Hashtag Your Way to A Cleaner Home!

Hi everyone! Due to the immense amount of support for Green Cleaners Adelaide, we have decided to make things a little more interesting - and who doesn't love a good, fun challenge?

Here's the deal - we want YOU to share with us why you are the most in need of a professional, healthy, green home cleaning appointment and we'll give the best, most creative entries a $50 voucher to use off a Green Cleaners service!

All you have to do is upload a photo with the hashtag #GreenCleanersAdelaide and then tell us why you and your home deserves a service. Here are some examples of eligible entries:

#GreenCleanersAdelaide "My husband hasn't slept since Tyler was born. It would be wonderful to sleep in a bed made up to hotel standard!"

#GreenCleanersAdelaide "Meet Brewsky! He's got sensitive skin and loves making a mess - so please come to our home and clean using non toxic products!"

 

 

 

 

 

 

#GreenCleanersAdelaide "My son Jake loves to help around the house, but he has bouts of asthma that really get in the way!"

Share your pictures and reasons to win here: https://www.facebook.com/GreenCleanersAdelaide

Green and Grateful.

Since the launch of our franchise in Adelaide at the beginning of September this year, we have received a wave of support from our new clients. Green Cleaners has always taken pride in being the best in every aspect, and from using our own eco-friendly, plant derived cleaning products to training our staff to provide you with 5 star service on every appointment, we strive to give you excellence.

We are overwhelmed by the warm welcome we have received, and look forward to being able to serve more families who have made the smart choice of going green. It fills us with great joy to know that our clients feel the difference of clean in its truest, greenest form.

One of our new clients has been generous enough to share their experience after having our staff service their home:

It is some years since I have had a cleaner and this time around I wanted to make sure that my cleaner shared my values in regard to caring for our earth and our health and would use only environmentally friendly cleaning products. I found Green Cleaners on the internet and was impressed by their website, which looked highly professional, yet friendly and easy to use. These first impressions carried through the entire process. Renato called me and arranged a time to come and see my home, discuss my needs and their services in order to provide me with a quote. 

I had several other quotes from other cleaning services also claiming to use ‘friendly’ products but Green Cleaners stood out as begin highly professional, really knowing their products and being committed to this healthier choice. Their quote was more expensive but I was willing to pay more to put my money where my values lie. Renato offered me a trial clean at a reduced cost, which I took up and was delighted with the result. The team were every bit professional, extremely thorough and efficient, and committed to green products. I have now signed up for regular cleans and am looking forward to life in my clean and healthy home.

Mrs. C, Henley Beach

It is because of such clients that we work tirelessly to provide you with the best option when it comes to ensuring the safety and health of you and your family. So from our Green Cleaners family to yours, thank you very much!

What Takes Your Breath Away?

For most of us, a beautiful sunset, the ocean crashing waves upon the shore and a perfect summer wedding lead us to hold our breath. Excitement and adventure are moments that take our breath away. However, for a large number of people, their breath is cut short by a common, difficult respiratory illness - asthma.

By definition, asthma is a respiratory condition marked by attacks of spasm in the bronchi of the lungs, causing difficulty in breathing. Although usually connected to allergic reactions and other forms of hypersensitivity, did you know that there are other odd things that can trigger an asthma attack? If you or someone you care about suffers from asthma, it is important to be aware of triggers so you can help prevent an attack.

Thunderstorms.

Research has shown that there is a dramatic increase in asthma related attacks that cause people to turn up at the emergency room in hospitals in the wake of a thunderstorm. Doctors are still unsure of the specific reasoning behind this, but studies have revealed that this could be due to the increase of pollen that is released in the air during a storm.

Stress.

When you're stressed, you tend to feel a tightening in your chest. Anxiety causes shortness of breath and unfortunately for people that have asthma this could turn into a full fledged attack if they don't step back and try to relax. Stress can even cause non-asthmatics to develop asthma like symptoms.

Food Additives/Preservatives.

Some food colouring and flavouring agents have been found to trigger asthma attacks. Although there has not been any final research to reveal a certain connection, the argument stands that some people who have asthma are unable to properly digest certain food such as those high in nitrates.

Laughter/Crying.

Extreme waves of emotion such as intense laughter or uncontrollable weeping also tend to prompt asthma attacks in people due to the change in breathing patterns. Some people might not be aware until it has become a full on asthma attack, mistaking it for a simple shortness of breath due to the strength of emotion they have experienced.

GERD/Acid Reflux.

Acid Reflux/GERD can cause horrid pain and burning up your throat especially when you lie down. Acid backs up and causes a reaction in your airways - be wary as it can be tricky to determine whether you are experiencing an attack or suffering through the symptoms of reflux.

Are you asthmatic, or know someone who is? Share your personal triggers and help others prevent an attack in the future. 

Potty Training 101

Not quite as you know it! We've all heard the expression 'if it's yellow let it mellow, if it's brown flush it down', and no one really likes discussing 'their business'. We totally get you. However, there are some very basic things found at home that should NEVER be flushed down the toilet - and we're going to tell you why.

1. Bathroom wipes – these moist towelettes are becoming an increasingly popular bathroom accessory. Despite the fact that they’re marketed to be flushed like toilet paper, these wipes are creating clogs and backups in sewer systems around the world! (Same thing goes for actual baby wipes and cleaning wipes).

2. Condoms – They probably seem small and very similar to toilet tissue, but these latex prophylactics are like kryptonite for septic tanks and sewage treatment plants. They actually end up resembling fish in the sewer when they fill with air - pretty grim, right? Remember also that there are people who have jobs that require them to clear out what we flush out and some consideration goes a long way. 

3. Cotton Balls & Swabs – They might seem soft and tiny especially when they're all soggy, so it makes sense to flush them out, right? Wrong! They eventually gather together in bends of the pipe, causing massive blockages. 

 

4. Prescription Medication – A common mistake we make is thinking that we're doing the smart thing by flushing expired medication to keep them out of children's reach. In reality though it's actually extremely dangerous to do so. Medication destroy bacteria, have terrible effects on wildlife downstream and contaminate groundwater supplies. 

5. Paper towels – Not only are they wasteful (we recommend using reusable rags instead) but they are also NOT designed to breakdown the way toilet paper does. So if you do have to use them, know that flushing them down causes huge problems for the sewage system.

 

6. Disposable diapers – just because there’s poop in it, doesn’t mean it belongs in the toilet. Nappies are made from toxic plastic designed to actually expand when it comes in contact with water. In half the time it took you to wrestle that thing down the toilet, it will come back up and cause a massive flush flow problem.

7. Cat litter – It might make sense to flush down your furry pet's business, but cat litter is made from clay and sand, two things that you should NEVER put down a toilet. Not to mention that cat waste contains toxins and parasites that shouldn’t be in our water system.

8. Dental floss – Despite feeling like string, dental floss is not biodegradable. Once flushed, it loves to wrap itself around other objects in the pipeline, making tiny clogs bigger in an instant. Imagine a tough spider web that causes objects to get trapped inside the drainage - not a pretty picture!

 

There you have it. The next time you think of flushing things down your toilet, think of how it could come back and contaminate our water supply as well as how it affects the steady flow of our sewage systems. 

 

 

Surviving the Haze!

Haze is an atmospheric condition where particles, smoke, dust and moisture suspend in the air obscuring visibility. In Southeast Asia, haze poses a serious and recurring problem every year, particularly between May to October, due to the burning of forests in some countries to clear land. As most of you probably realize by now, the haze has been getting worse each year and today we wanted to discuss simple ways you can protect yourself and your family from the effects of haze exposure.

Minimise outdoor activities, especially strenuous ones such as sports and working out. 

When we workout and engage in physical activities our breathing gets heavy and our lungs are open to irritants in the air. Try to minimise the time you spend outside, and keep your family otherwise occupied by planning activities at home. The fine particles in the haze are toxic and when inhaled can enter the bloodstream and underlying tissue, causing respiratory problems, headaches and a decrease in your systems immunity.

When indoors, keep all doors and windows closed. 

Turn your fans on, or if you prefer, your air-con units. However, make sure that the filters are clean, and that the air being circulated inside your home is pure.

If you need to go outside, wear a mask.


Respiratory masks such as the N95 are effective when it comes to filtering out harmful particles in the air. Don't scrimp on these, either - replace them when they become soiled and distorted in shape. They can easily be bought in any polyclinic or pharmacy near you.

Boost your immune system. 

Drink lots of water to flush out any toxins from your body, and do as your mother says - eat lots of fruit, leafy greens and fish filled with omega 3! It is always a good plan to stay on a healthy diet, but more so now with the haze.

Keep up to date with local air quality reports. 

Recommended precautions you should take will usually be given in the form of advisories based on the latest air condition. So it is recommended that you check your local health authority’s website regularly for the latest air quality update. For Singapore, you can visit http://www.nea.gov.sg/psi/. 

Stay safe and be alert, everyone!

Mother (Nature) Knows Best!

As our lives become busier and more stressful, it is easy to gravitate towards the latest products that promise to make tedious chores easier. Need a bathroom cleaner? On your next trip to the store, you grab one of the many bright and colorful bottles promising to be a quick fix. But did you ever think about what's in that container?

Whether you're a housekeeper who cleans with these products all day or someone who cleans your own home regularly, you should take the time to consider the fact that majority of cleaning products are made up of harsh cocktails of chemicals, which can be bad for your health -- and your kids' health. As people rethink what they're bringing into their homes, they're looking for greener solutions.

 

1. Healthier Home
   If you go green, no longer will there be chemicals absorbed into the skin or breathed in by the person cleaning. Health benefits extend to family members who are no longer breathing in cleaners lingering in the air and sitting on surfaces.
   Studies have shown that using a household cleaning spray, even as little as once a week, raises the risk of developing asthma. Using green cleaning products can reduce the chances of developing asthma, which today is the most common chronic illness and the leading cause of school absences due to chronic illness across the country.
2. Purer Environment
   When you use many cleaning products, harmful chemicals are being released into the environment; not great for you and the people around you to breathe in.
   Changing to greener methods helps reduce pollution to our waterways and the air and it minimizes your impact on ozone depletion and global climate change with fewer smog-producing chemicals. Many green products also use recyclable packaging which minimizes waste.
   
3. Safer Products
   Conventional cleaning products pose risks such as chemical burns to the cleaner's skin and eyes. Green cleaners aren't corrosive and meet strict standards regarding inhalation toxicity, combustibility and skin absorption.
   
4. Better Air Quality
   As with most people, we can't stand the stench of strong chemical odors. Many green cleaning products -- including store bought and ones you can make at home -- include pleasant natural essential oils.
   
5. Less Expensive
   
   Investing in green products also makes sense for companies. The cost of environmentally friendly cleaning products has become much more competitive, while cleaning in an environmentally sound way reduces the risk of sick days for employees and the risk of fires and chemical spills.
   
6. Fewer Antibacterials
   They have long since debunked the idea of washing your hands with antibacterial soap - it even promotes bacterial resistance to antibiotics! Good thing that most green or environmentally friendly cleaning products don't contain antibacterial agents.
   
7. More Knowledge of Ingredients
   Government regulations don't require ingredients to be listed on any cleaning products. This is another reason we advocate thorough research - companies that produce true, organic and earth conscious cleaning products will tell you everything you need and want to know because they have nothing to hide!
   

As concerns for health become more prevalent and people become more aware of the harsh effects cleaning chemicals are having, they're going back to basics and looking for greener ways to clean.

For products that are safe, effective and proven to be as green as it gets, check out http://www.greencleaners.asia/products.asp
and if you're following us from Adelaide, please visit our website to find out more about how we can help you as you explore the greener path: http://www.greencleaners.com.au/

Health is Wealth.

In the same way you look after your body by eating right, keeping fit and living well, a healthy business is a strong business. In this day and age of competitive markets, it is absolutely vital that you focus on the right investments to help your business grow.

In such a fierce landscape, more businesses are realizing that their workplace can be a strategic business tool and its care is vital to protecting its most valuable asset—its workers.

Recent studies have shown that buildings that go green have measurable financial gains due to employee health, productivity, and retention as well as lower operating costs. Also, as more and more businesses benefit from green cleaning, their individual impact grows exponentially to reach a global scale.

Research has revealed that facilities that switch to green cleaning have dramatically reduced employee sick days by 30%, 10% of whom suffered from illnesses caused by "Sick Building Syndrome". SBS effects range from headaches, nausea and respiratory problems caused by poor indoor air quality, chemicals from carpets and upholstery, mould build up and poor lighting.

Get the most out of your business by ensuring that your employees are at their healthiest!

Numerous businesses have already chosen to jump onto the green cleaning bandwagon - if you haven't done so, make sure to read up on the claims of greenery that cleaning companies promise to deliver. Just as you would only give your body the best to stay in the best of health, choose a green cleaning company that aims to improve the health of your business and employees alike.

For genuine green cleaning services, check us out in Singapore at www.greencleaners.asia and in Adelaide at www.greencleaners.com.au

Introducing our Green Cleaners team in Adelaide

Green Cleaners is internationally known for offering the highest standards of professional cleaning to protect your health without harming the environment, therefore creating a healthier home and a better environment for you and your loved ones. We are proud to bring our environmental knowledge and service expertise to Adelaide, combined with local South Australian owned and operated core values and commitment from our Master Franchisors, Renato & Ida Forte.

Both Renato & Ida are born and bred in Adelaide and they will bring together the skills acquired over 35 years of experience working in the retail and public sectors of the community towards supplying the Green Cleaners brand and ensuring the delivery of a benchmark of services that are recognized and sought after within industry for the value of their clients.

Renato started his working career with 20 years in a retail business, running in partnership with Co-Director and wife Ida Forte. He then worked the following 12 years in the a public hospital sector as Property Services Manager. He has completed a Certificate IV in front line management and recently completed a training course in OH&S regulations codes and practices in the workplace.

Ida's career has lead to the health sector too, working at an aged care facility as a Divisional Therapist for the last 15 years and finding her niche in assisting the residents with daily activities, giving her great satisfaction as the residents embrace her creativity and friendship.

They would like to move forward now and engulf the following cliche – if you do something you enjoy, you won’t have to work another day in your life.

Together, Renato and Ida bring the skills acquired by working in the retail and management role towards supplying the Green Cleaners brand. Embracing the commitment of Green Cleaners – to offer the highest standards of cleaning to protect health, without harming the environment.

Their goal, is to be part of the delivery of a benchmark of services that are recognized and sought after within industry.

To find out how Renato and Ida can be the healthier choice for your home, your family and our environment, visit Green Cleaners Adelaide today: www.greencleaners.com.au

Green Cleaners Launches in Australia!

G’day Adelaide! Green Cleaners can now be found in South Australia with the launch of our first Australian Franchise.

We’ll be delivering the same 5* standards of service and cleaning using our healthier eco-friendly products and we’ve got plenty of great welcome offers for new clients; so spread the word and request a quote today! www.greencleaners.com.au

What A Wonderful World.

Here's a bit of midweek inspiration to remind you all to slow down and embrace the beauty that resides in the place we call home.

Build A Business, Save the Planet!

Feeling a burning desire to take your entrepreneurship to a new level? Saving the Earth does not have to be down solely to lifestyle - spread the green and share the love by making the world a better place to live all year round! Here are some of the booming business ideas that have taken flight all over the globe. Have a gander and see if anything tugs at your heartstrings and draws you in for an eco-adventure into being self employed.

1. Handmade products that are organic/natural.

Soaps, lip balm, and even cleaning products can be created with things you can find at home, or at a market. Recipes that are easy to follow are readily available online, but not everyone has the time or patience to actually create them. If you package them and sell them as sets, clients will jump at the chance to have these items on hand without having to dig into their own time and resources.

2. Eco-Event Planning.

Whether it's a big bash or a simple get together, it has become very common for a lot of people to hire event coordinators to deal with the details of their party plans. Why not offer a better, healthier alternative? Your main selling point can be the marriage of two wonderful ideas - the party you're planning and saving the Earth! Find green venues, recyclable (or recycled) party materials and create sustainable event management ties that are good for the environment. 

3. Recycled Fashion.

We don't mean bell bottoms that have come back with a vengeance or ripped biker jeans that are back on the runway - we mean actual organic materials used to make beautiful scarves, dresses and accessories! You'd be surprised what creative minds (and hands) can do with fabric scraps and other reusable material.

4. Earth Friendly Landscaping.

Think you may have a green thumb that's just bursting to come out? Offer homeowners your time and eco friendly techniques to maintain a greener garden - drought resistant plants and synthetic turf as well as trees grown strategically saves money, energy and water.

5. Franchise an already established Green Company.

As with every business, building your way up from scratch can be quite a feat; it can be intimidating, time consuming and frustrating especially if you're unsure about a lot of things. Why not opt to do research on companies that have already hit markets and made a big splash? Remember to consider how green they actually are, and also keep in mind why you are doing this to begin with. If you want to make a difference in the lives of others, look to a company that has already been known to do exactly that.

If you need a little guidance, check us out at http://www.greencleaners.asia/franchise.asp

Just Breathe.

How aware are you, really, of your breathing? We're not talking yoga relaxation methods or hypnosis inhale exhales, we mean the general, day to day breaths we take (or hold) when we are tense, stressed, excited or simply going about our day doing emails and making phone calls. In the hectic bustle of today's world, breathing could possibly fall to the bottom of your reminders list; it is, after all, a natural movement of air into your lungs. So why are we rambling on about its true significance?

“Remember to breathe. It is after all, the secret of life.” (Gregory Maguire, A Lion Among Men)


Every breath you take brings to life your dreams, your fears, your fondest memories. Does it not then make sense for you to ensure that each time you inhale, you are breathing in a high standard of quality indoor air?

We like to share ideas on how to live an environmentally responsible lifestyle. Today however, our focus will lie solely on five eco friendly alternatives that allow you to rest easy knowing that your space is filled only with the 'good air', because good indoor air quality begins at home.

1. Flora, flora, flora.

There are many home and cleaning products that emit chemicals found in paints and lacquers. Clean-air plants, such as the Lady Palm, the Boston Fern, the Snake plant and the Wax Begonia, do more than just purify. Houseplants are the eco-friendly alternatives to air purifiers! They rid homes of pollutants to any potentially negative home environment. Take the time to check out your local flower market and ask around about these green air cleaners. We promise, they're worth it.

2. Let the Air Flow.

Opening windows provides easy cross ventilation and introduces cleaner air. By allowing the air to circulate, you also allow any residual cleaning chemical odours from things like your carpet and curtains to find their way out of your home.

3.  Green Purification.

There are a lot of eco friendly air purifiers out in the market that are highly efficient and operate on little energy. Devoid of lead, they work by filtering toxic particles and have been known to ease allergies, asthma and calm the common cold.

4. Get On Top of Your Cooling and Heating Systems.

When your air conditioner is on, as when the heater is hard at work, they cause dust particles to flow freely about. Sound gross? It's totally true. The solution though is pretty simple - just make sure that you have someone come in and clean all filters before they actually need a good scrubbing. This prevents all the pesky dust sheets from even forming!

5. Invest in Green Cleaners.

Not all of us are happy homemakers; we don't always have the time to concoct DIY cleaning products from lemon, vinegar and baking soda. The alternative? Look out for cleaning products that are natural. Be careful not to fall for the cheapest or the one in the prettiest looking packaging - read labels and research because you can never be too well informed about what you use in your home. Eco friendly cleaning products do not emit chemicals and usually have no after-smell because the truth is, clean does not smell like lemon or flowers - clean, smells of clean.

 Breathe in, breathe out, and if you haven't already, check out our line of green cleaning products:
http://www.greencleaners.asia/products.asp

Green Feature: Adelaide!

A recent survey has ranked Adelaide the most eco-friendly city in Australia.

With services ranging from green plumbing, eco-friendly pest control and even environmentally responsible sky diving, Adelaide has rocketed to the top beating out cities like Copenhagen in Denmark and Stockholm in Sweden!

We absolutely love to celebrate going green in all its forms, and this is the ultimate tribute to a dream made real after 10 years of hard work. Here are some fun facts about Adelaide - activities, hotels, and what makes it so sustainable!

1. Earthworms wiggle their way into helping the city. Did you know? The Adelaide Convention Centre employs 800,000 of the little critters to turn food waste into plant food.

  2. The Miller Apartments is one of Adelaide's Eco Friendly Hotels. They are focused on making sure you have a comfortable holiday, while keeping their carbon footprint at an all time low. From solar powered gas heating for water to green star appliances throughout the hotel, these sustainable development techniques have changed the way you vacation forever.

3. Adelaide City Bikes have more than 500 bikes available for hire. Simply flash a valid form of identification, helmet up and cycle away!

4. Meet Tindo - the world's first solar powered bus. Tired from your bike ride? Glide around in this comfort of air-conditioning and upload those photos of all the greenery with the help of the wireless internet available on this bad boy.

5. Feeling adventurous? Head on over to SA Skydiving, where they plant a tree for every person who sky dives with their team! So far they have planted over 30,000 trees - how's that for an eco adventure?

There are a lot of different ways to make a positive change, and Adelaide has proven that anything is possible. If you can conceive it, you can make it happen. 

Eco Parents (to Furry Babies!)

It isn't always easy being green - but it can be fun, cool and simple if you take the time to remember these tips to turn yourself into the meanest, greenest eco parents to your furry (or scaly, or shell-y) pets!

The Power of the Poo.

Yes, we went there. Truth be told though, whether you have cats, dogs, or bunnies - pet waste generates a lot of waste so consider making a little change here that could have a big impact. If your furry child tends to do his or her business outdoors, why not use biodegradable poop bags instead of grocery bags?  Think about it - 365 days a year times twice or thrice a day of throwing away plastic bags that will forever be deep sixed in some landfill? Ick. If you have yard space, you can also look into septic and compost systems for pet waste. For cats and other pets that use litter, use options that contain fewer chemicals and mined materials. Some options are even flushable – which leads to fewer garbage bags.

Pro-Earth Grooming.

Be conscious of the ingredients used in your pet shampoo. In this day and age of the green boom, there are certainly loads of environmentally friendly options not just with the products themselves - you can also use washable towels instead of throw away wipes!

 Trim the Treats.

Not only do most treats come in bags or containers that we wouldn't reuse - a lot of them also contain preservatives and artificial flavours that aren't good for your pet especially on a long term basis. Consider making your own treats at home using food that may have been leftover from last night's dinner. This way you know exactly what's going into your pet; after all, you're more than likely the one cleaning it up when it comes out the other way.

Go Big or Go Home.


 




Buying litter, food, and treats in larger quantity bags is usually a great cost-saver, but it also means less packaging waste. Think about the bags you'll stop from ending up in a landfill over the course of a year. Get a refillable container with a good seal to keep food from going stale.

Don't have a pet but thinking of getting one? Adopt a pet. There are so many animals our there that need a loving home, and it is the ultimate way to recycle! They get a chance to be loved by a family and you adopt a new member of the family. Don't forget to have them spayed or neutered if you aren't ready to have them knowingly reproduce. This prevents strays, sickness and more homeless pets on the streets.

Greening the Race Track.

Australia shakes the grandstand as changes are made in the set of rules in Formula One - possibly the biggest change undergone in racing history! Many traditional fans may initially have felt dismayed at the uncertainty of what these changes mean for their teams, their drivers and most of all, the magnificent roar of engines. However, once looked into more closely nobody can deny the great deal of good this all entails. See for yourself, list provided by The Guardian:

Engine The biggest difference of all, with a 1.6-litre V6 turbo replacing the old 2.4-litre V8 as F1 turns green. It is the first time we have seen turbos since 1988. The new engine will produce 600bhp, while the old version was capable of 750bhp, but extra power will come from the new ERS system.

Energy recovery system (ERS) This replaces Kers and produces more power, an extra 160bhp against 80bhp, and it can be used for just over 30 seconds per lap. It works by generating power using waste heat from the turbocharger, while generating energy under braking.

Fuel This is one for the strategists, with fuel limited to about two-thirds of what it was before. Each car is allowed a maximum of 100kg (about 135 litres) per race. Before, there was no limit, but most cars carried around 160kg. The new limit means the driver must work closely with his engineer.

Weight The minimum weight has been raised from 642kg to 691kg. This is because of the increased weight of the new power unit. It has placed extra pressure on the drivers to be as light as possible before a race.

Rear wing The lower beam wing has been outlawed and the main plane is shallower. The DRS slot is bigger than in 2013.

Front wing This is narrower, reduced from 1800mm to 1650mm. The maximum nose height has also been dropped from 550mm to 185mm

Penalty points A driver will be banned for one race if he collects 12 penalty points on his superlicence during a 12-month period. For smaller infringements, stewards can also impose a five-second penalty.

Central exhausts One central exhaust pipe, turned upwards to stop the flow being used to produce downforce via the diffuser, replaces last season's double tailpipes.

Gears Gearboxes will have eight forward gears instead of seven, which each team must nominate before the start of the season.

Testing In-season testing makes a comeback. Four two-day tests will be held in the course of the year, with the first one coming after the Bahrain Grand Prix next month.

Although not all changes are directly correlated to going fully green, it is wonderful to know that awareness is being raised on track and brought to the attention of the people in the stands. 

Upgrade Your Workplace: Benefits of Greening Your Business.

In support of our last blog about how going green is an important lifestyle choice, we have decided to focus today's blog on the importance of moving your workplace into a more eco friendly zone. Applying green processes to the workplace creates a healthy environment for employees, reduces unnecessary waste and recognizes the role that businesses play in leading the way for social change.If you haven't already and are considering taking the plunge, here are some things to consider:

Going green will save you money.

Yes, you read that right. Imagine lower heating bills, leaner utility costs, and less money feeding the photocopier. Reducing emissions goes hand-in-hand with reducing energy use.This means by simply turning off lights in unused conference rooms, unplugging appliances before you head out for lunch, liaising via email rather than printing out loads of copies of business paraphernalia, you are not only saving yourself some money, you are also saving the environment. Pretty good deal, huh?

Making this change will attract customers and improve your brand image.

Boosting your green credentials can significantly improve your public image. When you go green, you will come across as a company that cares, and this can help to attract customers who share your values. Being an environmentally friendly business can also create some great PR opportunities, and you could find that it has a positive effect on business.

A green business provides a healthier working environment.

A healthier and greener working environment can help to improve your company output and the morale of your workforce. We're not saying shut off the air conditioning completely in the summer or turn all heating off in the winter - your employees need to be comfortable, after all! However, small changes do make a big difference, and little changes like using natural cleaning products could deeply benefit staff.  Green cleaning supplies can help employees who suffer from respiratory and other health-related conditions, because green products contain fewer chemicals that are connected to physical problems. Healthier staff means less sick days as well as an overall improvement in the office atmosphere.

There are changes that you can make today that will have an immediate impact on your business, and changes that you can start to implement that you will benefit from in the long term. If you would like to run your business in a more environmentally sustainable way, start looking into ways that your business can go green today and enjoy all of the benefits that it can bring!

Upgrading to a Greener Workout

Due to the wonderful response from our readers the last time we wrote a post about a green workout routine, we decided to revisit the subject - with some tweaks here and there, of course!

We believe that going green is more than just a fad; it's a necessity. Greener choices and making changes lead to an overall improvement in your health and lifestyle. Which is why, more than focusing on green workout products, today we want to provide you with options that help provide  more flexible, feasible ways that you can upgrade to a greener workout.

Utilize the Great Outdoors.

 When nature and fitness are brought together, the benefits and possibilities are endless. The fresh air gives you a boost of energy, the sun produces vitamin D which is good for your too! Whether you run, jog or cycle, being outside gives you an opportunity to shake things up - you can explore new areas, challenge yourself by hitting hills and mountains, all while interacting with your community.

Maximise Your Home Space.

 Need a change of pace? Outdoors not really speaking to your fitness drive? Why not set up a workout station at home? A lot of exercise routines only require minimal space and can be bought online, watched via a DVD or even found on YouTube! Working out at home not only leaves a significantly smaller carbon footprint than say, driving your SUV to the gym and back, it is also convenient and cost-effective.

Flock Together.

 Exercise with your friends. This allows you to have more input about your progress and gives you more time to hang out too. Sign up for a marathon race or join a sports team. Share your equipment and carpool to the park or sports ground!

Fill Your (Tummy) Tank.

Fuel up on sustainable food. Protein bars and processed shakes are full of sugar and preservatives. You can get all the nutrients your body needs straight from the farmer's market. This means not only do you support the local produce, you also cut down on environmental waste. Tips: Bananas ease muscle cramps, cherries help combat soreness, free range eggs give you protein and spinach is good for muscle building antioxidants.

 

Have any ideas on how else you can upgrade to a greener workout? Let us know, we'd love to hear from you!

 

 

Raw Desserts: Eating to Thrive, Not Just Survive!

Hi Everyone! We hope you've all had a great weekend. This week we wanted to discuss something a bit more controversial - raw desserts! We all know that this has been a 'thing' for quite a while now; a lot of you may have encountered restaurants that serve raw and organic options, and some of you may have even begun to change their lifestyle around eating more raw and organic meals. The big question is, why go raw in the first place?

There are the obvious reasons - that deep frying, sodium and sugar additives along with preservatives are simply not good for your body. Without delving deep into a lot of unfamiliar jargon, the crux of the benefits of eating raw is this: a lot of the vitamins and minerals that our bodies need are compromised when certain food are cooked. We're not saying everyone needs to jump on the bandwagon and start chucking out the stoves and pans, but why not experiment with the best part of the meal? Dessert!

Here are 3 scrumptious, raw dessert recipes that make us drool. Give it a go and let us know what you think!

1. One Minute Fudge (A quick fix for a craving for one!)

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons cocoa powder

2 teaspoons coconut oil

2 teaspoons honey

Directions:

1. Throw the ingredients in a tiny bowl.
2. Grab a spoon and begin to mix. You may want to put a playlist on and groove as you will need to mix slowly and carefully.
3. When the texture is similar to our photo, the fudge is ready to be enjoyed!


2. Raw Raspberry Bars

Ingredients:
Shortbread bars

2 cups dried, shredded coconut

1/2 cup cashews

1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey or agave nectar)

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Raspberry Jam

1 1/2 cups raspberries

1/2 cup dates

Directions:

1. Process all white shortbread ingredients in food processor. Process briefly until you get a crumbly consistency. Tip: mixture should stick together when pinched.
2. Take 3/4 of the white mixture and press it down firmly into your pan/molds. Refrigerate immediately so the bars can start firming up. Set remaining 1/4 white mixture aside, to be used later.
3. Blend all raspberry jam ingredients together until a smooth, jam-like consistency is reached.
4. Get your white bars out of the fridge, and smooth the raspberry jam on top of the bars using the back of a spoon. Place back in refrigerator.
5. Refrigerate bars for at least 1 hour so that the jam can firm up a little bit.
6. Sprinkle remaining white crumble mixture on top of the bars.
7. Place in freezer for at least 3 hours to firm up.
8. For an optional fancy addition, top each bar with a frozen raspberry and share with friends!

3.Vegan Banana Split - on a Spit!

Strawberry Layer Ingredients:
1/4 Cup Natural Cashew Butter
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
2 Cups Hulled Strawberries
1/2 Tbsp Lemon Juice
3 Stevia Packets
Dash of Salt



Banana Cream Layer Ingredients:

3 Bananas
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
Dash of Cinnamon
3 Stevia Packets
1/4 Cup Coconut Milk
3 Tbsp Shredded Coconut

Chocolate Layer Ingredients:
1 Cup Pumpkin Puree
4 Tbsp Cocoa Powder
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
1 Tbsp Agave (Maple Syrup or Honey)
1/2 Cup Natural Peanut Butter
2 Tbsp Almond Milk

Directions:

1. Blend each layer separately in your food processor and set aside.
2. Layer each as desired into your popsicle molds.
3. Freeze for 6 hours or more.
4. Remove and enjoy!

There you have it - let us know which dessert was your favourite, and if you have other recipes to recommend.

For more recipes, check out these sites: http://www.therawtarian.com/ http://www.damyhealth.com/2012/07/top-30-best-raw-desserts/

Happy National Day, Singapore!

Today Singapore celebrates it's 49th birthday. As a tribute to this beautiful city we would like to highlight a few fun facts about why it is known internationally to be one of the most green cities in the world.

 Longest Running Campaign to Save the Planet.
    Singapore's Clean and Green Campaign has been around for nearly two decades, hosting regular events, activities and community all over the city, pretty much all the time. Not only do they get the whole family involved, they raise awareness on the importance and urgency of moving into the green lane. Can you say sustainable effort?

 Children Are, Indeed, the Future.
    Another project called Green Singapore 2050 provides a platform for the younger generation to take part in becoming planeteers. They are encouraged to ask questions, find solutions and voice their concerns. Why? Simply because the youngsters of the next generation are the ones in line to inherit the earth - and they are being given the responsibility to take matters in to their own hands and make changes in their lives as early as today.

 Government Generosity.
     Singapore is so serious about this green stuff that the government actually absorbs a percentage of spends when locals do the right thing. This includes making the right car choices and getting a discount on certain wedding venues if you prove you have taken at least 8 eco friendly measures to ensure your special day leaves a smaller carbon footprint!

It's Called the Garden City.
   Come on now, have you looked around? It may have started as a coined nickname for this charming city but today, wherever you go, side streets and main roads are lined with greenery. Trees adorn estates, landed properties and parks. Singapore has turned itself into a beautiful town of lush flora and we are proud to be part of the green movement.

Fantastic Facebook Freebies from Green Cleaners!

This month Green Cleaners is giving away $1000’s in freebies via our Facebook Group!

So get involved, receive the rewards, join our community and keep up to date with tips and helpful advice on keeping your home healthy, green and clean!

You can find our Facebook group by searching for ‘Green Cleaners Singapore’ or clicking https://www.facebook.com/GreenCleanersSingapore

*Get an added bonus! The best reason for being eco-friendly will receive an extra bonus reward from Green Cleaners and will be announced after the closing date.

All offer subject to terms and conditions. Limited to first 50 qualifiers to claim for each offer only. Closing date for all offers to qualify is Saturday 31st May 2014. For further clarifications, please email us at: sales@greencleaners.asia