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Green Cleaning An Essential Step for a Green Campus Brad Stombock Environmental Specialist Pollution Prevention Program Florida Department of Environmental Protection The Florida Pollution Prevention (P2) Program Non-enforcement, voluntary program Goals of the P2 Program:
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Green CleaningAn Essential Step for a Green Campus Brad Stombock Environmental Specialist Pollution Prevention Program Florida Department of Environmental Protection Green Cleaning Webinar 1-15-09
The Florida Pollution Prevention (P2) Program • Non-enforcement, voluntary program • Goals of the P2 Program: • Eliminate or reduce the generation of pollution at the source • Minimize raw material consumption • Increase energy efficiencies • Decrease water usage • Less worker exposure • Go beyond regulatory compliance Green Cleaning Webinar 1-15-09
What We Will Cover: • Hazards of traditional cleaners • What is green cleaning • What to look for in green cleaners • Costs • How to start a green cleaning program • Case studies • Available resources Green Cleaning Webinar 1-15-09
Cleaner Usage in Schools • On average, custodians use 28 gallons of chemicals each year. • 25% of those chemicals are classified as hazardous chemicals. • 6% of custodians are injured every year by the chemicals they use. Green Cleaning Webinar 1-15-09
By the Numbers 1. 17,000: number of petrochemicals available for home use, only 30% of which have been tested for exposure to human health and the environment. Green Cleaning Webinar 1-15-09
By the Numbers • 17,000: number of petrochemicals available for home use, only 30% of which have been tested for exposure to human health and the environment. • 63: the number of synthetic chemical products found in the average American home, translating to roughly 10 gallons of harmful chemicals. Green Cleaning Webinar 1-15-09
By the Numbers • 17,000: number of petrochemicals available for home use, only 30% of which have been tested for exposure to human health and the environment. • 63: the number of synthetic chemical products found in the average American home, translating to roughly 10 gallons of harmful chemicals. • 100:the number of times higher indoor air pollution levels can be above outdoor air pollution levels. Green Cleaning Webinar 1-15-09
Effects of Traditional Cleaners • Negative environmental and health impacts. • Increased health care, liability and insurance costs. • Increased absenteeism. Green Cleaning Webinar 1-15-09
What is Green Cleaning? • Selecting alternatives that reduce risks. • Cleaning that protects health without harming the environment. Green Cleaning Webinar 1-15-09
What to Look For in Green Cleaners • Ingredient list • Non-toxic • Biodegradable • Phosphate free • Contains no dyes or bleach • Recyclable containers • Natural fragrances Green Cleaning Webinar 1-15-09
Third Party Certifications • Green Seal • Environmental Choice, aka EcoLogo • EPA’s Design for the Environment (DfE) Green Cleaning Webinar 1-15-09
Green Cleaning Systems Microfiber cloth and material: • Reduces water use and can hold up to seven times its weight in water. • Do not require conventional cleaners. • More effective in picking up dust and dirt. • Unlike cotton cloths, microfibers leave no lint or dust. Green Cleaning Webinar 1-15-09
Why Use Green Cleaners? • Reduce negativeenvironmental and health impacts. • Reduce liability, legal costs and insurance. • Reduce risks to children and staff. • Improve worker productivity. • Improve employee retention. Green Cleaning Webinar 1-15-09
According to the International Sanitary Supply Association • Green chemicals work. • Green products reduce workers’ compensation claims. • Productivity increases due to reduced toxic exposure. • Going green can increase your facility’s appeal to potential clients and contributors . Green Cleaning Webinar 1-15-09
The Popularity of Green Cleaning is Growing • Natural cleaning products sales have grown by 18-25% each year for the past five years.(Forbes.com) • U.S. sales of household green cleaning products are well over $300 million annually.(New York Times) • One green cleaning manufacturer reported a 140% increase in sales in 2006.(New York Times) Green Cleaning Webinar 1-15-09
Implementing Green Cleaning on Campus Common Challenges How to Start a Green Cleaning Program Cost Analysis Planning Phase Implementation Case Studies Green Cleaning Webinar 1-15-09
Common Challenges • Fear of change. • Decision makers are busy people. • Different departments or groups have different agendas. • Bias surrounding cleaning. Green Cleaning Webinar 1-15-09
Starting Out… • Assess existing problem areas or challenges. • Realize that one size does not fit all. • Assess financial issues. • Get everyone on board. • Consider a pilot project in one building or portion of the campus. Green Cleaning Webinar 1-15-09
Cost Analysis • Make sure to consider: • Cost per application, not cost per volume. • Cost of safety equipment. • Cost of disposal. • Time spent cleaning. • Additional cost benefits of green cleaners: • Increased productivity. • Reduced absenteeism. • Reduced costs associated with injuries. Green Cleaning Webinar 1-15-09
Planning Phase of Your Green Cleaning Program • Build the “Green Team.” • Gain commitment from leadership. • Conduct baseline surveys, analyze data. • Develop the plan. • Publicize “greening” plans and efforts. • Implement and track results. Green Cleaning Webinar 1-15-09
Green Team Example • Administrators • Professors • Custodial and maintenance staff • Student representatives • Health and Safety Officer Green Cleaning Webinar 1-15-09
Implementation Phase • Product and equipment procurement • Green cleaners • Recycled paper products • Microfiber mops • Entry mats • Procedures • Educate staff on proper use of new materials • Training Green Cleaning Webinar 1-15-09
Next Steps • Reduce fertilizer and pesticide use. • Audit maintenance shops for chemical use and storage. • Purchase 30% post-consumer content recycled paper supplies. • Use microfiber cleaning cloths and mops. • Install automatic paper towel and hand soap dispensers. Green Cleaning Webinar 1-15-09
Case Study #1 http://www.stewardship.gatech.edu/greencleaning.php Green Cleaning Webinar 1-15-09
Georgia Tech • Green cleaning initiative started in 2004 with a Green Seal-certified, general purpose cleaner. • Reduced inventory from 25 traditional cleaning products to 5 green cleaners. • Purchasing policy – only green products. Green Cleaning Webinar 1-15-09
Georgia Tech • Scrubbers use up to 70% less water and 90% less chemicals. • Water conserving washing machines. • 14 gallons vs. 28 gallons • Reduction in employee absentee rates. • 2007 Green Cleaning Award for Schools and Universities – Honorable Mention. Green Cleaning Webinar 1-15-09
Harvard Green Campus Initiative Case Study #2 www.greencampus.harvard.edu/greenclean/ Green Cleaning Webinar 1-15-09
Harvard’s Green Campus Initiative • Began a pilot program in 2004 in three different buildings and in four freshmen dorms. • Intensive research phase. • Testing of Green Seal certified products. • Education and outreach phase. Green Cleaning Webinar 1-15-09
Harvard’s Green Campus Results • “The Green Cleaning Program has been a huge success…” • Reduced number of chemicals used from roughly 40 to 4. • Reported reduction in number of injuries and irritations. • Created a green cleaning product lending system. Green Cleaning Webinar 1-15-09
Case Study #3 Bellingham School District Bellingham, Washington Green Cleaning Webinar 1-15-09
Bellingham School District Results • Reduced from over 20 different products to 6. • 5% increase to cleaning budget. • EPA recognized the District’s efforts in October 2003 with an Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools (IAQ TfS) Excellence Award. Green Cleaning Webinar 1-15-09
Resources Websites for more information: • www.doi.gov/greening/sustain/clean.html • www.healthyschoolscampaign.org • www.greencleaningnetwork.org • www.ofee.gov/janitor/buildinginfo.asp / • www.greencleaningfordummies.com • http://asumag.com/green/greencleaningawards2007.pdf • www.green.ca.gov/EPP/building/cleaning Green Cleaning Webinar 1-15-09
Final Question Why keep using environmentally harmful, toxic cleaners when safer alternatives are readily available? Green Cleaning Webinar 1-15-09
Questions? Brad Stombock Environmental Specialist Florida Pollution Prevention Program Phone: (850) 245 – 2116 Lawrence.Stombock@dep.state.fl.us Green Cleaning Webinar 1-15-09