Executive Housekeeping Today - March 2009 - (Page 18)

JanItor CloSEt (continued from previous page) ExECutIvE CornEr (continued from page 2) tal Design). One example to site in the EBOM publication is the expanded section on “Materials and Resources” that gives specific methods for creating a “sustainable purchasing policy.” By definition, this means “the preferential purchasing of products that meet sustainability standards.” Simply put, the materials purchased for a facility have a direct impact environmentally. What type of cleaning products we bring into the building affects everyone in the building and, moreover, affects the outdoor environment when the end product leaves the building (i.e., landfills). The guide points out, “Products containing recycled content expand markets for recycled materials, slow the consumption of raw materials, and reduce the amount of waste entering landfills.” Remember, source reduction is the top priority of the EPA and the number-one way to reduce waste. Consider all items that are purchased for the custodial closet and question each procurement, asking, “Does this purchase help to promote source reduction?” When the purchasing department partners with the waste management team on behalf of this initiative, change will happen. Here is a simple tip for source reduction: If you are presently using cloth or paper cleaning wipers, change to microfiber. All microfibers cloths can be washed, some up to 700 times. Do the math on that purchase! Also, color code your microfiber rags (i.e., red for bathroom, blue for eating areas). Help win the fight against cross contamination! The USGBC Resource Guide has also expanded the section of “Indoor Environmental Quality” (IEQ) to include a prerequisite for a Green cleaning policy. The intent of the section is “to reduce the exposure of building occupants and maintenance personnel to potentially hazardous chemical, biological, and particulate contaminates, which adversely affect air quality, human health, building finishes, building systems, and the environment.” The Reference Guide is available to everyone and a very handy tool for today’s executive housekeeper. You can find the guide at www.USGBC.org. I’ll conclude with a story that I recently heard: One day, two beachcombers were walking along the ocean shore where thousands of starfish had been washed up by the sea and were dying. Every few steps, the woman reached down, picked up a starfish and tossed it back into the water. Her companion asked, “Why are you doing that? What difference will that make?” The woman replied “Well, it will make a difference to me.” So, whether you are just beginning a program for environmental sustainability or have one up and running in your facility, know that you are making a difference. Please send questions, comments, or stories to thejanitorcloset@yahoo.com. u Vince Fagan is Vice President of Sales for United Supply Service, Inc., in Chicago, Illinois. He may be reached at thejanitorcloset@yahoo.com. Click here to learn more about Advanced Vapor Technologies! http://icmclean. articulate-online. com/5092208669 • Web site Upgrade and Quarterly Chapter Newsletter: Thanks to the direction from our Public Relations Chair Elaine Terry, of Hawaii Hospitality magazine, and the writing/graphic layout assistance by Shelly Awaya, of Sysco Guest Supply, we upgraded our Web site, www.hawaii-ieha. org. We are now able to provide more up-to-date information to our members who are unable to attend meetings or events. It is also used as a recruiting tool to encourage prospective members to join our Chapter. Additionally, we are also e-mailing a quarterly newsletter to not only Chapter members, but to hotel general managers and industry leaders. On March 11, 2009, my term as President will come to a close, along with a great supporting group of individuals: 1st Vice President Ivy Kwok, 2nd Vice President John Yamamoto, Treasurer Janice Ng, and Secretary Jo-Ann Yonamine. I have learned that in order to run a successful term, one needs exceptional leaders to support you and advisors who can help guide you in the right direction. Without the encouragement and assistance from individuals such as Rose Galera, of Clean Plus Systems II; Madeline Chang, of Aston Waikiki Sunset; and Patty Kawaoka, of Miramar at Waikiki, the Hawaii Chapter would not be where it is today. IEHA must continue to focus on increasing certification of members, furthering education, and continuing community service projects. Strengthening these areas will not only be beneficial to our members, but it will positively impact everyone who comes in contact with our organization. I hope by emphasizing some of the things that we have successfully accomplished in our Chapter will give other Chapters of IEHA some ideas as well. gnushida@hiprince. com u 8 Executive Housekeeping Today/March 2009 http://www.hawaii-ieha.org http://www.hawaii-ieha.org http://www.USGBC.org http://icmclean.articulate-online.com/5092208669 http://icmclean.articulate-online.com/5092208669 http://icmclean.articulate-online.com/5092208669

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Executive Housekeeping Today - March 2009

Executive Housekeeping Today - March 2009 Contents Executive Corner Why Integrated Cleaning and Measurement is Good for the Cleaning Industry Hygienic Green Cleaning - The Next Wave Frugal Housekeeper Integrated Cleaning and Measurement: A New Approach to Housekeeping and Sanitation Feature Article What's in YOUR Janitor Closet? The Green Scene 2009 Convention Information Product Highlights New Members Joint IEHA/ISSA Members Advertisers' Index Calendar of Events Inside IEHA What IEHA Has Done For Me

Executive Housekeeping Today - March 2009

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