Green cleaning in fitness centers is crucial for a healthy and sustainable environment. It helps reduce exposure to harmful chemicals. The surfaces of a fitness center constantly come in contact with the skin.
This aligns with wellness goals, as shared workout equipment, pools, and showers are common vectors of disease transmission. According to the Association for Behavior Analysis International, 10% to 30% of gym surfaces contain bacteria that can cause MRSA, plantar warts, and ringworm.
Moreover, airborne pathogens like influenza, tuberculosis, and COVID-19 can spread in fitness environments. Therefore, fitness center members prioritize hygiene. Consequently, gym managers should implement a proactive cleaning policy to keep their buildings healthy rather than relying on individual users.
Why Avoid Chemicals & Toxins In Fitness Center Cleaning?
Many fitness products and environments contain toxins, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which can harm the body and spread after production.
Moreover, athleticwear companies often use toxic dyes and chemicals to create durable and stylish clothing, which can interfere with fitness goals.
Therefore, workout clothes are particularly susceptible to interacting with the skin due to the high friction, heat, and moisture they experience.
Fitness facilities, including locker rooms, studios, and pools, can attract dirt and toxins from sweat, equipment, and clothes.
However, proper sanitization often becomes challenging. Moreover, antibacterial soap and cleaning agents can contain toxins like triclosan. This toxin can negatively affect the immune system and hormone regulation.
Moreover, high-chlorine pools can also be harmful. Also, the air quality in gyms often has high levels of carcinogens like formaldehyde.
Vigorous aerobic activities can decrease air quality, spread disease, and accumulate unhealthy growths.
Eco-Friendly Alternatives For Fitness Center Cleaning
Now that we are aware of all the toxins and chemicals present in a fitness center, let’s take a look at how to avoid these harmful substances:
1. Using Natural Substances
If your gym’s cleaning supplies have labels like “hazardous,” “warning,” or “danger,” they may not be using environmentally friendly cleaning supplies. Instead, stock up on products with natural substances, which are degradable and safe for use.
Also, encourage similar practices for your cleaning service providers to clean exercise machines and weights when needed. Make sure to place trash cans near each wipe station to prevent tripping.
Opt for green cleaning solutions that adhere to science-based standards for environmental protection. This can help minimize pollution by reducing synthetic chemicals released into the environment.
Eco-friendly cleaning supplies for floor care products, hand cleaners, sprays, soaps, and more are available. This will help ensure a safer and more environmentally friendly environment for your gym.
2. Use Eco-Friendly Flooring
It’s a common misconception that green flooring options are scarce for fitness centers. However, plenty of reused or recycled flooring materials can be installed in your facility.
Moreover, rubber is a popular recycled material used in flooring. It contributes to the longevity of the floor.
These eco-friendly materials are primarily made up of post-consumer waste that has been repurposed, further contributing to the sustainability of the environment.
Additionally, new flooring options are made with renewable resources like cork and bamboo.
Bamboo, in particular, is highly sustainable and is considered one of the best eco-friendly flooring products on the market.
Therefore, when considering your fitness center’s flooring options, keep in mind that several green choices are available to you.
3. Replace With Green Equipment
Incorporating mechanical exercise machines is one option to reduce your facility’s environmental impact and lower your utility bill.
Green gyms offer exercise equipment options that do not rely solely on electricity. These machines use gears, belts, and other physical components instead.
Some machines can even harness energy from their operation to power digital displays and incline alterations.
Therefore, by adding these machines to your facility, you can frame your business as a green facility without replacing all your exercise equipment.
Green Sanitization Solutions
It’s important to take care of our planet and promote a sustainable lifestyle. One way to do this is by opting for eco-friendly solutions in your fitness center. If you don’t have an in-house team, green cleaning practices from commercial cleaners who employ green cleaning can ensure the absence of harmful chemicals.
Therefore, by choosing greener cleaning solutions, you not only contribute to a healthier environment but also attract like-minded individuals who share your passion for sustainability.
Hence, when searching for cleaning products for your gym, consider opting for greener solutions that will help you create a more sustainable and eco-friendly space.
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