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Environmental and Health Issues and Recommendations  Less Hazardous:
Choosing less-hazardous products can minimize harmful impacts to custodial workers, improve indoor air quality, and reduce water pollution.  Indoor Air Quality:
Indoor air quality can be affected by volatile organic chemicals that are present in some cleaning products. Products with corrosive, carcinogenic, and irritating chemicals should be avoided.  Prevents Waste:
Buying cleaners in concentrates and returnable or reusable packaging reduces packaging waste.  End-of-Life Management:
Buying less-hazardous cleaners may reduce your hazardous waste costs when it comes time to properly dispose of any leftover cleaners.
See the Introduction for complete descriptions of these environmental and health issues.
BACKGROUND AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH ISSUES
Professional janitors use a number of cleaning and maintenance products as they perform their work. Janitors use general purpose cleaners, bathroom and tile cleaners, and glass cleaners on a daily basis. They may use products such as carpet cleaners, dusting aids, floor wax strippers and floor polishes on an occasional or periodic basis. Each year about six out of every 100 professional janitors are injured by the chemicals in the products that they use. Burns to the eyes and skin are the most common injuries, followed closely by breathing toxic fumes. [1] Repeated long-term exposure may cause chronic illnesses or allergic reactions to workers who are exposed to chemicals regularly.
Additionally, Californians wash tons of liquid cleaners down the drain, which may eventually flow into our rivers and ocean, or end up on agricultural land. For example, researchers found that approximately 75 percent of the antibacterial hand soap ingredient, triclocarban, persists during wastewater treatment and accumulates in municipal sludge, which later is used as fertilizer for crops. [2]
A commitment to green cleaning can potentially help agencies, municipalities, or companies improve safety and reduce health risks associated with the use, storage, or disposal of chemicals used in traditional cleaning and it may even improve attendance. [3]
What is Green Cleaning?
Green cleaning involves using green or environmentally preferable products and practices. Green or environmentally preferable products include products that are certified to contain lower or insignificant amounts of toxic or hazardous chemicals and have reduced or minimal adverse environmental impacts. Green or environmentally preferable cleaning practices refers to methods and practices that reduce the exposure, of both janitorial staff and building occupants, to toxic or hazardous chemicals and the release of polluting chemicals into the environment.
Building managers and procurement officers are encouraged to give preference to the purchase and use of green cleaning products and practices when appropriate. Many green janitorial products, such as general purpose, bathroom, glass or carpet cleaners, are available that have received independent third-party certification regarding their overall performance and environmental impact (see Availability).
Additionally, facilities can potentially reduce regulatory, procedural, and financial burdens by switching to green cleaning products and practices.
Indoor Air Quality
Traditional cleaning products may contain ingredients that are toxic or hazardous, including some chemicals known as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). VOCs may be added to cleaning products as the active or functional cleaning ingredient or as a fragrance. Some VOCs may be toxic when in contact with skin or when inhaled. Additionally, non-visible particles of a size that can be inhaled may be formed during the use of some cleaning products.
Exposure to toxic or hazardous ingredients and inhalable-size particles is cause for concern as adverse health effects may result that include skin, eye, and respiratory irritation, rashes, and even cancer. Because a custodian is in close proximity to the use of the chemicals, he or she will experience the greatest risk. Other workers entering areas being cleaned or working nearby and building occupants can also be exposed to varying levels of VOCs and inhalable-size particles after cleaning products are used. Generally, these volatile chemicals and particles are diluted or removed through regular building ventilation or removed from the air by settlement on surfaces. But many buildings are cleaned after core work hours when ventilation systems are not in operation or greatly reduced, potentially heightening exposure of janitors or staff.
Persistent Chemicals
An emerging concern is the use of antibacterial chemicals, triclosan and triclocarban, that break down slowly and can build up in the environment. These chemicals are found in many antibacterial consumer products. Additionally there is concern that widespread use of these products may help create germs resistant to antibiotics. [4] Avoid products with persistent chemicals.
LAWS AND POLICIES
Some of the following laws and policies primarily affect upper management in an agency, municipality, or company, while others directly impact janitorial management and staff.
Changing cleaning practices and using less toxic products can improve safety and reduce health risks to workers and occupants and can reduce certain regulatory requirements, which can save organizations money.
California
Statutes and Regulations
- California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA)
Most agencies, municipalities, or companies that use dangerous chemicals in the workplace are regulated by Cal/OSHA. Regulations require employers to protect the health and safety of their employees through training, use of certain procedures (including personal protection), development of emergency plans, and more.
- Hazardous Substances Information and Training Act (Labor Code sections 6360 - 6363)
This act explains duties of employers with respect to employee safety when hazardous substances are in the workplace. Employers must obtain and make available Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for every hazardous material used in the workplace, including those in cleaning products. MSDSs are prepared by manufacturers and describe the properties of hazardous materials and protective measures to take when handling them. Employees must be provided with training. Cal/OSHA oversees these requirements. For more information, see Cal/OSHA's Guide to the California Hazard Communication Regulation.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)
Pursuant to section 41712 of the Health and Safety Code, the California Air Resources Board (ARB) has adopted maximum allowable VOC levels that apply to many consumer and institutional cleaning and maintenance products. To be sold in California, cleaning and maintenance products must comply with applicable percent VOC by weight standards listed in the Table of Standards in section 94509(a) of Title 17, California Code of Regulations, Division 3, Chapter 1, Subchapter 8.5, Article 2, Consumer Products, sections 94507-94517 (available on ARB's Web site.)
It should be noted that the VOC content limits have been established primarily for outdoor air quality purposes - to attain state and federal ambient air quality standards for ozone and particulate matter. However, it would not be unreasonable to assume that California VOC content limits provide some indoor air quality benefits. California consumer and institutional products requirements are also more extensive and VOC content limits are as stringent, or more stringent than, comparable federal and other states' requirements.
- Rigid Plastic Packaging
Statutory provisions contained in Sections 42300 through 42345 of the Public Resources Code govern the Rigid Plastic Packaging Container Program. Rigid plastic packaging for cleaning products shall be compliant with the Rigid Plastic Packaging Container (RPPC) law. Information on what constitutes a RPPC, who must comply, how compliance is determined, exemptions, penalties and more, is available from the California Integrated Waste Management Board. The State agency or contractor, property manager, etc., using these guidelines must request that the janitorial supplier provide written proof that the cleaning products' containers which they are providing are compliant with the RPPC law. The proof may include recent product manufacturer RPPC certifications; labels stating that the container meets one of the RPPC compliance options; or a signed letter from the product manufacturer stating that each of their containers, or the containers on average, specifically meet one of the RPPC compliance options. This information must be supplied to RPPC program staff at (916) 319-7772 (RPPC dedicated fax line), or by email at RPPC@ciwmb.ca.gov. For more information on the RPPC law, see the regulations.
- State Agency Purchase of Prison Industry Authority (PIA) Products
PIA has numerous industrial enterprises including the manufacture of cleaning products. California Penal Code section 2807 states that, "State agencies shall make maximum utilization of these products, and shall consult with the staff of the authority to develop new products and adapt existing products to meet their needs."
- Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act, Proposition 65
Proposition 65 requires California's governor to publish a list of chemicals that are known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. This list must be updated at least once a year. More than 550 chemicals have been listed as of April 1, 1996. Proposition 65 imposes certain controls that apply to chemicals that appear on this list. These controls, designed to protect California's drinking water sources from contamination by these chemicals, allow California consumers to make informed choices about the products they purchase, and enable residents or workers to take actions to protect themselves from exposures to these harmful chemicals. Cleaning products without Proposition 65 listed chemicals do not have these regulatory requirements.
- Hazardous Waste
If organizations manage (generate, transport, store or treat or dispose of) hazardous waste in California, they must follow California's hazardous waste laws and regulations. These laws and regulations impose certain rules upon the generator of hazardous waste (usually the building in which the wastes are created and/or the cleaning company itself), including recordkeeping, storage, disposal requirements, and emergency procedures.
Policy
Executive Order S-20-04 includes a provision that State agencies, departments, and other entities under the direct executive authority of the governor, design, construct and operate state-owned facilities paid for with state funds as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver or higher certified buildings.
LEED for Existing Buildings awards points for using cleaning products that are Green Seal 37 Certified, or if Green Seal 37 is not applicable (e.g., carpet cleaners, floor finishes or strippers), LEED-EB says to use products that comply with the California Code of Regulations maximum allowable VOC levels.
The use of Green Seal 37 Certified products is also recommended in the guidelines titled Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) Best Practices Manual, Volume IV: Maintenance and Operations. The Division of the State Architect selected the CHPS guidelines for public schools, in response to Executive Order S-20-04.
State of California, Purchasing Authority Manual. Chapter 3 contains environmental policies (see topic 9).
State of California, State Administrative Manual. Chapter 1900 describes waste prevention and recycling policies.
Federal [5]
Executive Order 13101 - Greening the Government Through Waste Prevention, Recycling, and Federal Acquisition - requires federal procurement officers to consider environmental factors in their purchasing and contracting decisions and directed the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to develop guidance to address environmentally preferable purchasing.
The USEPA oversees several regulations and laws affecting the janitorial industry:
- National Volatile Organic Compound Emission Standards for Consumer Products. Federal Register/Vol. 63, No. 176/Friday, September 11, 1998/Rules and Regulations, 48819-48847 (available on-line).
- Clean Water Act. If companies discharge dangerous chemicals directly or indirectly into the waters of the United States, they might be regulated under the Clean Water Act. The Clean Water Act specifies chemicals and chemical limits that can and cannot be discharged into the public sewer system, as this wastewater is eventually discharged into surface waters such as rivers or streams. Concerns for janitorial companies include chemicals or mixtures poured into sinks or toilets, such as floor finish containing zinc or toilet bowl cleaner containing hydrochloric acid.
- Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). If organizations create wastes that are hazardous (for example, rags that are soaked in solvents, unused cleaning chemicals that become waste, or residue from spills), they are regulated under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). RCRA imposes certain rules upon the generator of hazardous waste (usually the building in which the wastes are created and/or the cleaning company itself), including recordkeeping, storage, disposal requirements, and emergency procedures.
In 1991, the USEPA authorized the State of California to implement the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) in this state. The authorization was based on the determination that California's Title 22, Division 4.5, incorporates that portion of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (40 CFR) which contains the federal hazardous waste regulations (RCRA regulations). In fact, the California program is more stringent in many respects. By following the California regulations, you are also following the federal regulations. For new federal regulations that have not yet been adopted by California, check with the Department of Toxic Substances Control's (DTSC) Regional Duty Officer for the status of the regulation.
PERFORMANCE
Many green or environmentally preferable cleaning products are as effective as traditional cleaners; however, some environmentally preferable cleaners are used differently than their traditional counterparts, making training critical for the successful use of the product.
One way to determine a cleaner's effectiveness is to apply it according to instructions and test it on intended surfaces such as furniture, walls, and bathroom counters. To ensure best results when testing the performance of cleaners, ask vendors or manufacturers to provide training on the proper use of their products.
Additionally, select cleaners that have established performance criteria and products that have been independently tested to ensure the standards are met. The Green Seal 37 standard for institutional and industrial cleaners includes requirements for product performance. Additionally, several organizations have tested the performance of green cleaning products (see Example of a Green Cleaning Program and results from the City and County of San Francisco's pilot program to test less-toxic chemical products).
AVAILABILITY
Environmentally preferable cleaners are now widely available. Many cleaning product manufacturers and distributors carry or distribute a line of Green Seal certified or other environmentally preferable cleaning products.
COST
Environmentally preferable cleaners are generally competitively priced. This includes the purchase price of the product, the cost of meeting regulations for worker safety and environmental rules, and the costs of disposal for leftover product. [6] Additionally, the City and County of San Francisco found that it can use preferable products in place of existing products in 13 out of 14 product-types with no increased cost, [7] while the United States Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory found that green cleaning products cost much less than what they paid for non-green cleaning products. [8]
Beware of claims that environmentally preferable products cost more. Concentrated products that are priced higher may actually be less costly to use when properly mixed. To accurately compare prices, assess the cost-per-application rather than cost-per-volume.
SPECIFICATIONS
When soliciting vendor proposals, procurement officers should consider a full range of environmentally preferable attributes, along with overall performance and cost, consistent with state policy. Evaluating the environmental attributes of cleaners can be challenging. Some companies have changed their marketing schemes to use words such as "environmentally friendly" or "natural" on their product labels, when, in fact, their products still contain hazardous chemicals. Specifying a certified product from a third party, non-biased entity is one way to ensure that products have been screened to meet performance, along with environmental and public health, criteria.
Performance criteria can be addressed directly in the specifications for cleaning products. Since improper use can affect the performance of green cleaning products, vendors should be required to provide training to maintenance staff on the proper use of the products. Training is considered essential for successful implementation.
U.S. Green Building Council, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Existing Buildings (LEED-EB). State policy directs state agencies to operate and maintain existing buildings to the LEED-EB Silver level. One way to obtain LEED-EB points is to use Green Seal 37 certified cleaning products, if applicable.
Currently, in the United States, more facilities are requiring Green Seal 37 certified cleaning products. Some governments use Green Seal 37 as a base requirement, and then add additional requirements or options. The Green Seal 37 standard is summarized below under "Sample Specifications and Environmental Criteria."
California Procurement Requirements
Procurement Engineering Team of the Procurement Division of the Department of General Services
The Procurement Engineering Team of the Procurement Division of the Department of General Services (DGS) develops and reviews specifications for statewide commodity standards and information technology. If you have questions regarding developing specifications, or would like a copy of one of their specifications, please contact the team.
Use of the State's Maintenance, Repair and Operations contracts is mandatory for all State departments with the exceptions noted below. Use of California Multiple Award Schedules (CMAS) agreements is also restricted unless the department has an approved exemption pursuant to Management Memo 05-11. All purchases against these contracts shall be exempt from the requirements of Management Memo 03-10. Please refer to Management Memo 05-11 for additional information regarding these contracts and an exemption process for purchasing outside the contracts by clicking on the links below.
- Non-Core items and PIA items
- Emergency purchases
- Purchases to achieve SB/ DVBE participation goals
- Purchases conflicting with the Governor's Executive Order on Sustainability (EO S-20-04)
- when purchasing less than the minimum order ($250)
Local agencies may use State procurement contracts.
Sample Specifications and Environmental Criteria
Green Seal 37 (GS-37), Industrial and Institutional Cleaners
Green Seal develops leadership environmental standards and certifies products that meet certain performance and environmental criteria.
The GS-37 standards cover the topics below. See the standards for complete descriptions:
- Toxic Compounds - Acute Toxicity
- Carcinogens & Reprotoxins
- Eye and Skin Irritation
- Skin Sensitization
- Combustibility
- VOC Content
- Aquatic Toxicity
- Aquatic Biodegradability
- Eutrophication
- Packaging
- Concentrate
- Fragrances
- Prohibited Ingredients
- Training
- Animal Testing
- Labeling
Numerous products have already been certified, providing purchasers with many options for obtaining certified Green Seal 37 cleaners.
In addition, Green Seal has a standard for floor-care products (finishes and strippers) for institutional use, GS-40. The standard identifies toxic substances, pH, zinc and other heavy metal content, ozone depleting content, and other criteria for identifying environmentally preferable floor finishes and strippers. There are several Green Seal certified floor finishes and strippers meeting this new standard.
City and County of San Francisco, Technical Specifications for the Procurement of Janitorial Cleaners
In 2005, the city of San Francisco used a stakeholder process that involved end users representing 10 city departments. A technical advisory group, which included five technical experts from USEPA Region IX, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the State of Minnesota, provided specific comments on the specifications. The pilot program specifications used a point-based scoring system to determine whether a product passed or failed. This approach was modified slightly in 2004 to a pass-fail system, in order to better harmonize with the existing Green Seal GS-37 Standard for Industrial and Institutional Cleaners. The pass-fail approach was also considered simpler to implement by City staff. Sixteen criteria in the San Francisco specification correspond to the Green Seal GS-37 specifications (see above) with three additional criteria:
- Additional Prohibited Ingredients (see page 6),
- Skin Absorption Potential, and
- Aerosol Containers Prohibited. [9]
Methods for Verifying Compliance
For approaches like the one the city and county of San Francisco uses, there are several options that could be used to verify that a product conforms to the standard.
Option 1: When the products are GS-37 certified, the vendor submits an ASTM test for skin absorption, verifies that the product does not contain prohibited ingredients, and the product doesn't come in an aerosol can;
Option 2: the vendor hires a third party entity that certifies compliance with all 19 criteria; or
Option 3: the vendor submits all data to the government entity to analyze and evaluate for compliance; or
Option 4: the government entity pre-qualifies specific products (this is the approach the city and county of San Francisco used in 2004).
United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), Design for the Environment (DfE).
The DfE label means, " …that the DfE review team has screened each ingredient in the product for potential human health and environmental effects and that - based on currently available information, predictive models, and expert judgment - the product contains only those ingredients that pose the least concern among chemicals in their class." [10]
A list of DfE recognized products is available on-line. More information on how DfE recognition compares to Green Seal certification is available from the USEPA DfE program contact (see Formulator Initiative).
County of Multnomah, Washington
The County of Multnomah uses another approach in its BID No. B06-8707 titled "Environmentally Preferable Cleaning Products on a Requirements Basis" and requires either Green Seal 37 certification or USEPA Design for the Environment recognition.
State of California. Contact the Procurement Engineering Team of the Procurement Division of the Department of General Services for information about state contract specifications. Also check contract information for "Maintenance, Repair and Operations" (MRO).
State of Vermont. The State of Vermont contract has several green cleaning products. Information on their selection process and specification criteria is available on-line.
United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), Database of Environmental Information for Products and Services. This database contains contract language, specifications, and policies created and used by federal, state, and local governments and others to buy environmentally preferable products and services. If you have a specification for an environmentally preferable product or service, consider asking the USEPA to include it in this database.
SUCCESS STORIES
Example of a Green Cleaning Program: California Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters
As part of the California Environmental Protection Agency's (Cal/EPA) Environmental Management System (EMS) initiative, it is policy that all Boards, Departments, and Offices of the Cal/EPA work with Property Management at Headquarters to continue to use environmentally preferable practices and products.
The Joe Serna Jr. / Cal/EPA Building is recognized nationally as one of the most energy efficient and sustainable commercial office developments in the country having won several awards, including the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED EB Platinum level certification. Efforts to green this building are described in Greening Your Building Toward Your Bottom Line. One of the practices implemented is green cleaning, which includes the use of Green Seal 37 certified products. Initially, the building operators selected three daily cleaners; now there is just one cleaner that is hydrogen peroxide based. Additionally, the cleaning staff cleans primarily during daytime hours, which reduces electricity consumption for nighttime lighting, and provides other benefits such as reduced staff turnover and dramatically reduced janitorial complaints. Overall, the program achieved significant cost savings through a variety of practices.
Other
RESOURCES AND WEBSITES
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
West Conshohocken, PA
(610) 832-9500
ASTM is an independent consensus based standard-setting organization that has issued guidance on procedures for developing a green cleaning program. The Standard Guide for Stewardship for the Cleaning of Commercial and Institutional Buildings (ASTM E-1971-05) was reissued in 2005 to help owners and operators of commercial and institutional buildings adopt green cleaning and housekeeping practices. The standard provides recommendations for developing a stewardship plan; provides guidance on evaluating cleaning processes and selecting, using, storing, and disposing of products; and discusses equipment, training, and communications activities for a green cleaning program; and ways to avoid adverse impacts to building occupants, cleaning personnel, the building structure itself and the environment. According to ASTM, following the principles set forth in this guide can lead to greater tenant/occupant satisfaction, reduced operational costs, and greater productivity of occupants and cleaning personnel. [11]
California Department of Health Services (DHS)
Hazard Evaluation System and Information Service (HESIS)
California Occupational Health Branch
Richmond, CA
(866) 282-5516
See the 1996 document titled Understanding Toxic Substances, An Introduction to Chemical Hazards in the Workplace that is available on the DHS HESIS Educational Materials Web page.
California Department of Industrial Relations
California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA)
The Cal/OSHA Program is responsible for enforcing California laws and regulations pertaining to workplace safety and health and for providing assistance to employers and workers about workplace safety and health issues. The following documents include cleaning related topics:
Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS)
(877) 642-CHPS
CHPS created a Maintenance and Operations Manual (5+ MB PDF) that has a set of guidelines for cleaning practices and product selection (pages 265-273 cover product selection). The California Division of the State Architect selected the CHPS guidelines for public schools, in response to Executive Order S-20-04. Guideline CP2: Cleaning Products and Equipment includes detailed description of environmental considerations. Additionally, the CHPS guidelines cover the process for cleaning facilities, from needs assessment and custodial training, to safe chemical use and disposal. There are also specific recommendations for cleaning specific types of rooms (e.g., restrooms, cafeterias) and surfaces (e.g., carpets, window coverings).
Office of the Federal Environmental Executive (OFEE)
Washington, DC
(202) 343-9125
The OFEE's mission is to promote sustainable environmental stewardship throughout the federal government. The OFEE provides an overview of federal programs and activities to purchase greener cleaning products.
Green Seal
Washington, DC
(202) 872-6400
Green Seal is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that certifies a variety of environmental products that pass stringent testing standards. Green Seal is an independent organization dedicated to protecting the environment by promoting the manufacture and sale of environmentally responsible consumer products. It has developed a consensus-based standard for industrial and institutional cleaners. Green Seal standards set forth a list of product requirements that are based on an assessment of the environmental impacts of product manufacture, use, and disposal and reflect information and advice obtained from industry, trade associations, users, government officials, environmental and other public interest organizations, and others with relevant expertise.
The Web site includes standards for industrial and institutional cleaners (GS-37) and industrial floor-care products (GS-40), a list of certified products and manufacturers, and a report titled Choose Green Report: Floor-Care Products.
INFORM
New York, NY
(212) 361-2400
INFORM is an independent, nonprofit organization that conducts research aimed at practical solutions to complex environmental and health-related problems throughout this country and the world. See Cleaning for Health: Products and Practices for a Safer Indoor Environment.
Janitorial Products Pollution Prevention Project (JP4)
Lafayette, CA
(925) 283-8121
The JP4 Web site includes fact sheets, purchasing specifications, and other outreach materials to advise users on the health, safety, and environmental consequences of janitorial products, including cleaners. See also the Janitorial Product Risk Evaluation page.
King County Environmental Purchasing Program
Seattle, WA
(206) 296-4210
A pioneer and contemporary model in environmental procurement, King County offers information on a broad range of issues in purchasing. Their Environmentally Preferable Cleaning Products Web page provides bid criteria for King County, the City of Seattle, and the states of Washington and Massachusetts, along with links to additional resources.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Operational Services Division
Boston, MA
(617) 720-3356
The Massachusetts Operational Services Division has seven product lines of environmentally preferable cleaners available on state contract. The Web site discusses product criteria and contract specifications.
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)
St. Paul, MN
(651) 296-6300 or (800) 657-3864
MPCA is a state agency that provides assistance on the purchase of environmentally preferable products such as cleaners, as well as resources, assistance, grants, and loans in the areas of waste and pollution prevention, recycling, reuse, environmental education, and sustainable communities.
City and County of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
(415) 355-3700
San Francisco developed the Technical Specifications for the Procurement of Janitorial Cleaners in 2005 and has a green cleaning program that complements and builds upon the Green Seal certification standards.
City of Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CA
(310) 458-2255
This Web site provides an overview of the city's environmental programs. The city of Santa Monica developed environmental criteria to evaluate and select cleaners for a citywide contract.
Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI)
Lowell, MA
(978) 934-3275
TURI published a two-page flyer titled 10 Ways to Find Safer Cleaners. Contact information is available on-line. For more information, contact TURI Lab Director Carole LeBlanc.
United States Department of the Interior
Washington, DC
(202) 208-3100
The manual titled Guidance and Training on Greening Your Janitorial Business provides basic information about preferred cleaning products and processes that can reduce health, safety, and environmental risks associated with janitorial services. It also outlines a way in which building managers can transition from traditional cleaning systems to "green" cleaning systems.
United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)
Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program
Washington, DC
(202) 272-0167
In order to assist federal agencies in purchasing environmentally preferable products and services, the USEPA offers a range of information about products, including cleaning supplies, on its Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program Web site. The USEPA and the United States General Services Administration jointly offer information on environmentally preferable commercial cleaning products through the Cleaning Products Pilot Project. Additionally, the USEPA's Design for the Environment (DfE) program works with formulators of chemical cleaning products to design products that are less harmful to the environment.
United States General Services Administration
Washington, DC
As part of its mission to assist federal agencies, the General Services Administration (GSA) maintains a Web site on environmentally preferable products that meet federal purchasing requirements. The site includes a discussion of cleaning products and ordering information for the GSA Environmental Products and Services Guide for 2003-2004.
U.S. Green Building Council
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Existing Buildings
Washington, DC
(202) 828-7422
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System® is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. The LEED standard for existing buildings includes cleaning related activities. California state facilities are directed to be operated and maintained as LEED Silver buildings under Executive Order S-20-04.
[1] Western Regional Pollution Prevention Network Web site, Jan. 2002, http://www.wrppn.org/Janitorial/jp4.cfm.
[2] Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Web site article, Sludge Recycling Sends Antiseptic Soap Ingredient to Agriculture, announces article by Jochen Heidler, Amir Sapkota, and Rolf U. Halden, Partitioning, Persistence, and Accumulation in Digested Sludge of the Topical Antiseptic Triclocarban During Wastewater Treatment. Environmental Science & Technology. April 26, 2006. Article about research accessed May 11, 2006 at: http://www.jhsph.edu/publichealthnews/press_releases/2006/halden_sludge.html.
[3] The Center for a New American Dream, Presentation: Green Cleaning in Schools, Protecting Students and the Environment, slide 17, available at: http://www.newdream.org/cleanschools/Clean_Schools.ppt#272,17.
[4] Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Web site article, Sludge Recycling Sends Antiseptic Soap Ingredient to Agriculture, announces article by Jochen Heidler, Amir Sapkota, and Rolf U. Halden, Partitioning, Persistence, and Accumulation in Digested Sludge of the Topical Antiseptic Triclocarban During Wastewater Treatment. Environmental Science & Technology. April 26, 2006. Article about research accessed May 11, 2006 at: http://www.jhsph.edu/publichealthnews/press_releases/2006/halden_sludge.html.
[5] United States Department of the Interior. Guidance and Training on Greening Your Janitorial Business Web site. Available Jan. 2006 at: http://www.doi.gov/greening/sustain/basics.html.
[6] Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance. Cleaners Web page, December 2002. Available at http://www.pca.state.mn.us/oea/epp/cleaners-mn.cfm
[7] City and County of San Francisco, Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Pilot Program, Volume I Final Report, Appendices A-F, page ES-6, February 2003, available at: http://www.sfenvironment.com/aboutus/innovative/epp/final_report.pdf.
[8] Sandra Cannon, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Technical Assistance for the United States Department of Energy, email message, Feb 8, 2006.
[9] City and County of San Francisco, Department of the Environment, "Technical Specifications for the Procurement of Janitorial Cleaners," March 2005. Available at http://www.sfenvironment.org/downloads/library/specsjanchem05.pdf.
[10] United States Environmental Protection Agency, Design for the Environment Web site. Available Jan 2006 at: http://www.epa.gov/dfe/pubs/projects/formulat/index.htm.
[11] ASTM International Standards Web site, January 2006. Available at: http://www.astm.org/ (search for E1971-05).
Special Note: Portions of the Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Best Practices Manual were borrowed or adapted from the Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Guide published by the Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board of Minnesota.
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