Seiche Sanders' portraitPerhaps the most important thing I’ve learned about jan/san distributors is they know how to roll with the punches. Historically, distributors have been quick to defend their role as a vital link in the jan/san supply chain.

In response to the “green” cleaning revolution, for example, proactive distributors do their homework regarding green-certifying organizations. Still, the cleaning industry is inundated with organizations that weigh in on the merits or shortcomings of products being marketed as environmentally friendly.

This month, SM offers a “primer” on various players in green cleaning. I hope this article will serve as a starting point for distributors looking to educate their customers on green. Compiling the section and talking to the players involved provided me with a valuable update on green cleaning. I hope it will help distributors sort through all the green confusion.

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In a previous life, I worked as a reporter for a small-town newspaper that — not surprisingly — had many stories waiting to be told if an enterprising journalist was willing to dig deep below the surface.

In the last year and a half, I’ve learned that this industry is also rich in stories and hungry for information. I am excited to serve as a voice for the industry, and thrilled to bring readers a publication that continues to dig deep for relevance.

I truly hope you will contact me with any questions, concerns or ideas you have, as you are the most knowledgeable source for my continuing education of the jan/san industry.