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January 2017

Dear SparkleTeam Friends

As we welcome 2017, January marks a great time to explore what's new and what's next -- from experimenting with new technologies, to reconsidering old assumptions and practices. In this spirit, we're offering several new ways to revamp your property cleaning and sustainability regimen. Whether futuristic (think disinfecting robots), or back to basics, there's much to inspire here for developing a healthier and cleaner environment.
~ From all of us at SparkleTeam
 
A Better Way to Clean
 
The simple alternative to antibacterial hand cleansers 

2017 has already become a banner year for banning certain antibacterial soaps, thanks to major policies activated this year. Starting January 1st, Minnesota became the first state to ban triclosan, a now controversial germ-killing ingredient with potential connections to antibiotic resistance and hormonal disorders. This follows the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) recent nationwide ban of the substance, among 18 other compounds, in many personal products – among them hand cleansers. These changes may affect how you implement an active sanitation program for your facility as the flu season approaching. This, however, creates an ideal opportunity to go back to basics with personal cleaning. Instead, consider these safer cleansing options that battle bugs without the detrimental side effects.

Soap and Water
As Dr. Janet Woodcock, director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said in the statement announcing the ban, “Consumers may think antibacterial washes are more effective at preventing the spread of germs, but we have no scientific evidence that they are any better than plain soap and water.”
 
For commercial use, consider bare-bone soaps that are fragrance-free and dye-free as a non-toxic alternative. Foam soaps in particular prove the most economical option, providing maximum suds with less soap, and many foaming products now come with green certifications like EcoLogo and Green Seal. Foam hand soaps also create less drips and spills, which means less waste and a streamlined clean-up process for your custodial provider. Be sure to opt for soaps packaged in sealed cartridges, as they also add an additional layer of protection by preventing contamination.
 
Sanitizers
For cleansing on the go, hand sanitizers or wipes offer a convenient option. Though research shows that soap and water prove more effective in removing germs and grime (thanks to the friction of washing), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend alcohol-based sanitizers as an alternative when hand washing isn’t readily available. The solution, however, needs to be at least 60 percent alcohol to be effective.

Alcohol-based solutions, however, can prove harsh for the skin. As an alternative, there are alcohol-free sanitizers available on the market, providing an ideal choice for LEED and green facility programs. These non-alcoholic sanitizers either contain antimicrobials like benzalkonium chloride, or derive their germ-fighting power from natural disinfectants like tea tree oil.
 
To prevent the transfer of germs throughout this flu season, discuss with your cleaning provider about installing dispensers around your property – not just in the bathroom. Placing sanitizing stations along high traffic areas, like entrances, hallways and elevators, provides quick cleansing where it’s needed most. Some research, however, has warned about overuse, as excessive sanitation could reduce natural immunity to germs.
 
More from SparkleTeam's Blog
Wonder Water! Cleaning with Ozone
Upcoming Events
NAIOP South Florida Chapter
Topic: Developing Leader's Networking Event
Date: Feb. 2, 2017
Time: 5 to 7 p.m.
Place: Himmarshee Public House
201 SW 2nd St
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Learn more
BOMA Ft. Lauderdale/Palm Beach
Topic: Client Appreciation Day at Epcot
Date: Feb. 9, 2017
Time: 7 a.m to 10 p.m.
Place: 200 Epcot Center Drive
Orlando, FL 32821
Learn More
CREW Fort Lauderdale/Boca Raton
Topic: Live Galleria: February Luncheon
Date: Feb. 7, 2017
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Place: The Galleria Mall
2414 E. Sunrise Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Learn more
CREW Palm Beach/Treasure Coast
Topic: Light Industrial Development Explosion in PBC
Date: Feb. 14, 2017
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Place: DoubleTree
4431 PGA Blvd 
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Learn more
The Dark Side of Disinfectant
Green News
USGBC announces Vision 2020
The newly appointed president and CEO of the U.S.Green Building Council (USGBC), Mahesh Ramanujam, has just released the council's ambitious four-year plan to expand the sustainability industry, aiming to "redefine performance and offer real tools to benchmark, measure and manage ROI (return on investment and return on impact)."

Read more about the USGBC's plan for promoting sustainable properties
 
Read More
Connected Cleaning: The Data Revolution
Industry News
Are Disinfecting Robots Worth it?
A research team led by Keith S. Kaye, M.D., M.P.H., director of clinical research in the Michigan Medicine Division of Infectious Diseases, will put germ-zapping robots to the test at Detroit hospitals. The $2 million effort supported by the NIH’s Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality is the first of its kind to study no-touch room disinfection.

Read more about the potential repercussions of this new case study
 
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Phone: 561.988.5410
   
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