-Five Simple Steps
Five Steps Overview STEP 1: Use Green Cleaning Products STEP 2: Introduce Green Equipment and Supplies STEP 3: Adopt Green Cleaning Procedures STEP 4: Use Green Paper and Plastic Products STEP 5: Share the Responsibility
-Implementation
Implementation Overview Sustainability Considerations Ongoing Infection Control Choosing Green Cleaning Products Choosing Green Equipment and Supplies Developing Green Cleaning Procedures Choosing Green Paper and Plastic Products Green Cleaning for Food Service Integrated Pest Management Training Issues and Opportunities Choosing a Distributor
-Long-Term Success
Success Overview Create a Green Team Develop a Green Cleaning Plan Adopt a Green Cleaning Policy Implement the Green Cleaning Plan Evaluate Progress Communicate About Green Cleaning Learn about new technologies
-Resources and Tools
Resources Overview Documents and Links Forms and Checklists Glossary of Terms Government Resources
-Partners
Partners Overview Healthy Schools Campaign Authors and Acknowledgements Corporate Green Team Sponsors Participating Organizations Copyright and Usage Information

Step 2: Introduce Green Equipment and Supplies

Green equipement and supplies can reduce exposures to dust and chemicals while cutting energy and water use. Examples incude:

  • Vacuum cleaners with high-efficiency filters capture microscopic materials that can harm health or damage sensitive equipment.
  • Floor burnishers with vacuum attachments capture the dust created during use can protect exposure to heavy metals.
  • Autoscrubbers and carpet extractors that reduce water consuption, chemical use and reduct the potential for slip fall accidents and mold growth.

Other equipment and supplies of importance are high quality entry way mats and microfiber dusting and mopping systems. In schools that are building or remodeling restrooms can use bathroom fixtures that are touch free and/or save water such as waterless urinals and automated faucets.

For most equipment and supply purchases, schools should consider three factors – appropriateness, effectiveness and usability – which are discussed in detail under Choosing Green Equipment and Supplies.

Standards

The Green Label program, developed by The Carpet & Rug Institute, signifies that vacuums and other rug cleaning equipment meet minimum standards in the collection and retention of soils and dust. To learn more about these and other standards see Green Standards. For sources of recommended equipment, see Featured Green Products.

Cost Comparison

Green equipment tends to cost more, but with the higher quality and greater durability it can be more cost-effective in the long run. In most cases, the budget won’t permit a school to replace all inappropriate equipment at once. By analyzing your needs based on the criteria outlined above, schools can identify priorities and establish a plan for phasing out lower quality, poorly performing equipment.

Training Requirements

Proper training of cleaning personnel is an important factor in the selection and use of green cleaning equipment and supplies. See Training Issues and Opportunities for more information on training options and resources available to schools.

Back to Step 1

 

 
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