Treefrog Environmental Solutions
Clean and Green
By Nathalie Carriere

I spoke with Manny Abacia, the Vancouver based, eco-friendly, cleaning adviser for Treefrog Environmental Solutions, a company providing green cleaning services to small local businesses in Vancouver and Victoria.

Emmanuel Sr. founded Abecia Cleaning Services in 1978, in Prince Rupert, B.C., “this is where, my brother Emmanuel and I learned the trade” says Manny, “but later, when my brother got a degree in Biology from UVic, we started thinking about our trade from an environmental point of view.”

With a strong belief in fair trade, fair pay, and providing a quality service, they developed a professional cleaning service, using only biodegradable cleaning products, and the power of professional steam equipment for the tough jobs. As this relates to kitchens, they chose to specialize in cleaning surfaces for both FoH and BoH.

“In the end, we thought about what were doing in terms of a ripple effect. The toxic foot print had to get smaller. Today, we educate our clients, talk about waste management, and try to provide solutions that help them slowly move toward sustainability. It’s an on-going conversation, and it’s totally worth it.”

Looking toward a greener future, the brothers are in process of developing a line of biodegradable cleaning kits for use by their customers, and are actively seeking efficient waste management providers in local communities.

“It’s a mind shift, it takes time, but our customers love the personal touch, and really want to make a difference. We are here to help them, one step at a time. That’s how change happens, that’s exciting.”

For more information go to: www.treefrogenviro.com