For some, "going green" isn't just a fad or a politically correct affiliation, it's a way of life. And for nearly seven years, Debi Sarandrea and her sister Vicki Brown, owners of Harmony Clean in Doylestown, have infused their personal vision into their business by providing professional cleaning services that leave the house spic and span without leaving behind hazardous chemicals that may endanger a family's health.
"We didn't start the business to get on the green bandwagon," says Sarandrea. "We've been living this principal." As young entrepreneurs, both Sarandrea and Brown were subject to environmentally responsible influences. "The history that Vicki and I have with all things natural and natural products goes back pretty far," Sarandrea continues. "I mean, I'm thinking back to 20 years ago, when a friend of Vicki's opened a natural products store in Doylestown."
Today, Harmony Clean has received a stamp of approval from Green America, an independent, non-profit organization that fosters a socially just and environmentally conscious marketplace, and lauds sustainable businesses. And from their organic cotton uniforms to their fleet of highly fuel-efficient vehicles, Harmony certainly fits the mold. But they don't stop there.
Marking the 40th anniversary of Earth Day this year, Harmony Clean is sponsoring their "Green Inspiration" contest. If you know anyone passionate about environmentally conscious living, describe him or her and their efforts in under 300 words, and both of you can win a full day of "green" spring cleaning from the Harmony team.
And while Earth Day may come only once a year, Sarandrea and Brown work to assure green living is always on the forefront of the public's mind. "We host informational workshops that describe the health and environmental concerns associated with the ingredients in many conventional cleaning products," Sarandrea says. "We then provide resources and recipes for inexpensive homemade cleaning products, as well as ready-made natural solutions available at local grocery stores." The next workshop is tentatively scheduled for May.
In the meantime, Sarandrea suggests researching product safety and ingredients online by searching for brand name Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), a form including the physical properties of a substance, as well as any needed safety instructions. "Traditional cleaning products are not required to list their ingredients on the label," she says. "Many of us are led to believe that if it's on the shelf, it must be safe." She recommends going back to basics: baking soda and vinegar.
To nominate someone for the contest, go online at tinyurl.com/yahvjv6. For more information on Harmony Clean's services, visit harmonyclean.com.