Summer is here! It’s a time to throw open the windows, soak up the sunshine, and reconnect with the beauty of the outdoors. As we spend more time in nature, we’re reminded of the importance of protecting our environment.
At Global Ozone Solutions, we believe clean air, fresh water, and healthy ecosystems are just as essential to our well-being as keeping equipment and spaces safe and clean. That’s why we developed innovative ozone sanitation solutions – powerful disinfectants for sports equipment, heavy duty uniforms, gear, and more that keep people healthy without harming the planet we love. Compared to traditional sanitation methods like aerosol spray cans and liquid spray disinfectants that pose a host of issues to our environment, ozone sanitation is an effective and eco-friendly alternative.
Aerosol Spray Disinfectants and the Environment
Many traditional disinfectant products come in aerosol spray cans, which create significant environmental issues like ozone depletion and waste. These pressurized containers release a fine mist of liquid product, along with propellant gasses. When used, aerosol cans disperse tiny particles or droplets into the air, known as aerosols. These aerosols stay in the air and can affect air quality, human health, and the climate by scattering or absorbing sunlight and influencing cloud formation.
Ozone Depletion and Global Warming
Many aerosol spray cans contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as propellants, which are notorious for depleting the ozone layer that shields Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Although some producers have phased out CFCs in favor of less harmful alternatives like hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and hydrocarbons, these gasses still contribute to global warming by trapping heat in the atmosphere. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, increased UV radiation resulting from ozone depletion accelerates global warming and also raises the risk of skin cancer, cataracts, and other human health issues.
Difficult and Dangerous Disposal
Disposing of aerosol spray cans can be dangerous and harmful to the environment. These pressurized containers can explode if punctured or exposed to high heat, posing fire and injury risks. Residual chemicals from empty cans can leak into the environment, contaminating soil and water, harming wildlife, and degrading air quality by releasing pollutants. Improper disposal, such as failing to recycle, wastes valuable resources and contributes to overflowing landfills. When aerosol spray can users do not follow the complex disposal guidelines, humans and the environment suffer.
Liquid Spray Disinfectants and the Environment
Another common sanitation method involves liquid spray disinfectants, which combine water and chemicals to create a liquid sanitation solution. These disinfectants present their own host of issues for the environment, including water and air pollution.
Water Pollution
One consequence of liquid spray disinfectants is their contribution to water pollution. When these disinfectants are sprayed onto surfaces or washed down drains, residual chemicals enter waterways, such as rivers and oceans. These chemicals do not break down easily and can build up over time, harming aquatic life, disrupting ecosystems, and polluting the water supply. Many disinfectants also contain ingredients that are toxic to aquatic organisms, increasing the threat to ocean animals and humans who consume them.
Air Pollution
Another negative impact of liquid spray disinfectants on the environment is their contribution to air pollution. When these disinfectants are sprayed, they release chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. These VOCs can mix with other pollutants to create ground-level ozone and smog, which can make the air dirty and cause breathing problems for people and animals. Additionally, these chemicals add to the overall issue of air pollution, which contributes to climate change and speeds up global warming. To help reduce these effects, it’s important to use disinfectants in well-ventilated areas, follow the usage instructions, and opt for more eco-friendly options when possible.
A Better Solution: Ozone Sanitation
Global Ozone Solutions offers an innovative and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional disinfectants. Global Ozone technology harnesses the natural sanitizing power of ozone (O3) to effectively kill bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens without the harmful environmental impacts associated with conventional methods. Here are three eco-friendly benefits of using ozone sanitation technologies:
1. Reduced Air and Water Pollution
Unlike other disinfectants that are loaded with harmful chemicals, ozone sanitization uses only ozone gas. Ozone naturally reverts to oxygen after use, leaving no harmful residues and eliminating the risk of water and soil contamination. Ozone sanitation also does not produce the air-polluting aerosols and VOCs that aerosol cans and spray disinfectants do. By opting for an ozone sanitation method like Global Ozone’s Sports-O-zone or Gear Blaster, you can help keep our air, water, and earth clean.
2. Does not Contribute to Climate Change
Ozone sanitation is a game-changer when it comes to reducing air pollution and combating climate change. Keeping the ozone layer intact is a crucial part of preventing climate change and protecting the earth from harmful UV radiation. While traditional disinfectants like aerosols release CFCs and HFCs that break down the ozone layer, ozone sanitation produces no ozone-depleting emissions. Whether your crew works the field or the front lines, using ozone sanitation technology helps reduce your team’s carbon footprint and keep the earth cool.
3. No Waste
Ozone sanitation techniques produce almost zero waste, a stark contrast to traditional methods that generate significant material waste and disposal issues. With aerosol and liquid disinfectants, there is a constant need to manage empty containers, chemical residues, and associated waste, all of which require proper disposal to avoid environmental contamination. In contrast, ozone generators use electricity to create ozone gas on-site, eliminating the need for disposable containers or chemical storage. This drastically reduces the volume of waste produced and simplifies the sanitation process, making it not only more efficient but also much more sustainable.
As we enjoy the summer and appreciate the beauty of the outdoors, it’s good to reflect on how our actions impact the environment. While traditional sanitation methods often come with a hidden environmental cost, ozone sanitation offers an effective and eco-friendly solution. By avoiding harmful chemicals, reducing air and water pollution, and minimizing waste, Global Ozone Solutions’ ozone sanitation technology helps us keep our environment safe and healthy for many summers to come. Contact us to find the product right for you and your team today!
