What Is Green Cleaning?

Green Cleaning is a method of cleaning that uses environmentally friendly products which are packaged in recyclable containers, reducing indoor air-pollution, minimizing waste, and reducing health & safety risks.

Why Green Cleaning?

• Improved health and safety of our staff and customers.

• Reduced waste stream.

• Improved indoor air quality.

• It's our responsibility as stewards of the environment.

Current Practices

Completed

• Implemented the use of micro-fiber cloths, dust-wands, and dust mops. 

• Increased our use of Green Seal Certified Ready-To-Dispense Cleaners.

In Process

• Eliminating all aerosol products.

• Continuing staff training and education.

• Documenting standard operating procedures.

Future

• Micro-fiber wet-mopping.

• Building specific green cleaning plans.

• Continued reduction of solid waste.

• Increasing recyclable output.

Facilities Operations Custodial Services uses the Green Seal Environmental Standards as the guideline for our Green Cleaning Program.   

Green Seal Environmental Standard for Cleaning Services (GS-42)

Green Seal Environmental Standard for General-Purpose, Bathroom, Glass, and Carpet-Cleaners (GS-37)

Green Seal Environmental Standard for Paper Towels and Paper Napkins (GS-09)

Green Seal Environmental Standard for Floor Care Products:  Finishes and Compatible Strippers (GS-40)

Green Seal Environmental Standard for Hand Cleaners and Hand Soaps (GS-41)

Green Seal Environmental Standard for Tissue Paper (GS-01)

All Academic and Administrative buildings maintained by Facilities Operations Custodial Services are cleaned according to the Green Seal Standards. 

Resources

Green Cleaning Presentation

www.greenseal.org

www.epa.gov/epp

www.greenguard.org