Transitioning from Traditional to Green Cleaners: An Analysis of Custodian and Manager Focus Groups

Custodians represent one of the largest occupational groups using cleaning agents, and yet their voices are infrequently heard in relation to the introduction of “green” cleaners and the laws regarding environmentally preferable products (EPP). This study reflects worker voices on use and effectiven...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inNew solutions Vol. 22; no. 4; pp. 449 - 471
Main Authors Simcox, Nancy, Wakai, Sara, Welsh, Loyola, Westinghouse, Carol, Morse, Tim
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 2012
Subjects
Adult
Aged
Chemicals
Cleaners
Cleaning
Cleaning agents
Communication
Connecticut
Consumer Behavior
Data processing
Decision Making
Detergents - chemistry
Disinfectants - chemistry
Effectiveness
English Language
Environment
Female
Focus Groups
Green Chemistry Technology
Health
Housekeeping - methods
Humans
Incentives
Inservice Training
Interest Groups
Labor Unions
Language
Languages
Law
Male
Methodology (Data Collection)
Middle Aged
Occupational
Qualitative Methods
Satisfaction
Training
Voice
Workers
Connecticut
environmentally preferable products
substitution
custodian
green cleaning
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Summary:Custodians represent one of the largest occupational groups using cleaning agents, and yet their voices are infrequently heard in relation to the introduction of “green” cleaners and the laws regarding environmentally preferable products (EPP). This study reflects worker voices on use and effectiveness of chemicals, as well as incentives and obstacles for green cleaning programs. Sixty-four custodians and staff participated in 10 focus groups. Data were entered into Atlas Ti and the constant comparative method of qualitative data analysis was used to identify themes. Themes included satisfaction in a “well-done” job, more effort required for job, lack of involvement in EPP selection process, EPP's ease of use for workers with English as a Second Language (ESL), misuse of disinfectants, health complaints, and need for training. This study shows that custodians have a voice, and that improved communication and feedback among all the stakeholders are needed to make the transition to green cleaning more effective.
Bibliography:ObjectType-Article-1
SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1
ObjectType-Feature-2
content type line 23
ISSN:1048-2911
1541-3772
DOI:10.2190/NS.22.4.e