Guidelines for Choosing the Right Cleaning and Disinfecting Products
A few months into the Coronavirus pandemic, the America Public Transportation Association issued guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting vehicles and facilities to combat the spread of COVID-19. As companies became more efficient in carrying out these various tasks, and as public awareness about the spread of germs increased, many of these practices became the new normal. As we move into a post-COVID era, customers still want to know that companies are doing everything they can to keep them safe. This article will go over some of the highlights of the aforementioned cleaning and disinfecting products guidelines to ensure your riders and employees are healthy and happy.
Cleaning Products
The APTA recommends that cleaning products be “non-toxic and selected with the intent of cleaning away all dirt, grime and debris from surfaces ahead of the disinfection process”. Cleaning and disinfection are actually a two-part process. Cleaning away the debris prior to disinfection clears away those areas in which pathogens tend to congregate and fester. Once this is done, disinfection becomes more efficient. The APTA also discourages the use of dry cleaning methods as sweepers and vacuums cause infectious particles to become airborne.
Disinfecting Products
The guidelines state that “transit agencies use disinfectant pesticides registered with the EPA and specifically formulated to mitigate against virus transmission”. They also go on to mention the EPA’s List N as a resource. The EPA expects these registered products to “kill all strains and variants of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) when used according to label directions”. Bioesque’s Botanical Disinfectant Solution, included on List N, is a ready-to-use all-purpose solution. It is capable of cleaning, disinfecting, and deodorizing in one step. Furthermore, it is botanically derived, free of bleach and other harsh chemicals. This makes it a great choice for hazard-conscious or environmentally sensitive settings
A Safer Way to Clean
Bioesque Solutions was founded on one simple principle: there must be a safer way! Little did we know when we first started this journey that safer could also be better. We are a pioneer in the development and distribution of our naturally occurring, botanically based disinfectant and other cleaning products. Bioesque Solutions specializes in bringing the benefits of nature to address the demanding and ever-changing needs of commercial customers across various industries, including public transportation, health care, food service, janitorial, and restoration.
The Public Transportation Industry and Sustainability
The public transportation industry is often at or near the center of discussions about sustainability. The bottom line is that public transit systems reduce the number of vehicles on the road. This saves fuel and it saves on emissions. For example, compare the emissions of one bus with 50 passengers versus those same passengers driving 50 separate cars. The reduced emissions have a tremendous effect on the air quality of our cities.
A move toward public transportation, then, is already a move toward sustainability. However, the question that the managers and operators of public transportation systems should be asking is, how can we improve further? These can be big problems and solutions or small ones. For example, partnering with cities to implement programs to decrease congestion and promote ridership. On the other hand, actively searching for ways to reduce or recycle waste is a simple and efficient way to help an operation’s bottom line. Below are a few ideas to improve sustainability in the public transportation industry.
Reduce Barriers and Encourage Ridership
Getting more people to use public transportation should be priority number one. Look for ways to increase access to public transportation and incentivize its use.
Lower-Flow Plumbing Fixtures in Facilities
With the sheer number of passengers moving through bus and train stations, public transportation systems can use a tremendous amount of water. By switching to low-flow fixtures in sinks and toilets, public transit systems can reduce water usage by 30%.
LED Lighting
LED lighting fixtures are eight times more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent lighting, with bulbs that last eight times longer. LED lighting is also three times more efficient than fluorescents.
A Greener Option for Clean
Cleaning products are often full of harsh, toxic chemicals like bleach, ammonia, and chlorine. However, environmentally friendly options are available that are botanically derived without losing any cleaning effectiveness. It’s a sustainable move that can also increase your indoor air quality.
A Safer Way to Clean for Sustainability
Bioesque Solutions was founded on one simple principle: there must be a safer way! Little did we know when we first started this journey, safer could also be better. We are a pioneer in the development and distribution of disinfectants and cleaning products. Bioesque Solutions specializes in bringing the benefits of nature to address the demanding and ever-changing needs of commercial customers across various industries, including public transportation, health care, food service, janitorial, and restoration.
