We all know that keeping our commercial bathrooms squeaky clean is not only a nice-to-have, but also a must. Cleanliness is next to godliness, as they say. But what about adding a touch of green to that gleam?

Yep, I’m talking about eco-friendly practices that can keep your washrooms sanitary while being kind to Mother Earth. So, let's dive right in!

Why Go Green?

First off, why should you even consider going green in your commercial bathroom? Well, it’s not just about hopping onto the eco-friendly bandwagon.

Going green can genuinely save you money in the long run, reduce your carbon footprint, and hey—it’s great for PR.

Clients and customers love businesses that care for the environment and plus, using green cleaning products can be just as effective as their chemical counterparts, but without the toxic side effects.

It’s not just about hopping onto the eco-friendly bandwagon. There are some solid benefits for your business and the planet.

1. Cost Savings: Initially, the investment might be a little higher, but in the long run, you're looking at lower utility bills and fewer supplies, like fewer paper towels if you switch to energy-efficient hand dryers.
2. Reduced Carbon Footprint: By switching to low-flow toilets and sensor-activated faucets, you're significantly reducing water usage, which in turn reduces your energy costs and carbon footprint.
3. PR Boost: Trust me, customers notice when you try to be environmentally responsible. It adds to your brand value and can be a great selling point.
4. Employee Health: Green cleaning products are generally less toxic than their chemical-heavy counterparts. This can improve air quality and overall health for your employees and clients alike.
5. Compliance and Incentives: More and more jurisdictions are offering tax incentives for businesses that adopt sustainable practices. Plus, you’re preparing yourself for any future regulations that may demand eco-friendly adaptations.
6. Resource Conservation: Using recycled and sustainable materials wherever possible in your bathrooms can contribute to broader resource conservation efforts, benefiting both your community and the planet.
7. Equal Effectiveness: If you’re worried that eco-friendly means less effective, think again. Green cleaning products can be just as potent at killing germs without all the harmful chemicals and side effects.

Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products

Let’s start with the cleaners. You might think that to kill 99.9% of germs, you need some heavy-duty, and possibly toxic chemicals. But that’s not the case.

Green cleaning products have come a long way, and they can kick some serious bacterial butt without harming the environment.

Install Water-Saving Fixtures

Next up, let’s talk faucets and toilets. Those little things can guzzle up a lot of water, especially in high-traffic bathrooms. Consider installing low-flow toilets and sensor-activated faucets. These gadgets not only save water but also cut down on the touchpoints where germs can spread. Less touching means less cleaning, and that’s something we can all get behind.

Now you might be asking, why bother with water-saving fixtures? Here are some good reasons:

Lower Water Bills: This one is a no-brainer. Using less water means a smaller bill at the end of the month. It's an immediate return on your investment.

Sustainability: Conserving water is a key part of any sustainability plan. You’re doing your part to lessen the strain on community water supplies and natural ecosystems.

Reduced Energy Costs: Less water usage also translates into lower energy costs, as it takes energy to heat that water. This is a win-win for your utility bills.

Improved Hygiene: Sensor-activated faucets reduce touchpoints, cutting down on the spread of bacteria and viruses. The less you have to touch, the cleaner your bathrooms stay.

Convenience: Modern water-saving fixtures are generally easier to maintain and come with features like anti-scald protections. They're designed with both the environment and the user in mind.

Good PR: Just like with going green in general, customers and clients appreciate businesses that take steps to conserve resources. It's another feather in your cap.

Regulatory Compliance: In some areas, there are restrictions or guidelines on water usage for businesses. Installing water-saving fixtures can help ensure that you’re in compliance with local or state regulations.

Install Hand-Dryers

Paper towels or hand dryers? It’s the big question a lot of business owners have. While paper towels can be recycled, they often end up in landfills, but modern hand dryers on the other hand, are energy-efficient and super hygienic.

They can dry hands in as little as 10–12 seconds and use 80% less energy than traditional models. So, it might be time to say goodbye to those paper towels. When choosing a hand dryer, you'll want to look for adjustable speeds, sound control, heat settings, service indicator and a high rate of bacteria filtering like those found in Xlerator.

When selecting the ideal commercial hand dryer for your business, there are several key factors you'll want to consider:

1. Speed
2. Energy efficiency
3. Noise level
4. Durability and warranty
5. Hygiene features
6. Ease of maintenance
7. Aesthetics

Start Recycling

Speaking of waste, let’s not forget about proper waste management. A great way to start recycling is by introducing recycle bins for paper and plastics, and if possible, a compost bin for organic waste.

A good idea is to also label them clearly so your visitors and employees know exactly where to toss their trash and either you or a cleaning service will empty them regularly. It's as simple as that and it makes a big difference on the appearance of your business and the impact on the environment.

Did you know? “…the decision to recycle should not stop at home. In fact, recycling can be even more beneficial in a commercial setting than it is in a residential setting. Recycling can provide businesses in all industries with countless benefits.” Source

Your Next Steps

Set a date and make the switch! Switching to eco-friendly practices in your commercial bathroom doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. Make a list, start small, and before you know it, you’ll have a bathroom that’s not just clean but green.

Your customers will appreciate it, your wallet will feel it, and the Earth will thank you.