The Pacific Northwest is a haven of green, both in our physical environment and our lifestyle decisions. We prefer to shop locally, organically, and stay mindful of the effects of purchases on our health and nature.
As a nation, the federal Environmental Protection Agency began a program called Design for the Environment in 1992. Historically, the “Design for the Environment (DfE) Program began in the early 1990s as an innovative, non-regulatory initiative to help companies consider human health, environmental and economic effects of chemicals and technologies, as well as product performance, when designing and manufacturing commercial products and processes.” Initially emphasizing safer chemicals for household and professional use, it has grown to include safer labeling guidelines as well.
Green Cleaning Magazine reports that “more than three-quarters of business decision-makers purchase green products and most believe the role of the environment will increase in the future, indicating that the green movement is here to stay.”
Locally, Olympia’s DKB Restoration offers carpet protection using DfE certified cleaning products. Owner Daniel Baxter explains that “oily soils produced from cooking vapors, pets, and even oils from our skin cannot be removed by regular vacuuming. These oily contaminants can cause your carpet to look dingy or dirty. The longer these things are allowed to build up the more difficult it is to remove them.”
Once DKB Restoration has thoroughly cleaned your carpets, they offer the option to add a separate DfE coating which costs $75 for a 1,200 square foot home. This coating “helps keep spills and dirt from becoming stains,” explains Baxter. “I even use it in my own home.”
Because the DfE process keeps spills from sticking to the carpet fibers, your routine vacuuming becomes more efficient. Studies also show that application after every carpet cleaning helps carpets last longer overall.
Baxter belongs to an industry group which meets regularly to share product information, new technology, and trending statistics. It is his commitment to research and providing the best service and materials possible that has earned him so many favorable reviews on such consumer sites as Angie’s List, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau.
Steve Jobs encouraged people to “be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren’t used to an environment where excellence is expected.” After a successful stint in the Army, Baxter’s life changed at the hands of a drunk driver. While recuperating from injuries, he began working in the carpet cleaning industry with the same precision and focus instilled by his military career. His pride, knowledge, and community focus are embodied through his work ethic and satisfied customer testimonials.
DfE products are less common because their continued Federal certification means they cost more than the standard solutions. But reducing long-term effects of harmful chemicals on our children, pets, and homes make them well worth the price.
DKB Restoration offers free phone estimates for cleaning carpets, upholstery, ductwork, and dryer vents. Their work is 100% satisfaction guaranteed and before and after photos can be found on their website.
You can reach Dan and his team by calling 360-688-4392. Watch videos of their cleaning methods here.
Earth Day founder Senator Gaylord Nelson once warned that “The most important environmental issue is one that is rarely mentioned, and that is the lack of a conservation ethic in our culture.” But in the 45 years since the holiday began, local businesses like DKB Restoration prove that the green ethic is not only alive and well but affordable and available to everyone.
