Summarizes selected state laws, proposed state legislation, and school district policies that promote environmentally conscious cleaning methods and materials in schools. 11p.

Presents information surrounding the performance, cost, and overall availability of environmentally sensitive cleaning and maintenance products for New York schools, as well as the survey information on whether policies exist which direct faculty, staff, and students not to bring their own cleaning products to school, whether custodial and maintenance staff receive training on the use of the environmentally sensitive cleaning and maintenance products, and general school implementation of green cleaning both before and after the state began requiring it. 14p.

This is the Massachusetts legislation mandating "green cleaning" products in schools. 7p.

Mandates the establishment of green cleaning policies and use of environmentally sensitive cleaning supplies in Illinois public and private schools with 50 or more students. 4p.

The guide briefly outlines five "green cleaning" steps that will enhance the school environment and describes independent organizations that establish standards for and certify cleaning supplies and equipment. The CD-ROM contains comprehensive information, practical advice, tools and resources to help schools take action. It also includes a purchasing guide that lists products that are consistent with HSC Green Clean recommendations. 6 + CD-ROMp.

Provides an environmental compliance model for a typical K-12 school or school. The manual is divided into organizational units that have common regulatory compliance requirements or would likely be managed as separate operational units of the school or school district. Next, the target audience for each organizational unit is defined. The manual then defines numerous activities that would likely occur within each organizational unit, and for each activity it discusses what is required to comply with the appropriate federal environmental regulations and/or which best management practices apply to ones area of responsibility. 224p.

Advises on "green" cleaning practices and products for New York State schools. Sections of the document cover characteristics of green cleaning products, best cleaning management practices, consulting to develop advanced custodial practices, designation of green cleaning products, cleaning product categories and definitions, and reporting requirements. 48p.

Offers guidance to schools and parents concerning non-toxic cleaning practices and products. Resources for assessing products and cleaning practices are provided. 8p.

Informs the school systems' facility managers and educates the building service staff on how to achieve "green housekeeping" requirements. The plan also serves as the US Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED submittal to demonstrate the intent for a "green cleaning & housekeeping" innovation credit has been met. Sections of the document cover cleaning practices, grounds care, product standards and recommendations, mechanical systems operational requirements, staff training, resources, definitions, an a cleaning checklist. 20p.

This is a set of guidelines based on federal standards that schools and child care facilities can use to make environmentally preferable and child-safe purchases of green products. 4p.

This fact sheet describes the standards and some of the hazards and health effects of chemicals that school maintenance workers may be exposed to. It details important protective measures that should be undertaken. 7p.

Defines environmentally sensitive "green cleaning" and cites the benefits of green cleaning to learning, as it improves school morale and indoor air quality. Twelve basic principles of green cleaning are provided. Includes four references. 3p.

Provides an overview and links related to New York's new regulation requiring the use of environmentally sensitive cleaning products in schools. A link to the full text of the regulation [Environmentally Sensitive Cleaning and Maintenance Products. State Education Law 409-i and State Finance Law 163-b] is provided. .

This is the New York state legislation mandating the use of "green cleaning" products in schools. 3p.

In the fall of 2003, the Boston Urban Asthma Coalition (BUAC) and the Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health (MassCOSH) launched the Healthy Boston Schools Project to test cleaning products currently in use in Boston schools and to recommend substitution of some products with more environmentally-friendly formulations, or so-called green cleaners. The success of the project led to an agreement with the Boston School Department to adopt a policy requiring all vendors to bid products that meet the Green Seal 37 health and safety environment criteria by March 2006. It also led to the establishment of a subcommittee of the city-wide Healthy Schools Taskforce that would provide an ongoing mechanism for reviewing cleaning products and building maintenance issues. This includes a summary of the findings, the methods used, next steps, and works cited. 25p.

This activity sheet for students explains why using cleaning products correctly and buying the healthiest, safest products for use in schools is important. This suggests steps both kids and schools can do to make cleaning a safer process. 2p.

Background information on a "green cleaning" bill working its way through the Massachusetts legislative process. The bill expands the successful Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction Act (TURA) program, which has demonstrated that reducing the use of toxic chemicals both protects health and saves businesses money. The green cleaning bill promotes the replacement of toxic chemicals with safer alternatives, while protecting the health and jobs of workers.

This paper helps those concerned with keeping schools clean and properly maintained in adopting healthier cleaning and maintenance practices and promoting the purchase and use of environmentally preferable products which perform well and are cost effective. It explains how children are exposed to toxic chemicals in school cleaning and maintenance products, highlights the problem of indoor air pollution, and cautions about the lack of toxic testing on commercially used cleaning chemicals. A checklist for prevention of dirt and grime by anticipating people and their messes is detailed. Also discussed are tips on purchasing environmentally preferable cleaning products, including a checklist of human health and environmental considerations. Final sections cover vendor, price and performance considerations; and thoughts on how schools buy cleaning and maintenance products. Lists of helpful organizations and agencies and how-to guides are included. 8p.

This standards guide 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. 9p.

Provides guidance for environmentally preferable maintenance and operation practices in buildings, including landscaping, snow removal and de-icing, cleaning practices and product selection, and maintenance of building systems, including parking garages 101p.

This catalog helps institutional purchasers compare the environmental attributes of cleaning products. All products in this catalog comply with a definition of ready biodegradability, do not constitute a hazardous waste when offered for disposal, and have low toxicity. 36p.

This volume presents high performance guidelines for the maintenance and operation of schools. Information in this volume will help ensure that high performance school buildings continue to operate as their designers intended, providing optimal health, efficiency, and sustainability. Introductory chapters are geared toward district and managerial staff. The remaining chapters address the needs of maintenance, custodial, and groundskeeping staff and cover such topics as cleaning and calibrating building systems, selecting green cleaning products, and reducing waste. Specific guidelines are included for the building envelope, lighting, HVAC, landscaping, plumbing, and snow management and de-icing. 82p.

Discusses significant changes in cleaning practices, brought on by technology and a desire to clean for health rather than just for appearance. Products and practices that lead to quick resoiling and environmental degradation are being abandoned. Anti-microbial surfaces and finishes, robotic cleaning, sophisticated vacuums, vapor cleaning, and greatly improved training programs are available and being developed. 5p.

This report is a guide to environmentally preferable cleaning products and methods that have been effectively used in office buildings, schools, hospitals and other facilities in the United States and Canada. It describes pioneering product evaluation programs and lists the brands that were chosen based on environmental and performance criteria. It also provides a model specification, as well as manufacturer contacts and other resources for those who want to develop a safer cleaning program for their buildings. 86p.

The purpose of this guide is to provide basic information about the use of sanitizers and disinfectants in schools. The Healthy Schools Network recommends schools follow all public health laws and regulations, and proceed with extreme caution when using any chemicals around children or staff. Includes a germ reduction and pesticide exposure prevention checklist, and a glossary. 4p.

This document defines criteria for identifying environmentally preferable industrial and institutional cleaning products, presents the results of a survey of products, discusses the health and environmental impacts of common cleaning ingredients, and describes cleaning performance standards and testing. 84p.

Includes a list of common janitorial chemicals; describes what chemical injuries happen and what they injure, and what ingredients cause greatest risk; explains how to find preferable products; details glass, toilet, restroom, metal, and general purpose cleaners; and describes how to minimize the use of janitorial products. 14p.

These guidelines have been designed to help an owner/manager of a facility understand the relevant issues and to insure that the correct or best practices are being employed. The guide presents information necessary to complete a building survey and to assist in developing and maintaining a green building indoor environment. Includes information on selecting environmentally preferable cleaning products. 24p.

This book covers the following topics: methods of high quality cleaning for good health; the global environment's effect on the built environment; why you should be environmental managers, rather than just maintainers of the aesthetic; how to ensure worker and customer safety; techniques to save time and money through proven cleaning industry management; environmental laws and regulations; how people respond to the indoor environment; where polutants come from and what they do; how to evaluate a building before cleaning it; specialty cleaning: fire and water damage restoration; how to market environmental cleaning using Total Quality Management (TQM). 274p.

This reviews the principal occupational health hazards and exposures themselves and some of the related issues, looking closely at the chemical composition of cleaning products to see what components appear to be particularly hazardous, how one is exposed to them, and what one can do to minimize exposure. 58p.

Reviews green cleaning equipment and products, while also profiling the University of Tennessee's long-certified program for green cleaning and its Center for Clean Products.

Describes the green and sustainable custodial operations in place at Carleton College. The article reviews the college's sustainable efforts on biodegradables, packaging, carpeting, waste, recycling, and composting. A chart and a custodial plan of action are included that demonstrate the institutions sustainable and green initiatives goals.

Provides an overview of GS-42, the Green Seal Environmental Standard for Cleaning Services. The standard embraces planning, products, equipment, cleaning procedures, communication, and training.

Reviews strategies that higher education institutions are using to lower energy consumption and improve the environment in their recreation centers. These include solar hot water, "green" cleaning, recycling, and reduction in the use of disposable products.

Reviews LEED and other considerations for vacuum cleaners, including capture rates for particulates, lift power, ergonomic design, and durable construction.

Reviews results from a new green cleaning program at the Empire State Plaza Building in Albany, New York. Environmentally preferable floor finishes were less durable and had to be re-applied more frequently. Brushes were recommended over pads for floor buffers, as were machines that vacuum up the particulates. Extensive high-performance matting was particularly effective.

Reviews environmentally responsible options for vacuuming, floor care chemicals, and floor equipment. Training personnel in "green" cleaning practices is emphasized, and additional advice for carpet care and selection is provided.

Profiles the school districts and higher education instutions that received this award. The jury made its selections by considering the institutions' use of green-cleaning products, equipment, procedures, and recycled paper and plastic products; the quality of equipment, products, and procedures in place; and the level of institutional support, as determined by assessing policies and funding.

Reviews custodial staffing for desired levels of cleanliness in campus buildings, empowerment and organization of custodial staff, desirable cleaning chemicals and equipment, custodial storage, and green cleaning practices and materials.

Reviews floor cleaning and finishing considerations that lower maintenance time and costs. Ten tips for floor stripping and refinishing are included, as is a brief discussion of "green" floor care.

Discusses steam vapor cleaning that cleans without harmful chemicals and, in some systems, even help prevent re-soiling for a period after the cleaning. The procedure kills mold, germs, is quick, and not labor-intensive. Advice on selecting a vapor cleaning system is included.

This defines green floor care and discusses the key elements of green floor care including prevention, scheduling, training, safety, documentation and validation, chemicals. equipment, and products.

When custodians are trained properly, they aren't just making a building look good; they're improving the health and welfare of everyone on campus, and contributing positively to the educational opportunities for its students. This article discusses the "One System" process created by Salt Lake City-based Managemen Inc., using standardization, training and re-training to turn cleaning workers into multi-talented professionals.

When schools publicize their green-cleaning programs effectively, it can persuade the entire community to embrace their efforts. This article promotes green cleaning programs, advising on the inclusion of all building occupants in the program, development of credibility, inclusion of green cleaning in the curriculum, and publicity.

Reviews budgeting, training, and equipment selection for floor care, as well as green trends in floor care products and equipment.

As research mounts about the link between indoor air quality and health, and as more children enter school with respiratory problems, schools, districts, and even whole states are switching to more environmentally-friendly cleaning agents. This article describes green cleaning programs and how to implement them.

This looks at the price of implementing green cleaning, various programs available to make green cleaning easier for custodial crews, and LEED for schools.

Describes features to consider when evaluating a green cleaning program: 1) a holistic approach; 2) beyond-the-surface focus; 3) products and services offered; 4) knowledgable employees; 5) educational and communication programs.

The use of microfiber products in schools greatly ensures better air quality because these fibers are able to accumulate and absorb more particles of dirt and bacteria. This describes the features and benefits of microfiber towels and mops, including cost savings, decreased back and shoulder injuries, and a reduction in the use of toxic cleaning solutions.

Describes the virtues of steam vapor cleaning systems for chemical-free cleaning and sanitizing in schools, particularly the restrooms.

Discusses certification programs for environmentally-sensitive construction, equipment, and cleaning products. The Greenguard program certifies building products for emissions. The SmartWood program certifies wood for sustainable origin, harvesting, and delivery. The Green Label program certifies carpeting, flooring adhesives, padding, and vacuum cleaners. Green Seal certifies paints, coatings, cleaners, windows, and doors.

Summarizes the results of a survey of higher education purchasing agents indicating that 84.5 percent of them consider the sustainablity of the products they buy as "somewhat significant, significant, or very significant." Vendors' ecological advantages are considered 82.4 percent of the time, and only 12.6 percent do not outsource any services.

Outlines steps in the process of getting started with green school cleaning partner: determine reasons for going green, assess the building, evaluate the provider's janitorial products, request proof of third-party product certification, investigate the provider's cleaning practice, confirm that products match the need, and confirm that the right equipment is being used.

If workers are not vacuuming with high performance green vacuums that are comfortable, with efficient filters that are easy to change, and if they are not using a green protocol that includes a filter-maintenance schedule, then management is paying wages, buying equipment, and using energy for "cleaning" that is actually making the building dirtier and less healthy. That’s not a good formula for success. Green products and protocols, are the answer.

Describes savings realized by school involved in "green cleaning" programs, including reduced chemical use, better-trained staff that assumes more responsibility for building systems, and reduced absenteeism.

Identifies "hot spots" for pest infestations in schools, and describes five non-chemical methods for pest control.

Discusses products and procedures of green cleaning, which allows more frequent and healthier, and even less expensive cleaning.

Discusses elements of effective and environmentally thoughtful vacuuming, including filtration, ergonomics, energy efficiency, air flow, and filter changing. Cost advantages of "green" vacuuming systems and practices are included.

This short article describes some basic principles of green cleaning programs, including focusing on entryways, minimizing particles and chemicals in the air, using environmentally preferable cleaning chemicals, ensuring proper vacuuming, focusing on preventative maintenance, using green paper products, and implementing an effective recycling program.

Explains components of "green" cleaning, including matting, carpet cleaning methods, dangers of overly wet carpet, and low-moisture cleaning techniques.

This describes the challenges facing schools today that directly relate to cleanliness and how to proceed with a green cleaning program.

Describes steps to improve custodial services, including site safety inspections, "back-screen" criteria, cleaning standards, replacement of hazardous chemicals with safer ones, chemical dispensers and pre-portioned systems, green cleaning, efficient scheduling, staff recognition and training, proper matting and floor coating, and safety programs.

According to some estimates, more than a third of the cleaning products used today to clean schools contain ingredients that can have a negative impact on human health and the environment. Floor care products — which are some of the most powerful chemicals used in the industry — include many of these same ingredients. Proper floor maintenance usually requires several cleaning chemicals and products. These include strippers to remove old floor finish, sealants and waxes to put a protective covering over the floor, cleaners and detergents for general cleaning and “deep scrubbing,” restorers for improving the shine and to prevent slips, trips and falls, as well as floor care equipment and pads. In order to “green” a floor care program, each part of this program may need to be examined.

This article provides a few tips for school facility managers on establishing a green cleaning program: work from a plan, employ a matting system, develop a green product selection strategy, and use technologically advanced janitorial equipment.

Suggests environmentally conscious cleaning methods, beginning with a written plan that minimizes frequency and quantity of chemical use. Floor mats, technologically advanced cleaning equipment, education of all occupants on clean habits, and selection of environmentally preferable cleaning products are recommended.

Presents ideas for materials use and recyling that can lower the negative environmental impact of a building. Areas considered are: floor selection, recycling of ceiling tiles, insulation selection, window films, furnishings, paint, and cleaning practices.

This discusses how to integrate highly productive equipment with environmentally friendly and cost-effective products to enhance the level of cleanliness in restrooms. Using the resources of such entities as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Green Seal can help managers develop an arsenal of cleaning chemicals that are green, priced right, and perform.

As more organizations mandate earth-friendly specification, managers are rethinking and updating traditional approaches to specifying and using products ranging from sustainable building components and environmentally safe cleaning agents to green purchases and recycled paper. This discusses changes being made at several universities in New York state.

In order to study the influence of furnishings and cleaning on the indoor air quality at school, 181 randomly chosen classrooms were investigated. The amounts of open shelves, textiles and other fittings were noted, data were gathered on cleaning routines, and a number of pollutants were measured in the classrooms. In classrooms with more fabrics there was more settled dust and the concentration of formaldehyde was higher. Classrooms with more open shelves had more formaldehyde, and more pet allergens in settled dust, and classrooms with a white board, instead of a chalk board, were less dusty. Classrooms mainly cleaned through wet mopping had more airborne viable bacteria but less settled dust than classrooms mainly cleaned by dry methods. In rooms where the desks and curtains were more often cleaned, the concentrations of cat and dog allergen in settled dust were lower. It is concluded that furnishings and textiles in the classroom act as significant reservoirs of irritants and allergens and have an impact on the indoor air quality at school. Furnishings and textiles act as reservoirs of irritants and allergens and are of importance for the indoor air quality at school. The amount of such fittings should be minimised. Cleaning could be helpful in reducing the concentration of allergen. In schools without textile flooring, it would seem important to improve the cleaning of furniture and fabrics

Discusses the benefits that schools and universities can derive when they emphasize health and safety in their cleaning practices. Use of the Cleaning for Health and Safety program to reduce or eliminate potentially harmful products and processes and lower absenteeism, illness, and injury is discussed.

Discusses why electric hand dryers, while unpopular, are still the best alternative for school restrooms. Cost savings in paper towel purchases and disposal expenses are addressed as is the better hygienic qualities compared to cloth towels. New dryer capabilities are highlighted.

Created by the Toxics Use Reduction Institute, Surface Solutions Laboratory, this online toool was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of different cleaning chemistries and equipment for a variety of substrates and contaminants. This web-based interface to the CleanerSolutions Database is field-searchable by surface contaminants, surface substrates, cleaning equipment, solvents replaced and vendor product data.

Online database of institutional and industrial cleaning product ingredient chemicals, providing verified information about the environmental and human health attributes of listed ingredients.

Webpages includes a list of safer cleaning products, an explanation of why safer cleaners are important to schools, a list of schools using safer products, resources on safer cleaning products, and information on a clean schools contest. This information is compiled by the Center for the New American Dream, an organization that helps Americans consume responsibly to protect the environment, enhance quality of life, and promote social justice.

Developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, this 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 a 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.

This EPA webpage includes a definition of green cleaning, attributes to consider when deciding what cleaners to purchase, a catalog of products, other green cleaning resources, and a Green Cleaning Pollution Prevention Calculator.

Green Seal is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to safeguarding the environment and transforming the marketplace by promoting the manufacture, purchase, and use of environmentally responsible products and services. Green Seal provides science-based environmental certification standards for hundreds of products and services, including cleaners, floor care products, paints and coatings, electric chillers, and windows and doors.

A joint project between the Illinois EPA and the Waste Management Research Center, Greening Schools offers technical assistance, workshops for teachers, administrators and facility managers, and on-line resources to help Illinois schools provide a safe and healthy environment. Includes information on green building/high performance schools, daylighting, janitorial supplies and methods, and environmentally preferable purchasing and fact sheets, checklists, and standards-based lesson plans for curricula and activities related to waste reduction and pollution prevention.

School renovations, indoor air quality, mold and moisture, cleaning fluids and chemicals all pose hazards to teachers and staff in the workplace. This American Federation of Teachers webpage provides information and resources to assist in identifying the hazards and work toward preventing exposure and improving the environment, including a series of fact sheets on key health and safety issues.

Sponsored by the US Environmental Protection Agency and others, this site includes fact sheets, product sample kits, purchasing specifications, and other materials to advise custodial staff on the health, safety, and environmental consequences of their cleaning products. Includes information on high risk products, and guidance on setting up an environmentally preferable purchasing program.

NCEF's resource list of links, books, and journal articles regarding the identification, treatment, storage, and removal of hazardous materials found in school buildings and grounds.

NCEF's resource list of links, books, and journal articles on healthy and environmentally safe school facilities. See also NCEF Resource Lists on Indoor Air Quality, Hazardous Materials, Green Cleaning, Pesticides and IPM, Mold in Schools, and more.

NCEF's resource list of links, books, and journal articles on the use of pesticides, integrated pest management guidelines, specifications, training, implementation and management in school buildings and grounds.

NCEF's resource list of links, books, and journal articles on custodial standards and procedures, equipment, safety, and product directories for the cleaning and maintenance of schools and colleges.