[Noisebridge-discuss] Green Cleaning for Noisebridge

Tue Jan 6 07:47:46 UTC 2009

I've been lurking for a bit. Mostly because I've been stationed in
another state and haven't had a chance to come by the space to meet
people.

A topic I'd like to bring up for discussion is the concept of
over-cleaning where it isn't necessary. It is neither necessary nor
beneficial to have a sterile environment in the kitchen, except when
what you're making requires it, e.g., beer, yogurt, cheese, etc.

In addition to the rampant use of anti-biotics for anything that ails
ya, part of the reason we currently have anti-biotic-resistant super
bacteria is that people use anti-bacterial everything in their daily
lives. Using plain soap and scrubbing is enough to kill pretty close
to all the bacteria. The rest that are left, it's good to be exposed
to them; it builds our immune systems.

I am not suggesting we don't clean things properly. I am merely
suggesting that we don't get too crazy about using lab-style
sterilization techniques. In the long run, it's important we are
exposed to microbes. Ask the natives what happened when the Europeans
arrived in the Americas.

Thoughts?

--
Christopher Nielsen
"They who can give up essential liberty for temporary
safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." --Benjamin Franklin

On Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 21:02, John Magolske <listmail at b79.net> wrote:
> Hi,
>
> Gina has been working on a green-cleaning approach for our
> space at 83c. She's not on the list, so I've forwarded a
> message from her below.
>
> Here are a few points that come to mind around the kitchen:
>
> * We have a brush for cleaning dishes, and a separate brush
> for cleaning the sink. More bacteria tends to accumulate
> in the sink than on dishes, so it's nice to have separate
> cleaning utensils for these two uses. They are labeled.
>
> * Also for cleaning dishes are light-duty no-scratch pads
> (white), and medium-duty might-scratch pads (purple) for
> more aggressive cleaning. These pads don't have a sponge
> component, the idea being that sponges tend to provide a
> matrix for bio-growth (which we'd like to avoid).
>
> * These items are hanging from hooks above the sink so they
> can drip-dry without leaving puddles on the counter-top.
>
> * There's a container of sponges on the counter behind the
> sink for cleaning the counter-tops. Please rinse & wring
> these after using them so they don't become smelly & gross.
>
> * There are still a few generic yellow/green sponge+abrasive
> pads on the counter...could be useful if the purple "might-
> scratch" pad proves insufficient for a particularly stubborn
> cleaning job. Maybe I should put up a hook for one or two
> of those as well...
>
> There is a page on the wiki for cleaning supplies, but it's
> from back when we first moved in:
>
>    https://www.noisebridge.net/wiki/CleaningSupplies
>
> We can update that page with new information, but I thought
> it might be good to get some input from the community first.
> I am volunteering to be a point person on this, so if anyone
> has comments or suggestions, please chime in!
>
> John
>
>
> ----- Forwarded message from Gina -----
>
>
> Greetings from Gina.
>
> Green cleaning is underway! Mitch called me to provide green cleaning
> services for your new space, as I had done for his business offices in
> the past. We agreed I would do initial cleaning, after which someone
> else could take over.
>
> Along with weekly "maintenance" cleaning, I'm gradually getting the
> last of the built-up soil that was there when you moved in. This makes
> weekly cleaning a snap.
>
>
> COMMUNICATIONS
>
> Thanks for all the suggestions I've gotten. Feedback is always
> welcome. We need a place on site where we can post cleaning-related
> notes as needed. For now, I'm using a colored folder on the big open
> shelf in the kitchen.
>
>
> WEEKLY AND IN-BETWEEN TASKS
>
> — Due to heavy traffic, you need thorough cleaning once a week.
> — Thanks to all who wipe up your spills. This helps prevent pests,
>  and reduces time and costs for weekly cleaning.
> — Thanks to John for installing hooks at the kitchen sink for
>  cleaning tools. There are separate tools for dish, sink and counter
>  cleaning. The white pad is light-to-medium duty(won't scratch). The
>  purple pad is medium-to-heavy duty (may scratch). Try the white pad
>  first. Green pads are for your projects. They are heavy-duty and
>  scratch almost everything.
> — Extra pads and brushes are in the black crate on the open shelf to
>  the right of the stove.
> — Please use the cellulose sponges for wiping spills on counter
>  tops. These are the ones without scrubbers attached. *Health tip*:
>  Daily, disinfect sponges used to wipe kitchen surfaces. Rinse sponges
>  in soapy water, then disinfect by placing them *wet* in the microwave
>  oven for 2 minutes.
>
>
> LAUNDRY
>
> Cleaning cloths need to be washed and dried asap, before they mildew.
> Or at least before the next cleaning. Once the washer and drier
> arrive, I can get a load started when I'm there, then someone needs to
> finish them. Maybe members can work out a sign-up schedule for weekly
> laundry loads. Thanks, Michael, for doing the wash the first time!
>
> Kitchen and bathroom cloths should be laundered separately, without
> synthetic fragrances (I can recommend a few brands). To prevent damage
> to newly purchased microfiber cloths:
>
> — No high heat
> — No bleach or artificial fragrances
> — No fabric softeners or drier sheets
> — No other items in the load. Only cleaning cloths.
>
>
> VACUUM
>
> Thanks to whoever brought the vacuum, and thanks to Andy for getting
> filters and an adapter.
>
> A HEPA filter will reduce indoor air pollution, which is important for
> all who use the space. (See attached report on hazardous chemicals in
> household dust.) I can offer to pick up a HEPA if your vac will take
> it, and if the purchase is approved. I sent recommendations to Mitch
> in November re shop vacs, attachments, adapters and HEPA filters.
>
>
> MOP
>
> I recommend switching to a flat-head mop with machine-washable
> microfiber pads. This type of mop is used for green cleaning programs
> in schools and hospitals. Compared to a string mop:
>
> — More durable. Pads last far longer than string mop heads.
> — Lighter-weight and more labor-efficient to use. Requires less time
>  and effort.
> — Requires less water and chemical use.
> — Picks up more soil and germs, especially from a highly textured
>  floor like yours.
> — Color-coded pads makes it easy to prevent cross-contamination
>  between kitchen and bathroom. Use one pad per room. When each pad is
>  finished, simply peel it off and toss it in the washer. Your mopping
>  water stays clean.
>
> I'm checking into heavy-duty microfiber mops at the janitorial supply
> store. I'll let you know the cost. If it's approved by Noisebridge,
> I'll be happy to pick up one up with extra pads, and I can be
> re-reimbursed.
>
>
> PESTS
>
> A member saw cockroaches. I've proposed Integrated Pest Management:
>
> — Jay offered to bring in boric acid to apply, a low-toxic substance
>  which poisons roaches and ants, not humans if used correctly.
> — Important to seal all food, leaving no exposed residues (crumbs
>  and spills). All trash and recycling need to be put out each night.
>  A vacuum crevice tool should help too.
> — If all else fails, cracks and crevices may need to be sealed.
> — More safe measures are outlined in the pest booklet hanging by the
>  microwave.
>
>
> ABOUT GREEN CLEANING
>
> I clean for health first, and appearance second.
>
> Features include:
>
> — Castile soap for general cleaning, It's non-toxic, sold as a
>  concentrate, is biodegradable and effective in cold water. And
>  contains none of the petrochemicals hidden in many "green" cleaners.
> — Non-disposable tools, except heavy-duty "disposable" latex gloves,
>  which can be used multiple times. And paper products for cleaning
>  the one toilet.
> — Peroxide, vinegar and alcohol for germs, while I research
>  affordable green sanitizing cleaners.
> — Cloths instead of sponges. Clean cloths are more sanitary, and
>  minimize dulling residues on surfaces. I've left your sponges at
>  the sink, but I don't use them for sanitary reasons.
> — Kitchen, bathroom and dusting equipment are kept separate to save
>  steps and prevent cross-contamination. In the kitchen, tools for
>  dishes, sink and other kitchen surfaces are separate too.
>
>
> Benefits include:
>
> — Saves money and shopping time monthly with concentrated soap and
>  low-waste tools.
> — Protects air quality, and helps prevent chemical injuries.
> — Helps reduce water pollution and solid waste.
> — Non-harsh chemicals help prevent damage to surfaces and finishes.
>  Surfaces in good condition are faster to clean and harbor fewer germs.
>
>
> Green claims:
>
> Visit Debra Dadd's website. Debra wrote the books "Home Safe Home",
> and more recently, "Really Green", sorting out green product claims.
> http://www.dld123.com/debraslist/list.php?topic=Cleaning
>
> ----- End forwarded message -----
>
>
> --
> John Magolske
> http://B79.net/contact
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