Is it really green?
Is it really green if you have to use five times as much of a "green" product than a "regular" product just to get a satisfactory clean?
Our self-rating system
Want to do much better
Want to do better
Good
Very good
Excellent
Transportation and travel
It's what we do to conserve gasoline, reduce carbon emissions and lower the number of miles driven.
| Estimate all services via telephone (as opposed to in-home estimates) |  |
| Use Green Routing - the proper use of zoning and scheduling tools and processes | |
| Encourage use of low-emission and fuel-efficient vehicles by employees |  |
| Encourage all employees to only change oil at manufacturer recommended intervals to reduce waste oil |  |
| Promote public transportation and carpooling when possible |  |
| Locate offices centrally within serviced territories | |
Cleaning products
It's what we do to make sure we are using the best product solutions for our clients, employees and environment (click here for more information).
| Purchase concentrated formulas with reduced packaging | |
| Use professional measuring and dilution systems (all concentrates are diluted at MaidPro to reduce water transportation costs and ensure proper proportions) | |
| Choose products that clean quickly and effectively to minimize exposure to cleaning solutions | |
| Provide thorough training on products that meet all OSHA and EPA regulations | |
| Use no aerosol products with the exception of interior oven cleaning | |
| Rinse and properly dispose of used/expended solutions and containers | |
| Continually test and analyze the best products from the best companies | |
| Use client's preferred products if provided in the home (at the discretion of the local franchise) |
|
Equipment
It's what we do to invest in the best tools to maximize, reuse and minimize waste.
| Purchase environmentally friendly vacuum cleaners (CRI Green Label Certified with HEPA or Arm & Hammer Filters) | |
| Color-code our washable, reusable microfiber cleaning rags to prevent cross-contamination and use damp rags to prevent re-circulation of dust | |
| Choose reusable plastic buckets | |
| Choose reusable nylon and canvas bags | |
| Choose reusable laundry/trash bags with lining |
|
| Choose reusable spray bottles and dispensers | |
| Properly segregate waste and recycling for tools and materials that can't be reused | |
Training
It's what we do to make sure employees know what to do and how to do it.
| Conduct extensive initial training on the MaidPro way to clean with a focus on quality, consistency and the proper use of products, tools and practices | |
| Offer extensive ongoing training so employees stay up to date | |
Communications, marketing and documentation
It's what we do to reduce the amount of paper we use.
| Send schedules and/or invoices via e-mail |
|
| Use telephone for service reminders and follow-up |
|
| Store internal records electronically | |
| Provide service information via e-mail and website |
|
| Choose recycled paper for client communication and marketing pieces as available | |
| Print documents only when absolutely necessary, double-sided when possible, and then recycle | |
| Offer reusable plates, cups and utensils in the office instead of disposables |  |
Water
It's what we do to reduce the amount of water we use.
| Use filtered public water supply instead of bottled water (transported via truck) | |
| Purchase efficient washing machines designed for minimal water use | |
| If possible, install low-flow toilets (often at landlord's discretion, but every push helps) | |
Electricity
It's what we do to reduce the amount of electricity we use.
| Use Energy Smart PCs and laptops | |
| Purchase high-efficiency washers and dryers | |
| Switch to Compact Fluorescent Bulbs in the office | |
| Turn items without standby/sleep mode off at night (PCs, printers, lights, etc.) | |
Office Setup
It's what we do to make sure our office space is as efficient, safe and as environmentally friendly as possible.
| Request efficient heating and A/C systems (serviced annually) | |
| Add power strips to eliminate idle current | |
| Properly seal and insulate doors and windows | |
| Maintain independent control of lighting and HVAC | |
| Don't leave cars running in the parking lot | |
| Use recycled furniture if possible (to save trees and reduce transportation emissions) | |
| Use solar, hydro or wind power when available | |
| Minimize space needed for efficient operations | |
| Choose offices with lots of windows and natural light | |
| Operate during daytime hours to require less artificial light | |
| Choose hardwood flooring (recycled is even better) or natural fiber rugs and carpets for better indoor air quality | |
