reduce the possible ill effects of the floor finishing process on staff, building occu-pants and the environment. Tip #1: Get a grip on it Look for new ergonomic designs that reduce the impact of applying finish on the userʼs hands, arms, shoulders and back. In addition, tools should fit users of all heights so bending is not required. Ergonomically-designed products reduce injury and costs, enhancing worker produc-tivity and contributing to a more sustainable environment. Tip #2: Pay attention to the wrap Sustainable containers reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and the fuel needed for transportation while also allowing for easy storage. In addition, when you use systems with bag-in-box (BIB) packaging, you can easily reseal them after use, reducing the opportunity for contamination and potential waste. Tip #3: Look for closed-dispensing systems Look for systems that do not require fin-ish to be transferred from the original pack-age to a secondary package. The benefit of this type of system is that it reduces the opportunity for spills. In addition, the system reduces the exposure of floor finish and VOCs to the indoor environment, improving indoor air quality (IAQ). Tip #4: Don’t trash it Innovations in floor care have eliminated the need for water while reducing chemical waste. Look for environmentally preferable floor care systems that automatically dis-pense finish onto the floor, eliminating any guesswork. After applying finish to the surface, you should easily be able to reseal the finish container so leftover finish can be used later. Tip #5: Look at the literature By using products with low VOC content, not only are you making the indoor envi-ronment better for staff and building occu-pants, you are reducing the environmental impact because these products also con-tain fewer volatile contaminates. While there are many sustainable initia-tives you can take throughout your clean-ing operations, use Earth Day as the start-ing point for greening your hard floor main-tenance program. By incorporating closed, ergonomic floor finishing systems that do not require cleaning, you can reduce impact on staff workers, the environment and your bottom line. CM CM/Spotlight: Hard Floor Care Products & Services CleanMaster Corporation Take Your Cleaning To The Maxx The new Maxx Series portable extractors from CleanMaster are popular among carpet cleaning operators. Possibly, itʼs because the systems — excluding the 1200 — produce on-demand heat of 212-degrees Fahrenheit at the wand tip. It could also be that they get to choose from 100 pounds of pressure per square inch (PSI) up to 1,200-PSI configurations to best suit their applications. Maybe itʼs because they come with a powerful three-stage vacuum. Still, it could be because these machines have a 13-gallon tank capacity with optional auto-fill/dump capabilities to increase productivity. Or, it may be because they are the most reliable, high-quality and cost-competitive portable extractors available. Circle Product Information no. 141 on page 34 ProTeam Inc. Run Circles Around Traditional Upright Vacuums The RunningVac™ canister vacuum provides the same durable, ergonomic construction found in all ProTeam vacuums while offering exceptional cleaning strength unmatched by traditional canisters. Formerly known as the ProClean®, this high-performance speed canister is the perfect lightweight solution for increasing productivity and mobility. A 10-quart capacity and three-year warranty on parts, labor and motor comes standard, along with a lifetime warranty on the body. Circle Product Information no. 142 on page 34 U.S. Products The King Of Clean The King Cobra 500 is a flagship of durability, performance and quality for U.S. Products portable carpet extractors. Adjustable 500 pounds of pressure per square inch (PSI) and adjustable, instant heat up to 212 degrees Fahrenheit at the wand tip give the operator the ultimate deep cleaning power and versatility. Innovative features like the on-board hose reel deliver easy transport and quick setup. The 500 is GOLD-certified by the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) for proven cleaning performance. Circle Product Information no. 143 on page 34 www.cmmonline.com 27