Go Green. Don't Think Greenwash

Greenwashing is the slick marketing technique used by advertisers who are interested in cashing in on the Sustainability Movement. They may not be providing products or services that are truly Green, however.

Step 1: Do Your Homework

Research the ingredients and manufacturing processes of the green products that you may purchase. Petroleum based or chemicals that you can't pronounce? Keep digging. Trust in sites like www.greenseal.org to provide you with updated, relevant information.

Step 2: Ask Questions

We recently polled our competitors claiming to be "eco-friendly" and were surprised by some of the responses. Who/Which organizations recognize or certify their product or service as organic? Some were unsure, and others were sadly incorrect. Fosters Carpet Dry Cleaning, for example uses Host Sponges to clean carpets and rugs. The good folks at Green Seal have certified and approved them as green!

Step 3: Use Common Sense

Most Natural and Organic products can be disposed of simply or even composted after initial use. Ask questions regarding disposal procedures and if there are any regulatory bodies that oversee that disposal. Waste water from "wet" carpet cleaning, for example, is not regulated yet is environmentally harmful. Where does that dirty, chemical laden water go?

Step 4: Trust Someone in the Know

Sites like Greenopia, Green Seal, and other local networks (like Holistic Mom's Network in Los Angeles) can provide you with solid, verifiable resources to help you in answering these questions.

Congratulations on efforting to Get Green.
We encourage and applaud your efforts.

If we may be of any assistance, just give us a call toll free at 1-866-993-6783.
Or drop us a line through mike@callfosters.com and I will answer your questions directly.

Be safe this Fourth of July. Be Green. Be informed and have a great summer!

Michael Foster
President, Fosters Carpet Dry Cleaning
www.callfosters.com

Don't Get "Cleaned-Out" By A Cleaning Company

"How do I avoid getting taken to the cleaners when I call for carpet cleaning?"

"Why do companies advertise one price, but the final bill is more expensive?"

We're here to help! Your greatest resource in avoiding paying more than you expect...is you.

Asking the right questions will go a long way in getting the VALUE that you deserve.

Some of the following questions may help.

1. Do you offer Free Estimates? Will you put them in writing?


2. Do you guarantee your work? For how long? Is your guarantee in writing?


3. How many square feet are included in your "Per Room Special?" What's the additional cost per square foot thereafter?


4. Do you offer references that I may contact/read about?


5. What Professional Associations do you belong to?

For our Green-Minded readers, include the following:

1. What certifies you as Environmentally Friendly or Green?


2. Do you have an EPA Registry Number?


3. Are you Green Seal Approved?


4. Where does the waste water go from my dirty carpets? How is it disposed of?

Many people have their carpets cleaned, as you should. However, most are not happy with the results, surprise pricing, and generally call a different company next time (with similar results.)

We would like to invite you to The Alternative.

Green Seal Approved-Carpet Dry Cleaning

Great Customer Service-We want to solve your carpet problem.

Guaranteed Results-7 Day Guarantee on Spots

EPA Registered Equipment used by Certified Technicians

Free Estimates with Flat Rate Pricing-No Surprises

Ready for the next step in Carpet Cleaning's Evolution?

http://www.callfosters.com/

1-866-99-FOSTERS

Don't Get 'Greenwashed' This Spring Cleaning

As many of us are turning our collective attention to Going Green, there is a marketing rush by many companies to cash in on the trend.

While there are many legitimate companies who truly provide an environmentally conscientious service or product...there are also some trying to merely turn a buck.

'Greenwashing', as it is commonly known, represents the latter.

"Environmental", "Green", and "All Natural" may describe both types of businesses.

"How do I tell the difference?"

I'm glad that you asked. Here are some tips for finding Green products and services that live up to their marketing/advertising.

1. Do your homework. Search online sites such as Greenopia and GreenPages that list companies who have been screened for compliance with established standards.
2. Ask Questions. Call service providers, for example, and ask them what professional associations or organizations they belong to. Don't stop there...check out those organizations!
3. Expect to pay a little bit more for these products/services ahead of time. Many of the manufacturing processes that 'Green' these products are more costly to produce. That cost, of course, is passed on to the consumer. Example: Energy saving lightbulbs have a higher retail price than traditional bulbs. Your cost is recovered in the long term savings, as many Green products are designed to do.
4. Check out established websites such as www.GreenSeal.org and even your local Department of Water and Power for links to approved resources.

We, at Foster's Carpet Dry Cleaning, are excited about Going Green, and hope that you take an active role in this concept also. What could be more important than the long term health of our environment?

Until next time...

Get Ready for Green Spring

Spring is just around the corner. In fact, Sunday March 9th begins Daylight Savings Time this year!

Ready for long evenings? Barbecues? Cold Margaritas to relax the nights away?

We are, too.

Here are some tips on getting you ready for Spring:

*Changing the clocks means testing Smoke Detectors or changing their batteries.

*Checking your Air Conditioning Filters to Improve Indoor Air Quality. Don't recycle your Winter dust and allergens!

*Get Moving! Take advantage of the longer days to take evening walks, hit some balls at the driving range, or whatever you love to do that's active! Not only might you feel a little bit more energized, but you're getting a jump start on your "Beach Body" for Summer.

*Take a look at some of those old Winter clothes that you never wore this year. What a perfect time to clear out some space while doing a great thing...donate those old clothes and help those who can't afford them!

*Find time to volunteer for an organization that you believe in. For me, it's the Humane Society this Spring!

*And, of course, this is the perfect time for Spring Cleaning. Don't forget about your carpets and rugs. Visit us at www.callfosters.com to learn more about the Healthy Benefits of having clean carpets.

Natural Spring Cleaning Solutions:

All-purpose Spray Cleaner: Combine in a spray bottle: 1/2 tsp Washing Soda, 1/2 tsp Borax, 1/2 tsp vegetable oil-based soap, 2 Tbsp vinegar and 2 cups of hot water. Shake well until fully dissolved. For extra cleaning power increase Borax to 1 tsp. Spray and wipe clean.

Mold: To kill mold use full-strength vinegar. To keep mold under control spray affected areas with diluted vinegar regularly.

Musty Smells: Combine 1 tsp of tea tree oil and 1 cup of water in a spritzer bottle. Spray the area, but don't wipe it off.

Moisture Problems: Mold and mildew thrive in moist, warm areas. To keep these areas under control place containers of clean kitty litter in "out of the way areas" to absorb moisture.

Cutting Boards: Wipe with vinegar or baking soda or lemon slices or celery.

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Hopefully, some of these tips and ideas will get you up and running for Spring.

Give us your suggestions, also. We'd love to pass them along in next weeks post.

Until next time...

Welcome to Our First Green Blog

Foster’s Carpet Dry Cleaning, based in Glendale, has implemented a dry cleaning process for carpets using a Green Seal Certified product and equipment manufactured in an EPA-registered facility.

“Our concern about personal health and environmental issues really dictate our role in a changing business climate,” said Michael Foster, the company owner. “ Our process has environmental and health benefits for our clients in addition to the aesthetic benefit of having clean carpets.”

Foster’s Carpet Dry Cleaning uses a method that reduces allergens trapped in carpet fibers but that also conserves electricity and water for their clients. How much water is conserved?

“About 200,000 gallons. That’s enough to fill your bathtub over 4,000 times or to brush your teeth…103,000 times!” adds Mr. Foster. And the health benefits? “The first time that we clean your carpets we safely remove or reduce dust mites, mold spores, and pet allergens. Plus, our product is completely safe for children and families with pets…and it works!”

By using Green Seal Certified products to clean carpets, conserving water and electricity, and improving the Indoor Air Quality of their clients’ homes, Foster’s Carpet Dry Cleaning is working towards becoming a “Green Cleaning” leader in the community.