ForConstructionPros.com

Like many industries today, "green" is all the rage - and it's no different with carpet cleaning. Manufacturers in this industry believe strongly in the concept. But what does it mean exactly?

Green carpet cleaning encompasses both the equipment (ergonomic designs and environmentally friendly construction) and the method of cleaning (conservation of water and smaller amounts of chemical used).

"'Green' is the whole process," says Paul Albrecht, national rental sales manager for Clarke US. "From the design of the carpet cleaner to the way it's used to the chemicals that are used in the machine."

Russ McKay, channel manager with Windsor Industries, agrees. "As manufacturers, we're looking at what our products are made of - is it recyclable? Are they ergonomically friendly?" he says. "We're even looking at the manufacturing process. We're trying to reduce waste in both creating the product and shipping the product."

The role of ergonomics
Both Windsor and Clarke have invested in the green movement. McKay says Windsor consulted with experts in ergonomics, sound acoustics, muscular & skeletal fatigue and operation safety to design its products.