Since June is National Safety Month, the Chicago uniform company wanted to draw attention to an initiative the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Textile Rental Services Association (TRSA) are currently closing in on. Back in 2010, TRSA told the EPA that the association would lead an industrywide phase-out of Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs) from all liquid detergent formulations by December 31, 2013, and all powders a year later. Since then, the EPA has placed NP and NPEs on the toxic list, has provided a list of alternatives and is working with TRSA on an expedited phase-out in industrial laundry detergents.
The mat rental company is proud that TRSA has taken a leadership role in this process as Roscoe is a part of this association and it is the industrial launderer’s voice in Washington. Furthermore, TRSA companies have a history of being more efficient in minimizing environmental impact and using best practices.
The uniform rental company cares about the phase-out of NPEs because they are a group of chemicals used mainly in cleaning agents and detergents; of which Roscoe uses plenty. While NPEs are chemically stable and nonreactive, they are known to be very toxic to wildlife, particularly aquatic organisms. They also mimic animal hormones and break down relatively easily into Nonylphenols (NPs), which are more harmful and persistent in the environment. This persistence means they can be transported far from the point of original release. Since aquatic organisms and birds are the most affected, that means they could be carried further and pose not only a local, but a global threat.
There is no known significant effects of exposure on human health, thankfully, but the Chicago mat company has always been conscientious of what we are releasing into the environment and are always looking to reduce our overall carbon footprint for the customers and community we serve. Therefore, Roscoe will cooperate and be a part of the process to use NPE free detergents.
To keep your employees safe in celebration of National Safety Month, make sure they are equipped with the proper garments. The uniform rental company has flame-resistant apparel as well as enhanced and high-visibility shirts, safety vests, pants and outerwear. To make your building more safe consider adding a mat system to protect against slips, trips and falls. Read more about it here.
If you would like to know more about how to rent flame-resistant, enhanced or high visibility clothing from eRoscoe, contact us here or call us on 773.722.5000.
Let’s Take Pride in Safety every month!
Contact us to learn more about Roscoe: The Chicago Work Uniform Company
