EPA Offers Effective Ways To Create Healthy Environments

Contributed by The Ashkin Group.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently released an educational tool that focuses on the importance of green and effective cleaning. The online webcast, titled "Routine Cleaning and Maintenance for a Healthy School Environment," mentioned that one of the most effective ways to create a healthy school environment is to improve everyday maintenance to keep school facilities clean and running smoothly and safety.
 
Some of the key points made during the webinar included items the professional cleaning industry is well aware of, such as:
 
 • School environments are healthier when they are kept clean and well maintained

 • Airborne irritants and allergens have a negative impact on student health and performance in schools

 • Regular and thorough cleaning can prevent pest problems, minimize irritants and allergens, and create healthier learning and working environments for children and staff.

However, the EPA went one step further with their recommendations. They suggested, "whenever possible, purchase certified green cleaning products from sustainable suppliers."
 
To determine whether a distributor is a sustainable supplier, the EPA recommends using the Sustainable Purchasing Tool, developed by The Ashkin Group.
 
"The 'Tool’ helps purchasers differentiate between those jan/san distributors that have sustainability programs in place and those that do not," says Steve Ashkin, president of The Ashkin Group. "Invariably, those distributors that do, are 'walking their talk.' They are more aware of the importance of these issues and [are] better equipped to help administrators become greener and more sustainability-focused, as well."