How Do I Know a Company is Truly Green

Oct. 27, 2009 - PRLog -- Going Green” is becoming a profitable standard in the restoration and carpet cleaning industry for those who do it right. As a consumer, how do you know that what you are buying is green in the first place?  By understanding how the 5 “R’s” of green work, you will have the opportunity to select a truly green company that you can trust.

The 5 “R’s” of Green

Renew
Renewable products are those that help sustain the earth’s natural resources and/or are produced from sustainable and/or natural raw materials.  By choosing products that are renewable, not only is the sustainability of the product ensured, but the future availability of the product is also ensured.  Select a company who is choosing renewable products; not only because they have chosen not to deplete natural resources, but also because they are guaranteeing the future supply of the product (I.e. flooring, structural components, etc) should you ever need it.

Reduce
You should select products and services that reduce impact to the structure, the environment, and/or health of the customer.  The services may include products that:
   1. Block the introduction, development and spread of indoor contaminants (i.e. products and systems for duct work/HVAC, unconditioned areas of the home, structural components)
   2. Products that remove indoor air pollutants (i.e. filtration, dehumidification, etc)
   3. Products/systems that warn occupants of potential health hazards (i.e. radon, mold, VOC, etc).
   4. Products that do not release significant pollutants into the building (i.e. toxicity and VOC limits)

Look for information on products pertaining to reduced toxicity (LD50 is the “lethal dose” that will 50% of a tested population) which can be understood by reviewing material safety and data sheets.  And by choosing products that are low VOC’s emitters (contain less than 50 grams per liter of total VOC emission).  By choose companies who comply with low VOC’s, you can avoid indoor air quality issues and triggers for conditions like asthma, allergies, and other breathing distruptors.


Reuse
Reusing the contents of a property or using salvage materials is an effective step in making green decisions.  By first taking inventory and then by laying out a plan with your service company, you can identify and use salvageable materials for restoration and/or contents services.

Recycle
Many products are now available that are made from either post-consumer materials or pre-consumer content.  Choosing products that are packaged with recycled materials, or made of materials that are recyclable, is an easy way to identify a truly committed green company.  There are even cleaning compounds and other items that use post-agricultural materials, so ask your service company how they're recycling.

RE-Evaluate
This is the most important part of being green as a company.  It’s the ability to re-evaluate a customer’s situation, needs, and wants.  The most important (and most neglected component of a green company) is a  well-maintained and healthy property.  Regular evaluation is an essential step.  Also, products making green claims should be evaluated independently with testing and/or certifications as proof that a product meets EPA’s environmentally preferable standards.  These products should be re-evaluated and assessed regularly.  

Peak Environmental Supply was pleased to welcome all the attendees of our ASC Training to visit our facility and learn about the exciting family of products from Risk Prevention Systems.

We had some fantastic companies turn out to learn more about Green Performance Chemistry!  Everyone showed up early for a meet and greet breakfast, which got all of us excited to start this learning process!  We had representatives from Duraclean Master Cleaners, Restoration Colorado, Restoration King, SteamMaster from Vail, CO, and Peacemaker Builders!

The best part of the training came from getting to explore the concept of Green cleaning and restoration products and how that can directly benefit the employees and clients of these fantastic companies!  Peak Environmental Supply was pleased to host such industry experts for two days.

SteamMaster Restoration & Cleaning would like to express our sincere appreciation to the team at Peak Environmental Supply and Risk Prevention Systems for their in-depth training for their Authorized Service Companies.

We are excited to partner with Risk Prevention Systems using their esteemed green product lines while adhering to industry standards outlined in the S500 and S520 of IICRC. SteamMaster is determined to use effective products that are scientifically proven to be safe to humans, animals and plants.

Having been in the Cleaning and Restoration Industry for 31 years, SteamMaster is taking a lead in the Mountain Resort Communities to go green and provide solutions that are environment-friendly.

Raj Manickam, CEO
SteamMaster Restoration & Cleaning

Restoration Colorado, Inc. is proud to be associated with the new line of Green Performance Chemistry products offered by Risk Prevention Systems. The recent training given at Peak Environmental Supply on the proper application of these “green” products was invaluable and shows a strong commitment to each of their Authorized Service Companies.

Back in 2000 my wife was diagnosed with mold poisoning from a home we were temporarily living in. This incident triggered my passion for going green in all of the restoration work that my company performs. This, however, has been extremely difficult due to the fact that most “green products” were either not truly green or were ineffective.

I can finally give my clients the assurance they need that the chemicals used in our mold remediation or water and sewage damage clean up are not only completely safe for them and their families but also highly effective in restoring their homes to a healthy condition.

I look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with the fine staff of Peak Environmental Supply and Risk Prevention Systems.

Joe Crivello, CEO
Restoration Colorado, Inc.

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Peak Environmental Supply is a locally owned and operated Green Product distrobuter in Colorado Springs, CO.