green schools
Increasingly, educators, parents and school districts are beginning to realize the importance of improving the environmental and health performance of their schools. Green schools have a considerable impact on improving student health, the environment, student and teacher performance and decreasing operating costs. Shifting product and service purchases to be environmentally preferable is a quick way to begin greening your school. Products that have a lower content of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and are less toxic, such as cleaning products and paint, improve the indoor air quality of schools, which in turn is better for the health and productivity of students and staff alike. Green Seal has over twenty years of experience identifying more sustainable products and services that help green schools. Look for Green Seal-certified products and services to get started with greening your school through your purchases.
Green Seal, in partnership with Siemens Industry, Inc. has developed a guide that provides information on best practices for cleaning procedures and products that are effective at removing contaminants without adding unwanted substances to the environment or otherwise causing harm. This document is adapted from a chapter in the Green Building Operations and Maintenance Manual.
Cleaning Products, Soaps and Personal Care
Cleaning Products and Dish Soap
These cleaners have passed performance testing to ensure the products meet cleaning expectations. These products contain no carcinogens, reproductive toxins or mutagens, among other toxic compounds. Ingredients that are known to cause asthma are not allowed and there are limits on volatile organic compounds to address indoor air concerns. In addition, they are not toxic to aquatic life and are biodegradable.
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Listing of Green Seal-Certified Cleaning Products.
Hand Soaps, Cleansers, Lotions, Cosmetics and Personal Care Products
These soaps, lotions, and other personal care products work as well as non-green products and are not irritating or sensitizing to the skin. They also do not contain harmful ingredients like carcinogens. So, formaldehyde and related preservatives that are commonly used in these products cannot be used. The products also have low volatile organic compound content, are not toxic to aquatic life, and are biodegradable. Additionally, the packaging has been reduced or contains post-consumer material.
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Listing of Green Seal-Certified Hand Soaps and Cleaners.
Paper Products
Office and Printing Paper
These printing, writing and copy papers, envelopes and newspaper were made without the very toxic process of using chlorine or reduce the use of new tree fiber by containing 30% post-consumer material.
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Listing of Green Seal-Certified Office and Printing Paper.
Tissues, Napkins, Paper Towels & Toilet Paper
These tissues, napkins, paper towels, toilet paper and other sanitary paper products meet stringent performance requirements from absorption to wet strength. These products are made from the leading amounts of post-consumer content feasible and 100% recycled content. In addition, the manufacturing of these products minimizes the use of energy, water, and toxic additives. Additionally, the packaging has been reduced or contains post-consumer material.
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Listing of Green Seal-Certified Sanitary Paper Products.
Building Products
Lighting Products
These energy-efficient lighting products are high quality, long lasting compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). They have very low mercury content and are lead-free. They are manufactured responsibly, use packaging with recycled content, and offer free mechanisms for the recycling of used bulbs.
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Paints, Stains and Finishes
These paints and stains meet strict performance requirements to ensure they are durable and provide the protection expected of such coatings. These products also have strict volatile organic compound (VOC) limits to reduce indoor and outdoor air pollution. Commonly used toxic chemicals including benzene, formaldehyde, and heavy metals are prohibited. Additionally, the packaging contains post-consumer material.
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Listing of Green Seal-Certified Paints.
School Services
Green Cleaning Services
Cleaning services that meet Green Seal’s standards offer a green cleaning program that protects human health and the environment. The cleaning process, tools, and products used for cleaning are all considered in order to reduce toxicity, waste, and exposure to both occupants and staff. In addition, staff training and careful planning is required to ensure quality and reliable service.
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Listing of Green Seal-Certified Cleaning Services.
Green Cafeterias and Food Service Operations
Cafeterias and food service operations that meet Green Seal’s standard have proven to reduce their environmental impact by serving responsibly farmed and raised food and minimizing total waste and avoids sending material to the landfill with a comprehensive recycling and composting program. In addition, the kitchen has implemented energy efficiency and conservation measures and reduced their water use. The management of the food service supports the green efforts with green operation and purchasing plans.
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