Thursday, January 28, 2010
Green Cleaning Expands
More States Are Mandating "Green" Cleaning
More states are requiring schools and government buildings to use environmentally friendly cleaning products, raising debate about their costs and benefits. Last year legislation in 10 states including Connecticut, Illinois and New York require or encourage "green" floor waxes, window cleaners and other products in schools, according to Green Seal Inc., a nonprofit that certifies the products. There are similar bills that will be debated in at least 5 states in 2010.
Debates outside the legislature abound. There are critics that laud the measures but feel that states shouldn't mandate the products that schools and agencies must buy. A main consideration centers around any possible increase in costs that governments have to bear which in today's economy and decreased tax revenue situation are problematic. On the other side of the coin are supporters that feel that the laws protect the environment and reduce the use of harsh chemicals that can harm workers' and children's health.
One such example of "green product" debate is the state of Wisconsin. There the plan, like those in other states, would require public buildings in Wisconsin to use cleaning and paper products certified as environmentally sensitive by the federal government or several private groups. But it also would encourage agencies to apply the products in ways that reduce water use and the amount of chemicals released into the air. The Assembly natural resources committee voted 8-6 to approve the bill. The vote sends the measure to the full Assembly for approval.
Green cleaning products are widely available at prices comparable to traditional products. In some cases, manufacturers receive green certifications for products they have long had on the market. After a rocky start years ago, their effectiveness also is now comparable. "There is no reason to pay a penny more to acquire green products. Plain and simple," said John Matthews, senior vice president for JohnsonDiversey, the Sturtevant, Wis.-based manufacturer of cleaning products used around the globe. " And across the board, reputable companies are capable of making green products that perform well."
But New York's Office of General Services said successful programs reduce levels of cleaning chemicals, mold and dust that cause asthma attacks, a top reason students miss school.Linda Chipperfield, a vice president for Green Seal, said its certified products use less packaging and cannot contain chemicals that cause cancer, kill aquatic life or deplete the ozone layer, among other things. The Wisconsin plan would apply to bathroom and floor cleaners, hand soap, toilet paper, paper towels, vacuum cleaners and carpet extractors.
It's unclear whether budget-focused legislators will find time to pass green cleaning laws in 2010 but the trend is definitely moving in this direction.
For green cleaning products from Duraclean go to: http://www.duracleanfranchise.com/cgi-bin/commerce.exe
More states are requiring schools and government buildings to use environmentally friendly cleaning products, raising debate about their costs and benefits. Last year legislation in 10 states including Connecticut, Illinois and New York require or encourage "green" floor waxes, window cleaners and other products in schools, according to Green Seal Inc., a nonprofit that certifies the products. There are similar bills that will be debated in at least 5 states in 2010.
Debates outside the legislature abound. There are critics that laud the measures but feel that states shouldn't mandate the products that schools and agencies must buy. A main consideration centers around any possible increase in costs that governments have to bear which in today's economy and decreased tax revenue situation are problematic. On the other side of the coin are supporters that feel that the laws protect the environment and reduce the use of harsh chemicals that can harm workers' and children's health.
One such example of "green product" debate is the state of Wisconsin. There the plan, like those in other states, would require public buildings in Wisconsin to use cleaning and paper products certified as environmentally sensitive by the federal government or several private groups. But it also would encourage agencies to apply the products in ways that reduce water use and the amount of chemicals released into the air. The Assembly natural resources committee voted 8-6 to approve the bill. The vote sends the measure to the full Assembly for approval.
Green cleaning products are widely available at prices comparable to traditional products. In some cases, manufacturers receive green certifications for products they have long had on the market. After a rocky start years ago, their effectiveness also is now comparable. "There is no reason to pay a penny more to acquire green products. Plain and simple," said John Matthews, senior vice president for JohnsonDiversey, the Sturtevant, Wis.-based manufacturer of cleaning products used around the globe. " And across the board, reputable companies are capable of making green products that perform well."
But New York's Office of General Services said successful programs reduce levels of cleaning chemicals, mold and dust that cause asthma attacks, a top reason students miss school.Linda Chipperfield, a vice president for Green Seal, said its certified products use less packaging and cannot contain chemicals that cause cancer, kill aquatic life or deplete the ozone layer, among other things. The Wisconsin plan would apply to bathroom and floor cleaners, hand soap, toilet paper, paper towels, vacuum cleaners and carpet extractors.
It's unclear whether budget-focused legislators will find time to pass green cleaning laws in 2010 but the trend is definitely moving in this direction.
For green cleaning products from Duraclean go to: http://www.duracleanfranchise.com/cgi-bin/commerce.exe
Labels: Green Products, Green; Indoor Air Quality
# posted by The Duraclean Team @ 7:50 AM 
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