Greentelluride.com is sponsored by Night & Day Cleaning and Floor Care to raise awareness about eco-friendly and healthy cleaning products, equipment and processes.  We first became aware and interested in "green cleaning" several years ago through Deirdre Imus' efforts to change the cleaning products used in hospitals (www.dienviro.com). As the owners of a cleaning company in the Telluride area we have led in educating our clients, and the community, about green cleaning and converting  to green cleaning products ourselves since 2006.

This website is in its very early stages.  Please bear with us while we expand it. 

What is Green Cleaning?

Green cleaning can be defined as "cleaning that protects health without harming the environment".

The federal government has defined "green" and "environmentally preferred purchasing" as "products and services that have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared with competing products and services that serve the same purpose.

What should green cleaing mean to you?

As a resident in a home or apartment, as an employee in an office and as a consumer, green cleaning means a cleaning approach that combines chemicals, equipment tools, disposables and most importantly, processes, training and communication - to produce an effective and safe cleaning program.  It's not just a better way of cleaning, it's the right thing to do.  Several local businesses, including Alpine Bank, have a proactive Green policy. Maybe your business should, too.

How do you know what is "green" and what isn't?

There are several independent organizations that define environmentally preferred ingredients, characteristics and performance standards of cleaning products.  Some of the most prminent and widely accepted guidelines include:

• United States Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System.  The  USGBC's mission is to "promote buildings that are enironmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to love and work".  The USGBC has developed LEED to define what it takes to have a "green building".
• Green Seal is an independent, non-profit organization that strives to achieve a healthier and cleaner environment by identifying and promoting products and services that cause less toxic pollution and waste, conserve resources and habitats, and minimize global warming and ozone depletion.  Green Seal certifies products and services that meet certain performance and environmental impact standards.  More information can be found at www.greenseal.org.
• Carpet and Rug Institute (Green Label Certification) (CRI) is a national trade association that represents the carpet and rug industry.  CRI certifies vacuum cleaners and other carpet cleaning equipment tht equipment that is demonstrably better for indoor air quality.

What should I ask the company that cleans my home or business?

0. What is your green cleaning program?
0. What green certifed products and equipment do you use?
0. What are your training procedures for green cleaning?
0. For which of your clients do you provide green cleaning services?
0. How much extra do you charge for green cleaning?
0. What method of carpet cleaning do you use?
0. How and where do you dispose of your waste water?
0. Does your company have a written environmental policy? May I have a copy?