More of us are looking for environmentally friendly solutions to everyday tasks at home and in the workplace.

Everyone virtually without exception is recycling more and many are having green technologies built into their homes and offices in a bid to cut bills as well as benefit the planet.

Now it is the turn of domestic and commercial cleaning provided by new Oxford-based firm Hem Green.

It has been set up by James Webb who has long held an interest in the environment and, having worked in hotels and restaurants to date, is well placed to know of the kinds of chemicals used in kitchens and bedrooms that may not be kind to the environment.

Mr Webb was inspired by what is going on in Sweden which he describes as “30 years ahead” when it comes to green thinking — Hem means ‘home’ in Swedish.

And he has had first hand advice from Swedish-born girlfriend Sandra Sunden.

He explained: “I am environmentally-conscious and use green cleaning products in my own home as well as recycling everything possible.

“I have always wanted to set up my own business and I have done a lot of research into this in the last six months.”

Mr Webb has invested £13,500 in starting Hem Green, buying a range of products from companies such as Bio-D, Ecover and Northern Environmental.

He has also bought a VW Caddy van, the least polluting model in the range, and plans his routes carefully to ensure maximum impact from the minimum number of miles.

He has decided to try and gain momentum quickly and is offering his services for both office and home as well as restaurants and hotels.

Lettings agents and landlords are also being targeted for end of tenancy cleaning along with leisure facilities.

Mr Webb, 30, has learned about business from his time working in the hotel and restaurant trade starting at The Fishes restaurant in North Hinksey, Oxford 11 years ago, followed by time in France where he ran a hotel.

Returning to Oxford, he worked for local restaurant owner Clinton Pugh at the Kazbar in Cowley Road, moving to become general manager of Café Coco and setting up Café Tarifa.

At the moment Mr Webb is supervising all operations himself but he intends to take on staff in the next three months once he has assessed demand.

“I have had a fantastic reaction from people who not only like the green element but the level of professionalism I have introduced. I want to make sure the products are right and the systems are in place. I am a hands-on guy.” ib Contact: Hem Green Cleaning, 07940 978830 www.hemgreen.co.uk