Green and Environmentally

Though there is no standardized definition of the term green, generally, green refers to the adoption of environmental management practices and products intended to minimize the damaging impact on the environment from resource depletion and pollution. Green products are “environmentally preferable” products and services that reduce pollution and have less effect on human health and the environment.

Benefits of Buying Green

  • Reduced waste and energy:Buying cleaners with reusable, reduced, or recyclable packaging and appropriate handling safeguards reduces packaging waste and transportation energy
  • Reduced costs:Buying less hazardous cleaners may reduce costs when it comes time to properly dispose of leftover cleaners.
  • Environment and health benefits:Choosing green products can minimize harmful impacts to custodial workers and building occupants, improve indoor air quality, and reduce water and ambient air pollution while also ensuring the effectiveness of cleaning in removing biological and other contaminants.

How to Choose Green Products

  • When purchasing cleaning products, purchasers should examine as many relevant product attributes as possible, recognizing that tradeoffs are inevitable.For example, one product may be made with renewable resources, while another product may have a lower VOC content.The overall best value takes into account performance, price, availability, regulatory requirements, and environmental impact.
  • Additionally, purchasers should be especially careful in interpreting vague or generic claims such as “environmentally friendly,” or “eco-safe.Purchasers should ask vendors and manufacturers offering green cleaning products to clearly and specifically define their green claims.Guidance on interpreting environmental marketing claims is available from the Federal Trade Commission.

Product Usage and Attributes to Look For

       1- Cleaning

*Minimizes exposure to potentially harmful chemicals such as:-

  • Added dyes, except when added for safety purposes.
  • Added fragrances, skin irritants or other corrosive or strongly irritating substances.
  • Substances classified as known or likely human carcinogens or reproductive toxic-ants.
  • Regulated hazardous materials.

        2.Product Packaging

  • Concentrated formulas with appropriate handling safeguards.
  • Recyclable packaging.
  • Recycled-content packaging.
  • Pump sprays instead of aerosols.
  • Products shipped in bulk.
  • Clear labeling and information on use and disposal.