Sherman Ludwig
Child Proofing Our Communities Campaign, Center for Health, Environment and Justice
Did 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 cleaning methods employ the use of environmentally friendly cleaning products to protect health without harming the environment. Green cleaning products are tested to meet 18 strict criteria relating to environmental and health impacts. With news of green cleaning's benefits spreading rapidly, and green cleaning programs springing up in schools and legislation across the country, the availability and affordability of green cleaning products is at an all time high, making now the best time ever for schools to go green.
So how can you get started? There are several resources out there to take advantage of when making 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 administrative 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 all of the details on this spring's event or to learn more about the Green Flag Program, visit http://www.greenflagschools.org/.
Green Seal is an independent, non-profit certifier of green cleaning products whose mission it is to achieve a more sustainable world by promoting environmentally responsible production, purchasing, and products. Products certified by Green Seal have met strict criteria and undergone extensive evaluation to determine environmental and health impacts. Their experts can help you determine which green cleaning products are right for your school. Green Seal certifies a growing range of brand names, and does not endorse any particular brand over another. With many brand names now certified by Green Seal, the green cleaning market is more competitive than ever, driving once pricey products to all time low costs. For a comprehensive list of Green Seal certified products, and more information about their certification process, visit their website at http://www.greenseal.org/index.html.
The issue green cleaning addresses cannot be overstated. Children have physiological and behavioral factors that make their bodies more susceptible to environmental toxins. Because children take in more food and water and breathe more air per pound relative to adults, they 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 farther-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.
Many local, state and federal governments have mandated green cleaning programs. Recent landmark green cleaning legislation was passed this summer when Governor George Pataki made the state of New York the first 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 activate 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, administrative and facilities staff, and anyone who enters the school building. With mounting evidence of the benefits of green cleaning programs, availability of more green cleaning resources than ever before, and landmark legislation paving the way for more green cleaning laws, now is the time to make the switch to green cleaning.
