ESW Gym Wipes Project
Project Description:
Collaborated with CRC Facilities Management to find potential reductions in waste created by the life cycle of gym wipes for cleaning use. The project focused on finding wipes that were most efficient for the environment (anti-bacterial vs. biodegradable, made from recycled materials, reduced packaging, etc.), cleaned most effectively (holding the highest cleaning standards to curb outbreaks of MRSA, flu, etc.), and implement a system that would conserve the most wipes used CRC staff and users. The primary data used were usage statistics provided by the CRC, MSDS data from the wipe providers, and economic impact data using Sustainable Minds Life Cycle Analysis.
Key Points:
· Large buildings like the CRC consume large quantities of energy, water, and other resources to power and maintain the buildings and equipment.
· The CRC spends a considerable amount of money on gym wipes to clean equipment every year, yet there are still many areas of improvement.
· Antibacterial cleaning wipes cannot be recycled, so LCA software quantified the large environmental impact the end life antibacterial wipes can have. This statistic was then compared to the impact of biodegradable wipes.
· While biodegradable wipes do not have antibacterial strength, they are cheaper financially and are effective in cleaning while having minimal environmental footprints.
· Advice was given to implement signage around wipe dispensers to encourage users not to waste wipes during cleaning, and staff were told to be wary of cross-contamination by using the same towel to clean multiple equipment.
Conclusion:
The CRC has made large steps to become more sustainable on all levels, from large-scale energy consumption to cleaning equipment. The purpose of this project was to provide the CRC with information on the current cleaning process and alternatives to allow them to make informed decisions. Ultimately, our team found that implementing proper signage and cleaning systems while mixing use of biodegradable and antibacterial wipes can curb financial, economic, and usage burdens while holding health standards constant. The CRC now plans to discover more initiatives that reduce waste and increase overall efficiency sustainably. The staff was extremely grateful for our help, and encouraged us to see them as a partner for future ESW projects.
Team Members:
Ben Ibach, Lindsey Thomson, Marie Henshaw, Trav Harris, Clayton Maike, Marcos Enriquez