Why Green Cleaning?

Why We Clean Appearance Health –Remove and extract contaminants created by Dust Pesticides VOCs Allergens Metals, Lead, Cadmium Particulates Moisture Food Sources

Why We Clean Why Clean for Health –90% of time is spent indoors –Indoor air can be 2 to 5 times as bad as outdoor air –Cancer #1 disease related cause of death in children 8500 children diagnosed with cancer each year –More Increased cases of Autism Learning disabilities and hyperactive behavior

Mold Mold often grows in rooms with both high water usage and humidity, such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements Most molds do not harm healthy people. But people who have allergies or asthma may be more sensitive to molds. Sensitive people may experience skin rash, running nose, eye irritation, cough, nasal congestion, aggravation of asthma or difficulty breathing. People with an immune suppression or underlying lung disease, may be at increased risk for infections from molds. Don’t let this be a problem in your dormitories!

The Impact of Buildings Human Impacts –3 Million Custodians/Housekeepers Numbers higher due to turnover Workman’s Compensation –Building Occupant Exposures Impact on health and productivity Litigation and Liability –Sensitive Populations Children Seniors Those with health conditions

The Impact of Cleaning on the Environment The Commercial Cleaning Industry Produces –6 Billion Pounds of Chemicals –4.5 Billion Pounds of Paper –35 Billion Pounds of Plastic Liners –250 Million Pounds of Vacuums & Equipment

The Impact of Cleaning on the Environment Food for Thought –Cleaning can make an enormous impact toward protecting public health, improving performance and reducing environmental burdens –What is purchased, the products used and how they are used can make an important difference

Green Cleaning What is Green Cleaning products and services that reduce the health and environmental impacts compared to similar products and services used for the same purpose.”products and services that reduce the health and environmental impacts compared to similar products and services used for the same purpose.” It’s a journey and must positively affect both health and the environment

Green Cleaning – Minimum Requirements Chemicals –Cleaners: Green Seal GS-37, other standards –Floor Finish: Sustainable, metal-free –Carpet: Green Seal –Hand Soaps: Non-antimicrobial Paper & Liners –Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines –Green Seal –Chlorine-Free Paper Association Equipment –Vacuums: CRI Green Label Program –Floor Machines: Vacuum attachments

Green Cleaning Entry mats Tools & Equipment –Micro-fiber mops & cloths –Vapor machines –High-efficiency carpet extractors –Water-conserving tools & devices Hand Hygiene Training and SOPs Communication - occupants

Green Cleaning Use and maintain Entry Way Systems –High quality mats (not all mats are created equal) –Inside and out –10 to 12 feet –Erect barriers –Clean inside and outdoors 70% to 80% of all soils are tracked in the front door!

Green Cleaning Use dispensing equipment or appropriately measure chemical –Improves Safety –Reduces Consumption 35 to 65% –Reduces Costs

Green Cleaning Equipment Use quality cleaning equipment –Filters on floor equipment –CRI Green Label Vacuums ( rug.com) –Floor scrubbers that minimize water use –Filtration, Suction, Airflow, Durability & Ergonomics –Carpet extractors that get carpets dry

Green Cleaning Practice Integrated Pest Management –Consider Alternative Pest Management first – chemicals as last resort –Work with Pest Management Contractor to implement and communicate the program –Integrated Pest Management – MSU

Green Cleaning Practice Stewardship and Shared Responsibility –Create Stewardship/Green Team Facility Operations Staff Member Building Occupant Outside Building Contractors Management/Administration –Meet to discuss current issues, share ideas and solutions –Communicate objectives and successes to your community

What Does This Mean for You? Healthier indoor environment Less Risk if you have health or sensitivity to chemicals and dust Green products available to you as a student to use in your dormitory rooms to contribute to a healthier environment also. Be a good neighbor – applying cleaning for health (green cleaning) in your own space makes a healthier building over all!

Student Green Cleaning Program We use three chemicals around campus for our daily cleaning. These will be available to you in a ready-to-use spray bottle. When you need a replenishment, bring your empty bottle back for a refill. Doodleduster cloth will also be available to you. Microfiber Mop will also be available to you.