When is it green?
cmmonline.com,
1/13/2004
WASHINGTON — While the government has yet to
establish rules on green or environmentally preferable cleaning products
as they have done with food nutritional labels, we are beginning to see
set standards in major green purchasing activities, green cleaning
consulting firm Ashkin Group, Bloomington, IN, noted in a guide
accompanying "green cleaning quiz" materials this week.
According to the Ashkin Group, the list is
based on recommendations from and standards set by several organizations
including the
US Environmental Protection Agency, the
US General Services Administration, the
US Green Building Council and
Green Seal, and is intended to help those attempting to initiate green
cleaning.
Cleaning Chemicals: Cleaning chemicals that
have the Green Seal Certification (independently verified to be less toxic
and polluting with fewer adverse affects on the environment), have low
volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and are bio-based.
Portion Control: These products and equipment
allow the user to eliminate waste by accurately measuring concentrated
chemicals and protect the health and safety of the cleaning and
maintenance worker.
Floor Care Products: Ask for floor finishes
that are metal-free and are durable enough to last at least 12 months
between stripping.
Floor Mats: Matting is one of the best ways to
trap dirt and dust particles, preventing them from entering a facility.
Ask for matting that is of high quality, capable of capturing fine
particles, and constructed with recycled content.
Vacuums: Vacuum cleaners can now be certified
by the Carpet and Rug Institute. Their "Green Label Certification"
designates machines with proven capabilities, but look further for high
filtration levels that capture the fine particles (99% of 0.3 microns) and
are ergonomically designed to minimize worker fatigue and injuries,
bolstering productivity rates.
Floor Machines: Floor machines should be
equipped with vacuum attachments to capture dust and fine particles that
are often generated when stripping, buffing, burnishing, and polishing
floors.
Carpet Extraction Equipment: Carpet extractors
should be capable of removing enough water that carpets are dry within 24
hours or less. Excess moisture can provide a breeding ground for mold and
mildew.
Paper and Plastic Liners: The Environmental
Protection Agency's (EPA) Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines designates
the levels of post-consumer recycled content (20% minimum for toilet
tissue, 40% minimum for hand towels and industrial wipes, and 10% minimum
for plastic trash can liners).
Paper Dispensers: Look for hands-free
dispensers, which can limit the amount of paper dispensed, reduce waste,
and hold large or multiple rolls.
Recycling Containers: To better manage
recycling, look for containers, carts, and other materials that help
manage and support a building's recycling efforts and increase recycling
rates.
Training/Education Materials: The green
cleaning process can entail initial and ongoing training and education.
Look for training materials that help users reduce waste (of both
materials and time), clean more effectively, and minimize risks to the
building occupants, workers, and the facilities in which they clean.
Innovative Technologies: As more manufacturers
embrace the concept of green cleaning, new technologies and products are
being introduced. Look for materials, such as MicroFiber cloths and flat
mops that are capable of capturing more dirt and dust particles and reduce
bacteria build-up. Also, ask for products with recycled content and
bio-based materials.
SOURCE.
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