Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 22nd May 2025 Issue no. 1163
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Greener Gains: A beginner’s guide to building a sustainable cleaning business
By Manny Seymour
Starting a cleaning company from the ground up is no small feat. You're likely juggling pricing strategies, sourcing supplies, marketing plans, and navigating customer acquisition - all while trying to make sound financial decisions.
But there's another element that deserves just as much attention: sustainability. If you're eyeing the future of your business, finding ways to reduce environmental harm while maximising revenue isn't just a nice idea - it's a competitive edge. When sustainability is baked into your operations from the beginning, you create long-term efficiencies, reduce waste, and tap into a fast-growing market of eco-conscious consumers.
More importantly, you sidestep many of the negative effects that traditional practices have on both the planet and your bottom line.
Why profit and the planet are not enemies…
Too often, small business owners see sustainability as a threat to their margins. And yes, certain changes require upfront investments - greener supplies might cost more initially, and you may spend time learning or retraining.
But over the long haul, sustainable practices reduce operating costs, improve employee retention and create a stronger brand identity. Eco-friendly products typically last longer and reduce liability exposure. You'll spend less on hazardous waste disposal and may even qualify for local or federal grants that support green initiatives.
Make your green business stand out…
In a crowded industry, being ‘green’ isn't enough on its own - you have to show why your version of green is worth choosing.
That means finding a niche, whether it's residential, commercial, move-out cleanings, or post-construction eco-sanitisation.
Market in places where environmentally conscious clients are already looking - like local farmers markets, eco-friendly directories, or partnerships with sustainable realtors. But don't stop there. Offer competitive pricing that reflects value, not just cost. And above all, deliver excellent service.
When your company becomes known for both sustainability and reliability, you don't just win new clients-you keep them. That's how you make your green business stand out.
Understand sustainability beyond buzzwords…
It helps to define what sustainability actually means in a business context. At its core, it's about creating systems that support long-term growth without depleting the resources they depend on - whether that's raw materials, energy, or labour.
For a cleaning company, this might include switching to biodegradable products, using reusable supplies, minimising water waste, or consolidating routes to lower fuel consumption. It also means considering your impact on the communities you serve: are your labour practices fair? Are you minimising harmful runoff into local water systems? Each of these questions points you toward a more sustainable operation.
Market what matters to the planet - and your customers…
Once you make strides toward sustainability, don't keep it to yourself. Let people know. That doesn't mean greenwashing your website with vague buzzwords. Instead, be specific: tell your customers which products you've switched to and why. Share the metrics - like gallons of water saved or waste reduced per year. Explain how those changes protect not just the environment, but their health and the community at large.
This transparency builds trust. And customers who care about sustainability are often more loyal, more vocal in their support, and more willing to pay for values-aligned services.
Avoid the pitfalls of sustainable transitions…
There's no denying the risks. Get too enthusiastic with changes and you could undermine process viability - like switching to a cleaning product that doesn't actually work, or pricing yourself out of reach.
That's why testing is key. Try new products internally first. Get feedback from a few clients. Adjust. Sustainability done well doesn't disrupt your offerings - it enhances them. And if a change costs too much right now, bookmark it for later.
Reimagine waste as an opportunity…
Waste is often overlooked because it hides in plain sight: single-use gloves, paper towels, excess packaging. But once you start noticing, you'll see opportunities everywhere. Switch to microfibre cloths that can be sanitised and reused. Partner with vendors who use eco-friendly packaging. Offer clients a recycling option for certain kinds of waste.
Every small decision compounds into a larger reduction in your business's footprint. And in some cases, you'll even find ways to turn that waste into income - like reselling surplus supplies or offering workshops on sustainable cleaning practices.
The first step is the most important one…
If all of this feels overwhelming, that's natural. You're not expected to have every answer before you start. But sustainability rewards the early mover, the one willing to try something new and learn along the way.
Don't let perfection paralyse you. Begin with one area - maybe your cleaning products - and grow from there. Talk to suppliers. Read case studies. Attend workshops or webinars. But more than anything, get started. The future of cleaning - and business in general - is green. Better to be building it than catching up to it!
Sustainability is the future, and you get to shape it…
Sustainable business practices are not just about compliance or optics - they're about resilience. In an increasingly eco-conscious world, companies that ignore sustainability will find themselves left behind.
But you have a chance to be ahead of the curve. By seeking out and acting on sustainability opportunities, you reduce negative environmental impacts, protect your community,and carve out a profitable niche. That's not just smart business - it's the kind of leadership the world needs more of.
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Links: stronger brand identity | make your green business stand out
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24th April 2025