HSC & ISSA Facilitate Smooth Transition to Green in Illinois
Green cleaning leaders around the country are interested in how Illinois, the second state in the nation to require green cleaning in schools, is implementing the new Green Clean Schools Act that goes into effect on May 9, 2008.
As other states consider similar legislation, the process used in Illinois and New York, the only other state requiring green cleaning in schools, will have an impact on the success and implementation of such policies throughout the country.
To help green clean distributors in Illinois prepare for the new rules, HSC is partnering with ISSA to provide a series of workshops and develop a directory of suppliers that schools can contact as they seek green products. To learn more, visit www.GreenCleanIllinois.org.
HSC is also participating in a number of events, including the Green Procurement Expo, to highlight the availability of green products for school purchasing professionals.
Building on the lessons learned from this and other strategies, HSC will be pulling together a national coalition in the fall of 2008 to advocate for state-level legislation requiring green cleaning in schools throughout the U.S. To learn more about how you can be involved in this coalition, contact Mark Bishop.
In Illinois, the Green Government Coordinating Council (staffed by the office of the Lt. Governor) is responsible for developing specific green cleaning guidelines. To do so, the council brought together a broad range of experts and invited the public to share input. The result is a set of guidelines that are comprehensive, health-based and cost-effective for schools to implement.
The rules identify six categories of cleaning products which school will be required to purchase “green.” These include:
- Bathroom Cleaners
- Carpet Cleaners
- General Purpose and Hard Floor Surface Cleaners
- Glass, Window and Mirror Cleaners
- Hand Cleaners and Hand Soaps
- Paper Products
Products in the chemical categories are required to be certified by Green Seal, Environmental Choice, or USEPA Design for the Environment. Paper products are required to be certified by Green Seal, Environmental Choice or the USEPA Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines. Schools can also choose products certified by parties that meet or exceed the standards of those listed certifications. Exemptions can be obtained if green cleaning is not economically feasible. (We’ve received a number of inquiries about how the Illinois standards compare to standards used in New York. To learn more and see a comparison of the standards, click here.)
Once recommendations are complete, a list of allowable products will be posted on the Green Clean Schools Act area of the Lt. Governor’s website. You can also use the link above to view the complete rules and the more broad recommendations on implementing an overall green cleaning program.
To learn more about HSC and ISSA’s upcoming training to help prepare distributors in Illinois for the new law, be sure to check out www.GreenCleanIllinois.org.
Coming Soon: Quick & Easy Guide, Version II
Since releasing The Quick & Easy Guide to Green Cleaning in Schools in October 2006, HSC has distributed more than 55,000 guides with the support of 30 sponsors and 14 participating organizations. But we’re not standing still.
We conducted a survey in 2007 and, based on that feedback, are making changes for an expanded and improved edition. Among other things, the new version will feature additional information about integrated pest management, green cleaning in food service, new technologies and a redesigned product directory.
We welcome your feedback on the new information and features you’d like to see in Version II.
We also have more formal opportunities to participate in the new version of the guide as a sponsor. To learn more, click here or email Rochelle Davis.
Already, the first guide has been cited as a resource in a diverse range of publications, including the book Green Cleaning for Dummies, and was instrumental in passing legislation requiring green cleaning in Illinois schools. We look forward to your help in ensuring that Version II is an equally powerful resource for everyone working to green America’s schools.
Green Clean Schools on the Road
HSC Staff Present at National Events
HSC staff are busy this year taking the green clean schools message on the road. Founding executive director Rochelle Davis was a keynote speaker at an annual symposium hosted by the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing, and deputy director Mark Bishop will be speaking May 1 at CAN Clean, the annual conference of the Canadian Sanitation Supply Association.
In Illinois, HSC’s environmental health specialist Claris Olson will speak as part of a panel discussion at the Green Procurement Exposition & Conference and at the annual conference of the Illinois Association of School Business Officials. Interested in bringing a Green Clean Schools speaker to your event? Contact Claris Olson for details. |
