Green Cleaning Research & Resources
Americans Embracing 'Green' Cleaning: As More and More Pay Big Money for Chemical-Free Clean, Some Say Caution Needed
ABC News Article
"Proper sanitation and cleaning are important for a healthy building environment. Some cleaning products, however, can contain harmful chemicals that contaminate the environment and endanger human health. Implementing "green cleaning" practices can reduce these health, safety, and environmental risks. Green cleaning involves selecting alternative products, using those products properly, and taking other steps to reduce risks while maintaining a satisfactory level of cleanliness and disinfection." source: EPA website
The Green Cleaning Pollution Prevention Calculator quantifies the projected environmental benefits of purchasing and using "green" janitorial services and products. It is designed to forecast the environmental benefits of reducing chemical use by doing some or all pollution prevention measures typically involved in the routine interior cleaning of an office building. This tool also enables users to identify which green cleaning measures will have the greatest impact in reducing their use of hazardous chemicals and in preventing pollution. related story
U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI)
This site contains information about DOI's green cleaning initiatives and accomplishments, including guidance on greening a janitorial business, case studies, and other resources.
Green Seal
This Web site contains Green Seal's environmental preferability standards for household cleaning products, cleaning/degreasing agents, and industrial and institutional cleaners. Also, the Web site includes their March 1998 ChooseGreen Report, which discusses general purpose cleaners and recommends Green Seal-approved products.
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
ASTM's Standard Guide for Stewardship for the Cleaning of Commercial and Institutional Buildings (E1971-98) outlines procedures to help owners and operators of commercial and institutional buildings incorporate sustainable practices into facility management. It includes information on appropriate cleaning activities and processes, maximizing eco-efficiency, and minimizing adverse impacts on building occupants, cleaning personnel, building structure, and the environment.
NISH
Formerly the National Industries for the Severely Handicapped, NISH is the national nonprofit agency designated by the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled to provide technical assistance to Community Rehabilitation Programs interested in obtaining federal contracts under the Javits-Wagner-O'Day (JWOD) Program—a mandatory source of supply for federal government products and services. NISH strongly supports the use of environmentally preferable products and practices in all aspects of federal contracting through the JWOD Program and janitorial services.
Janitorial Products Pollution Prevention Program
This Web site contains a series of helpful tools including information on the risks associated with more than 100 cleaning product ingredients, a list of high risk products, and risk evaluation forms. The site also includes a series of fact sheets highlighting the pollution prevention opportunities associated with cleaning products, including recommendations about which chemicals to avoid.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
This Web site describes the process Massachusetts used to identify environmentally preferable cleaning products. The site includes the actual specifications, Massachusetts’ environmental ratings for specific products, and product pricing information provided by the vendors
State of Minnesota
This site provides comprehensive information on the process Minnesota used to evaluate the environmental preferability of cleaning products. It also includes success stories and links to information about other related resources.
King County, Washington
King County's EPP Web site includes excerpts from the county’s 1996 environmentally preferable cleaning specifications. The site also includes links to other useful cleaning product resources.
Washington Toxics Coalition
This organization is dedicated to protecting public health and the environment by promoting alternatives to toxic chemicals. The Web site provides information about pollution prevention and includes publications, topics, and upcoming events.
Canada’s Environmental Choice Program
This Web site includes the criteria for earning Environment Canada’s EcoLogo for household and industrial cleaners.
NOVA Presentation on Clean Air Technologies
Green Chemistry Group at The University of York
Trade Publications, Magazines, and Journals
Mold and Moisture Management Magazine
Indoor Environment Connections
Sites of Interest
Allergy and Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics (AANMA) www.aanma.org
American Association of School Administrators (AASA) www.aasa.org
American Federation of Teachers (AFT) www.aft.org
American Lung Association (ALA) www.lungusa.org
Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) www.asbointl.org
National Association of Counties (NACo) www.naco.org
National Association of School Nurses (NASN) www.nasn.org
National Education Association Health Information Network (NEAHIN) www.neahealthinfo.org
National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) www.neha.org
The Council of Educational Facility Planners International (CEFPI) www.cefpi.org
Healthy Schools Network www.healthyschools.org
Green Power Network eere.energy.gov/greenpower
Health Resources & Clinics
American Medical Association www.ama-assn.org
Consumer Health Services www.chscorp.com
Convenient Care Association www.convenientcareassociation.org
Minute Clinic www.minuteclinic.com
Take Care Health Systems www.takecarehealth.com
Green Living
Living Green by the Palm Beach Post
The Green Guide by National Geographic
TreeHugger.com How to Go Green Guides
Planet Green by The Discovey Channel
Green Politics
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