Sustainable maintenance cleaning of a classroom – for a clean learning environment
In the classroom, hygiene and cleanliness contribute to an optimal learning environment. A sustainable hygiene concept is particularly important here, not least because students and teachers have increased their demands for sustainability. Here we show how resource consumption can be reduced and at the same time how furniture can be cleaned and maintained sustainably in a way that preserves its value.
Infographic: What is important when it comes to sustainable cleaning products for the classroom – without compromising on cleanliness and hygiene. © Green Care Professional
1. High-performing and circular cleaning products
In every classroom, the cleaning result is the highest priority and allows no compromises. The modern, sustainable cleaning products from Green Care Professional from the German Frosch brand can do even more.
Based on the principle of the circular economy, Green Care is developed in such a way that the materials used are safe for people and nature. The ingredients can be returned to the biological cycle, i.e. to nature. The same applies to the packaging: The materials are made of recycled material and can be recycled again and returned to the next product cycle. In this way, no new waste is created, the circle is closed.
Consistent circular economy: Both cleaning chemicals and packaging remain in closed systems. © Green Care Professional
Tip: Using products without fragrances and dye can relieve the indoor air and prevent possible headaches or discomfort. The cleaning quality is not impaired.
Pay attention to following criteria for sustainable cleaning products:
- Biodegradable
- Ingredients from plant-based and regional sources wherever possible
- No microplastics
- Free from allergens and critical components
- Recycled and recyclable packaging
- Production is also optimized in a sustainable way: water treatment and renewable instead of fossil energy sources
Info box: Criteria for sustainable cleaning products. © Green Care Professional
2. Recycling and waste prevention
The issue of waste in the classroom goes beyond the wastepaper basket. With the simple guiding principle “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle”, costly storage and packaging waste disposal of cleaning products can be easily reduced:
Reduce:
Producing as little packaging waste as possible is easier on the environment and also on your wallet. Concentrates can be diluted with water on site. Especially concentrates in bag-in-box systems are the ideal solution to reduce plastic volume, waste and transport emissions are saved.
Reuse:
Look for packaging with a refill concept: Voluminous packaging can be reused with refill packs, which are often offered with much smaller outer packaging.
The Switch system offers less and recyclable packaging with a secure dosing cap. © Green Care Professional.
Recycle:
Just as in the household sector, waste in schools is separated and collected for recycling. In order for packaging to be recycled through the collection system, it is important to ensure that packaging is recyclable when selecting cleaning products. Sustainable packaging is made of 100% recycled material and can also be recycled again.
Criteria for sustainable packaging
- Separable components (such as lid or bottle)
- Transparent or light colored materials
- Detachable labels
- Packaging made of only one material (e.g. refill bags made of mono-material)
Info box: Sustainable manufacturers design their packaging according to criteria that make high-quality recycling possible © Green Care Professional accord. https://initiative-frosch.de/plastik-im-wertstoffkreislauf-halten/
3. Correct cleaning frequency and value preservation
Well thought-out maintenance cleaning saves the cleaning staff time and money on time-consuming basic or special cleaning, which may require stronger chemicals.
A customized cleaning and hygiene plan for each hotel area specifies which surfaces are cleaned and maintained at which intervals with which agent in the appropriate dosage.
The advantages:
- Correct dosing and use of the right products prevent material damage. Less resources are needed for renovations – and refurbishments.
- Surfaces are protected, cared for and last longer.
- Regular cleaning and care contributes to the hygienic well-being of guests and is visually appealing.
- Thanks to the effective cleaning power and the intuitive and practical handling of ready-to-use cleaners, time and walking distances can be saved.
4. Customized disinfection
The pandemic has shown: Disinfection is important just in case. However, a normal cleaning agent is often sufficient. Many objects in the classroom, for example, can also be cleaned with a normal all-purpose cleaner. This is gentle on the material. It is important to use the right cleaner or disinfectant at the right frequency for the purpose and material.
