Government Websites and Resources
Design for the Environment (DfE)
The DfE program allows use of its logo on products that are made of safer chemicals. A DfE logo on a product means that the DfE scientific review team has screened each ingredient for potential human health and environmental effects and that the product contains only those ingredients that pose the least concern among chemicals in their class.
Department of the Interior (DOI), Green Cleaning
Information about DOI's green cleaning initiatives and accomplishments, including guidance on greening a janitorial business, case studies, and other resources.
Green Cleaning in Schools (New York)
(New York State Office of General Services, the New York State Education Department, New York State Department of Health, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and New York State Department of Labor , Aug 10, 2005)
Provides an overview and links related to New York's new regulation requiring the use of environmentally sensitive cleaning products in schools. A link to the full text of the regulation [Environmentally Sensitive Cleaning and Maintenance Products. State Education Law 409-i and State Finance Law 163-b] is provided. .
Guide to Healthier Cleaning & Maintenance: Practices and Products for Schools.
(New York State Association for Superintendents of School Buildings and Grounds, Albany; Healthy Schools Network, Inc., Albany, NY. , 2005)
This paper helps those concerned with keeping schools clean and properly maintained in adopting healthier cleaning and maintenance practices and promoting the purchase and use of environmentally preferable products which perform well and are cost effective. It explains how children are exposed to toxic chemicals in school cleaning and maintenance products, highlights the problem of indoor air pollution, and cautions about the lack of toxic testing on commercially used cleaning chemicals. A checklist for prevention of dirt and grime by anticipating people and their messes is detailed. Also discussed are tips on purchasing environmentally preferable cleaning products, including a checklist of human health and environmental considerations. Final sections cover vendor, price and performance considerations; and thoughts on how schools buy cleaning and maintenance products. Lists of helpful organizations and agencies and how-to guides are included.
Office of the Federal Environmental Executive, Green Janitorial Products and Services
Information for federal facility managers, acquisition staff, health and safety officers and others who are considering the use of green cleaners, including contract language, implementation guidance, case studies, links to products and services that have successfully been used by others, and expert contacts.
Non-Government Web Sites
Green Seal, Cleaning Products
Green Seal is an independent, nonprofit organization that sets environmental standards and awards a Green Seal of Approval to products that cause less harm to the environment than other similar products. Green Seal has consensus-based standards for a variety of cleaning products. These standards and a list of qualified products are available on the Green Seal Web site.
ISSA, Green Cleaning
ISSA, the Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association, provides information on green cleaning products and the implementation of green cleaning programs.
Women’s Voices For The Earth
Women’s Voices for the Earth (WVE) is a national organization that engages women to advocate for the right to live in a healthy environment.
WVE seeks to reduce and ultimately eliminate environmental pollutants that cause health problems for women, their families and communities. To this end, WVE creates opportunities for women to influence environmental decision-making.
Healthy Schools Campaign Fund
Healthy Schools Campaign, an independent not-for-profit organization, is an authority on healthy school environments and a voice for people who care about our environment, our children, and education. Their mission is to advocate for policies and practices that allow all students, teachers and staff to learn and work in a healthy school environment.
Long Island Inter-Faith Environmental Network
Addresses the growing interest among many religious institution around the country of practicing good stewardship of the planet earth
New York Inter-Faith Power and Light
Their mission is to support congregations of all faiths in their actions to curb global warming and protect the sacredness of the earth.
Green Business Resources
Forest Stewardship Certified Paper - http://www.mrspaper.com
Green Copy Writer - http://www.copyrose.com
Energy Audits and Savings Programs - http://www.informany.com
Helps companies implement green office practices - http://www.officegreeners.com
Artisnal cheese made in Maine - http://www.pinelandfarms.org
