways that a company can and should Go Green.  One of those ways is to consider the quality of the cleaning service now employed.

Most janitorial services are major greenwashers that often post homemade or Internet bought logos without doing any more than placing some Green products on the cleaning cart.  Other cleaning services, like Justus Cleaners, actually make Green cleaning a way of doing business.  Knowing the fakes from the real Green cleaning services has been difficult until Green Clean Institute (www.GreenCleanInstitute.com) developed a standard for Green cleaning that requires more than a token effort and a phony Green logo.

Most companies have dozens of hiring and purchasing relationships that have no environmental protocol.  The typical protocol is one which a company offers to provide the service or product at the cheapest price.  In these days of economic stress, that consideration plays heavily in decision-making.  Yet, aren't Green companies asking their customers to buy from them as Green vendors as well, even though it may cost a little more?

Greenwashing will continue just as long as we let it continue.  When given the choice, will companies put their money where their mouth is?  The Green Business League proposes a Green Clause to be added to every RFP and contract requirement (www.Green-Practices.com).  This single clause will do a tremendous amount of good for any company.  By including the Green Clause, you can still put your product or service contracts out for bid, but the vendors must take the steps to qualify.  Frankly, this is something that they need to do anyway.  Since responding to the customer's demands is the major issue for competing providers, they will obtain the certification on their own and still provide a competitive bid.

In the Green Business League's Green Point system, every vendor adds points to the participating company.  A Green certified janitorial firm with proven Green cleaning products brings 15 points to the Green business certification process, and 100 points is the first certification level.  Even the LEED program gives 4-7 points for Green certified cleaning services when it comes to a Green building.

If you are a Green vendor or service, check out getting your Green Point valuation which your company can proudly display.  Or, if your company is considering any purchases or hiring any services, include the Green Clause in your requirements, and look for companies that will add Green Points toward a truly earned Green Business Certification.  Make Going Green a way of business throughout your company, and make a real difference!