What Makes a Cleaning Product Green?
Green Cleaning
What makes a cleaning product “green?”
Cleaning products are considered “green” when they are made of renewable or sustainable resources (not petroleum) and contain plant-derived, non-toxic andbiodegradable materials. For a commercial product to be truly green, it must be certified as such by a third-party, such as Green Seal.
Are green cleaning products more expensive?
They may appear to be more expensive because they are packaged in concentrated form as opposed to the “ready to use” cleaners we are used to. By using automatic dilution and dispensing equipment you reduce the possibility of over concentrating cleaners and chemicals, offering a dramatic cost savings. By negotiating purchase agreements costs can be reduced even more.
Do green cleaning products work as well?
Yes! We often associate “clean” with the strong odor of bleach which is not present in plant-derived cleaners. When mixed and diluted properly they work just as well if not better as their chemical counterparts.
Getting Started – Creating a Green Cleaning Policy
You don’t have to overhaul your entire cleaning program to get started. Begin greening your school by following these easy tips:
- Door mats – the use of door mats at entrances will reduce the tracking of dirt and other environmental triggers of asthma,
- Switch from aerosols to wipes – fumes from aerosol sprays can trigger asthma episodes. For light cleaning in classrooms use unscented disinfectant wipes,
- Schedule maintenance and cleaning after school hours – using pesticides, cleaning or painting with strong smelling chemicals should be scheduled after students and teachers have left the building. Allow for adequate time for the building to “air out”, and
- Prohibit the use of scented air fresheners such as sprays and plug-ins, and items that mask odors such as candles, potpourri and reed diffusers. Occupants can be allergic to the strong fragrances which can also trigger asthma attacks or make asthma symptoms worse.
To find more information on green cleaning, improving indoor air quality and reducing environmental asthma triggers visit:
Environmental Protection Agency
- Tools for Schools the IAQ Tools for Schools Program is a comprehensive resource to help schools maintain a healthy environment in school buildings by identifying, correcting, and preventing IAQ problems. This program offers no-cost, low-cost solutions to reducing environmental asthma triggers.
Healthy Schools Campaign
Northeast Sustainable Energy Association
- Building Green Schools Resource List
National Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities
Green Seal
Managing a child's asthma can best be accomplished through a comprehensive plan that addresses both the medical management of the disease and avoidance of environmental triggers.
References: Environmentally Preferable Purchasing, Environmental Protection Agency,