-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

Choosing a Distributor

Most schools do not purchase directly from product manufacturers, but rather from one or more local janitorial supply distributors. These distributors typically stock a full line of janitorial products including chemicals, paper, equipment, mats, buckets, etc., and in addition can be an excellent resource for training of custodians and advocate for health, safety, environmental and green building issues. When selecting a green distributor, there are six key questions to ask to find the right one:

  1. Are they familiar with the concepts in this guide and have they implemented similar programs in other schools?
  2. What other schools or companies are they working for? If they are just learning themselves and you know this, then it’s fine to learn together. However, if you are expecting to benefit from their experience, ask them for a list of their other green customers and check their references.
  3. Do they sell certified products and equipment that meet Green Standards? Most distributors carry one or more lines of certified products. Using certified products makes your job easier and more cost effective from a purchasing perspective. Certified products also allow you to buy with confidence if you do not have a chemist, industrial hygienist, toxicologist or other similar technical expert on staff who can decipher all of the technical information and competing claims from product manufacturers.
  4. What is the extent of their green products and do they stock them? Some distributors stock only a limited amount of green products. So if you are going to rely upon them, make sure they carry everything you need — green chemicals, paper, equipment, filters, microfiber products and more. Being out of stock can seriously disrupt your green cleaning program.
  5. Are they familiar with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)? If your potential green distributor claims to be an expert on green, then surely they are knowledgeable about the USGBC, the leading organization in the U.S. on green buildings. So inquire about their knowledge and their level of participation, as this could provide real insights to their level of awareness and be very valuable in the long run.
  6. How can they help communicate the benefits to parents, students and staff members? Some distributors can help you with customized signage, stickers for restroom mirrors, newsletters, press releases and more, to help you be a greater asset to your Green Cleaning program.

To find out more about featured distributors, visit Featured Distributors.

Back to:

STEP 1: Switch to 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

 

Good Fit

You may find plenty of distributors that can meet your Green Cleaning needs. In addition to determining if they are knowledgeable and carry the right products, make sure that potential distributors have the time and interest to invest in your school, so together you can translate this opportunity into real success.

 

 

 

 

 
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