-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

Case Studies

A number of districts around the nation have initiated green cleaning programs and have made general information, case studies and reports available to others interested in testing similar strategies. Click on the link below to find real school examples on the following topics:

Switching to Green Cleaning Products

The Center for a New American Dream with the City of Portland Office of Sustainable Development conducted a comparison study of various graffiti removal products. They concluded that the inherent hazard of graffiti removal products varied considerably. However, the effectiveness of the product is not related to the inherent hazard. Many of the less hazardous graffiti removal products performed as well as, or better, than the most hazardous products. Go to Resources and Tools to see the complete report or visit www.newdream.org for more information.

Choosing Green Equipment and Supplies

The San Francisco Unified School District implemented a program that included purchasing HEPA filtered vacuums, new mopping systems and entry mats. Prior to the project these schools received numerous complaints of respiratory problems as well as requests for periodic deep cleaning. Since the project was initiated no such complaints or requests have been received. Part of the success of the program was due to the training of the custodial staff. In addition to being given mops and other equipment for use in their own homes, staff were trained on Indoor Air Quality. Upon completion of the training the staff felt a level of professionalism and were able to put their knowledge to use in their own homes.

Cost-Effectiveness of Green Products

In 2003-2004, a Healthy Schools Campaign-led pilot project introduced Green Cleaning in the Chicago Public Schools. The price of Green Seal products was found to be cost-competitive with traditional products. In addition, the study found that not only were Green Cleaning products readily available, they also performed as well if not better than the conventional products For more information on CPS green cleaning efforts, visit www.healthyschoolscampaign.org.

Evaluating Outcomes from Green Cleaning

Lockport Township High School, in Lockport, Illinois, reported a 3% increase in the average daily attendance after the first year of implementing an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Management plan that included Green Cleaning. The Green Cleaning program consisted of switching to Green Seal certified products, using disinfecting wipes, and changing to vacuums equipped with HEPA filters. The IAQ program included switching to high quality ventilation system filters and monitoring the carbon dioxide levels.

Adopting Green Cleaning Policies

New York State has been in the forefront of Green Cleaning. State law now requires all schools, both public and private, to make the move to green cleaning. Guidelines and Specifications for the Procurement and Use of Environmentally Sensitive Cleaning and Maintenance Products for All Public and Nonpublic Elementary Secondary Schools in New York State can also be found at http://www.ogs.state.ny.us/bldgadmin/environmental/default.html

See Resources and Tools for a sample green cleaning policy.

 

 

More Help

For more examples, resources and tools see Resources and Tools.

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