As a green business, the use of a diesel powered van to go about our business is a tricky subject. With the best will in the world, we have to be realistic and acknowledge that we need to use the vans for some of the work that we do. We actively encourage our workforce to use pedal power / walk / use public transport to get to their assigned jobs. We have bike pool to help with this too. Our policy is always to assign work to the Green Mopper who is nearest to the site etc etc.

HOWEVER. Bulk packs of loo roll (recycled of course) are not easily squeezed into a back pack. The 5 litre drums of eco friendly cleaning products we use are quite heavy. The bright green Henry vacuum cleaners that need to be delivered just won’t fit in a bike basket.

So the use of a vehicle in order to do our job is essential. We have 2 vans. Both are utilised to move supplies around the city. We do this efficiently and thoughtfully to save on diesel, for the cost as much as for the carbon footprint. This is what keeps our workers working, giving them jobs. Which I think is really important. We also deliver hygiene supplies to our customers. Again, an essential service to keep the city working.

So it is hugely disappointing to see the rise in parking for trades people and businesses. Traders and businesses are trying to do their jobs. A painter and decorater can’t go to work on a bike or public transport with all their tools can they? So they have no choice but to pay huge parking permit costs.

As an advocate of all things ‘green’, I find it disappointing that the green doubters are shaking their heads and saying ‘told you so’. They all thought that this was the sort of thoughtless policy that a Green administration would advocate. I have no answer for those people. What are they trying to achieve? It won’t reduce vehicle use, as it’s a necessity not a choice.

Maybe the council could target unnecessary vehicle use instead of usage which is essential to keeping the city working and thriving. Maybe the illegal parking that takes place at school drop off and pick time? Maybe large cars pay double for parking? Maybe a levy on more than one car per household?

As it is Apprenticeship Week, I thought I’d tell you how the Apprenticeship scheme benefits our Green Moppers.

City College Brighton look after our Aiden. He was already employed by Green Mop, and is a bright lad. Enthusiastic and hard working, but with no formal qualifications.

So he was keen to sign up for the Apprenticeship Scheme. He get’s training while he works. So he’s earning and learning. The Assessor visits him at one of the sites Aiden works at, and works with him there.

Green Mop benefits from having a motivated worker, getting excellent training and advice. And our Green Mopper Aiden benefits from gaining useful training that will stand him in good stead for the future, along with a qualification at the end of it. We have also given him a pay rise and a promotion to Lead Cleaner as he can share his knowledge and train new Green Moppers.

It’s a win for our business, and it’s a win for our member of staff. I’d encourage all business owners to have a chat with City College to see how Apprenticeships can benefit your business and your workforce. Check their website here.

We know some cleaning companies add a premium for choosing green. But we try hard to remain competitive without compromising on our green principles.

Good old fashioned white vinegar and soda crystals are great value. And our janitorial supplier has an eco range which is brilliant and about the same price as their toxic stuff.

We buy most of it in 5 litre tubs, refilling bottles, and diluting to make it go further.

It’s not just an environmentally friendly way to work, it’s also cost effective.

And we make our own anticacterial spray with vinegar, water and tea tree oil. Natural, effective and cheap!

So, you have to know what you’re doing, but green cleaning doesn’t have to be expensive.

Give us a call to find out more.

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The very lovely people from Nick Rivett Sports shop of Church Road in Hove have kindly sent us a testimonial for our website. We keep their shop window and signage clean for them on a weekly basis. Here’s what they say about us:

“In my experience Green Mop are the best value, eco friendly cleaning company in Brighton. Green Mop have been cleaning our shop front and windows to the highest standard for over a year now. Superb value for money and Johnny is very reliable. Any retailer will appreciate your shop front is critical to attracting customers into your store - thanks to Green Mop, we are always sparkling clean and well presented. Thank you Green Mop!”

Green Mop offices in Brighton, Cheltenham and Worcester will close for Christmas on Friday 23 December.

We will still be checking any emails and phone messages during the holiday period. Any non urgent messages will be responded to when we return on the 3rd January.

Wishing all our team, our customers, suppliers and friends a very merry Christmas.

An interview Racheal did with the brilliant Julie Stanford from Essential Business - www.essential-business.co.uk

We are delighted to be shortlisted for The Responsible Business Award at this year’s Brighton and Hove Business Awards.

The BAHBAs are being combined with the Sussex Business Awards. So there will be one big celebration of local businesses at The Grand at the beginning of December.

Wish us luck!

Look out for exciting Green Mop news. Soon.

Not quite yet.

We can’t wait to tell you. But we can’t yet. No, really, I can’t spill the beans yet. Sorry.

*cough* Franchise *oops*

All good things come to an end. And our lovely Green Mopper Chris is finally moving on to pastures new. I wanted to share his resignation letter as it made us feel very proud. We’re going to miss you Chris! *sobs uncontrollably*

“Rachel & Ceri,
I’ve been avoiding this for some while as it’s not something I necessarily want, though life must go on!
As discussed previously I was considering staying down here for further study at Sussex, but after a lot of thought I would be better off going up to Manchester as their university far better suits my interests. Therefore, with much regret, I’ll be leaving Green Mop..
Completing my BA certainly wouldn’t have been possible without the money earned while working for you, so for this reason I’m forever grateful for both your time and consistent confidence in my abilities.
You’ve all been hugely accomodating and understanding throughout and, in comparison to other jobs I’ve held, Green Mop can easily be called the best.
Also, I can’t stress enough how brilliant John is with staff on the ground. He completely appreciates the difficulties encountered by cleaners and has always done a fantastic job as a supervisor and fellow cleaner.
I wish both of you all the best - if I ever win the lottery I promise I’ll invest heavily in your company!
Thanks again for more than ‘just a job’,
Chris “

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Dealing with commercial waste is an issue for many of our customers. Most businesses that use our services would want to know that the stuff they throw away is dealt with in the most planet friendly way possible. That’s why I was so pleased and excited to hear of the plans that Brighton Paper Round have for the future. They have partnered up with Magpie, whom I’m sure you all know and love, and offer excellent recycling solutions for businesses across our city. They are working towards a Zero-to-Landfill service, with plans to recycle almost everything, including food. Stuff that can’t be recycled will be sent to an Energy from Waste facility to create electricity. All cost effectively. What’s not to like! More info on their website.