Green Cleaning Sweeps the Nation

Do you know that chemicals found in common cleaning products used in schools can increase your child's risk of asthma, and trigger asthma attacks in those that already have the condition? Chemicals in common cleaners used in schools have even been linked to learning disabilities and other developmental disorders.

Luckily, there is an emerging, safe and healthy trend sweeping harmful chemical cleaners out of schools across the country: "green" cleaning. Green cleaners are produced using Green Chemistry, an approach to creating products without the use of harmful chemicals. Each non-toxic product must meet 18 strict criteria relating to environmental and health impacts before it is certified as “green” and released to market. Alternatively, traditional products can be sold in stores or to schools with little or no evidence of their impact on human health and the environment. In fact, current product regulations have led to a marketplace in which only 7% of the chemicals we use on a daily basis have been fully tested for health impacts. No chemicals have been studied for health impacts when combined with each other.

A non-toxic environment benefits children especially because their growing bodies are more susceptible to developing illness from toxic exposures. Children take in more food and water and breathe more air per pound relative to adults and therefore are exposed to higher concentrations of the harmful chemicals that exist in our environment. Their developing systems are more vulnerable to the effects of harmful chemicals, and are unable to metabolize and rid themselves of toxins as quickly as fully developed, adult systems. Their natural curiosity, tendency to place their hands in their mouths, and the amount of time they spend playing on the floor can increase their exposure to toxic cleaning products.

The benefits of green cleaning may be more far-reaching than you think. Reducing environmental toxins and improving indoor air quality with green cleaning programs has been shown to improve student health, attendance (asthma is the leading cause for student absenteeism) and attitude, as well as teacher health, attitude and retention, not to mention save schools money on sick leave, insurance premiums or possible lawsuits. There's also a proven correlation between implementation of green cleaning programs and increased reading and math scores. Combine all these benefits with the fact that green cleaning programs in schools help create a more earth-conscious generation of future leaders, and the benefits are immeasurable.

So how can you get started? Several resources can help you make the switch to green cleaning products. The Green Flag Schools Program, a project of the Child Proofing Our Communities Campaign coordinated by the Center for Health, Environment and Justice, is a national environmental rewards and student leadership program in which students, parents, teachers and administrators, and facilities staff work together to pass safer and healthier environmental policies in their school. Make a commitment to switch your school to green cleaning products by becoming a Green Flag School this spring, as middle and high schools across the country host coordinated local media events to celebrate becoming a Green Flag School and debut the program's new student leadership and activism focus for teens. For details on this spring's event or to learn more about the Green Flag Program, visit www.greenflagschools.org/.

Green cleaners are certified by independent nonprofit organizations, making the market more competitive than ever, and driving once pricey products to costs comparable to traditional cleaning products. Today, over 200 products produced by 37 manufacturers are certified as non-toxic, or green. School purchasing of green products can be made easier by asking your vendor what green products they offer. Many vendors now carry a line of certified green cleaners. For a list of certified green products, contact the Child Proofing Our Communities Campaign at childproofing@chej.org, or (703) 237-2249.

Many local, state and federal governments have mandated green cleaning programs. Recent landmark green cleaning legislation was passed last summer when Governor George Pataki made New York the first state in the country to require its schools to use healthy and green cleaning products. New Jersey followed in January of this year by becoming the second state to implement green cleaning at the statewide level.

Making the shift from harmful chemical cleaners to green cleaning products is more than just a purchasing decision. It's a decision that affects the health of students, teachers, staff, and all who enter the school. With mounting evidence of the benefits, the increasing availability of products, and landmark legislation paving the way, now is the time to make the switch to green cleaning.

By Sherman Ludwig
Child Proofing Our Communities Campaign Assistant, greenflag@greenflagschools.org

From Issue-Gram, Spring 2006
Copyright by NCEA

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