‘Green Initiatives’ Important to PCOs

 

Most responded it is important, with 27 percent voting somewhat important and 45 percent very important. These results indicate PCOs are attuned with consumer trends and are concerned about sustainability.

 

Mark Constantino has built Arkadia – Eco Pest Control, Randolph, N.J., on the foundation of being a green company. He said he’s been “eco-conscious” since he was a child. “If we can get the industry on board with using softer products, safer products for the environment, for kids, for dogs, for families, I think that's a win-win for our industry going forward,” he said.

 

Constantino also said his office has become more green by becoming paperless and he is working to convert his entire vehicle fleet into electric. He also switched from gas-powered backpack sprayers to battery-powered backpack sprayers.

 

Matt Livingston, president of Remedy Pest Control, Charlotte, N.C., said green services are "moderately important" to his business. “We know that online search results [for green pest services] have grown steadily over the past few years,” he said. “However, once people realize the treatment frequency, costs associated with the services and what their tolerances have to be…most ultimately decide not to pursue it. But it is growing in importance, and we expect that trend to continue.” 

 

Livingston added that he feels good about the strides his company has made reducing pesticide use as a result of its IPM practices.

 

Only 15 percent said “green initiatives” are neither important or not and 13 percent responded not important at all.

 

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