FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Check back often, as we will update this list with new questions as they come up. If you have a question about Green Cleaing or the impact of cleaning on health and the environment, please use the contact form or send an email to info@theashkingroup.com.

Q:
 What is Green Cleaning?

A:
 The simplest definition of Green Cleaning is:

Cleaning to protect health without harming the environment.

The federal government, through Executive order 13101 has defined Green as:

"...products and services that reduce the health and environmental impacts compared to similar products and services used for the same purpose."
Q:
 Are there any standards for purchasing cleaning chemicals?

A: Yes there are.

For general purpose cleaners, restroom cleaners, carpet spotting chemicals and glass cleaners look for products that meet the GS-37 standards established by Green Seal. Green Seal is a non-profit, independent standards setting organization dedicated to improving the indoor environment. For more information visit: www.greenseal.org

Products not covered by GS-37 should be examined for compliance with the California Code of Regulations maximum allowable VOC levels. For more information see the California Air Resouces Board / California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 17 CCR Section 954509 or visit: www.arb.ca.gov/consprod/regs/Cpreg.doc

Floor finishes should conform to the maximum VOC levels, but should also be chosen to minimize the frequency of recoating and strip-outs required. Additionally, coatings that do not require buffing or burnishing (which create fine dust particles) are preferred.

In general, Green Cleaning advocates stress reducing our reliance on scarce, non-renewable resources to formulate products. Look for cleaning chemicals that use natural and renewable resources as their base ingredients - including soy beans, or citrus products rather than petroleum based products.

Q:
 Are there standards for choosing equipment?

A:
 Equipment should be chosen that improves productivity, prevents injury to the user and effectively captures, removes or prevents the introduction of contaminants into the indoor environment.

The Carpet and Rug Institute has established these criteria for their Green Label Certification Program. (From the CRI website)
"To help protect indoor air quality, keep all surfaces as clean as possible by vacuum cleaning -- without putting dust back into the air. This IAQ program identifies vacuum cleaners that do each of three tasks well:

  • Removes soil
  • Contains dust within the filtration bag and the machine itself, keeping it out of the air
  • Doesn’t damage the carpet and helps keep its appearance looking good. "

For more information regarding the CRI Green Label Program, testing criteria and a list of approved vacuum cleaners visit: www.carpet-rug.org/drill_down_2.cfm?page=8&sub=9

While specific standards for other powered equipment are yet to be established, there are some guidelines to help you choose "greener" tools:

  • Carpet extractors should remove enough moisture to ensure carpets are dry within 24 hours to prevent growth of mold & mildew and reduce potential slip-fall accidents.
  • Burnishers should have active vacuum attachments to prevent the introduction of fine particulates into the air.
  • Automatic floor scrubbers should be chosen for their ability to minimize the amount of water and cleaning chemicals required to clean a given area. Squeegees should be matched to the floor type being cleaned and checked often to ensure they are not leaving water trails.
  • All equipment should be chosen to prevent injury to the user - good ergonomics will imporve productivity and can dramatically reduce turnover. If a piece of equipment is difficult, uncomfortable or dangerous to use - it likely will not be used as frequently as it should. This will reduce the effectiveness of your cleaning program.


Q:
 Are there standards for choosing paper products?

A:
 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has established the Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines for all federal government facilities. One portion of these guidelines covers janitorial paper and trash can liners. Details can be found at: www.epa.gov/cpg/

While these guidelines are niether law nor binding in the private sector, they are an excellent starting point as you consider your paper choices. The guidelines specify a range of recycled content and the percentage that should be from post consumer sources. The most common product categories are listed below.

EPA Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines for Janitorial Paper Products
Item % Post Consumer Fiber % Recycled Fiber Content
Toilet Tissue
20 - 60
20 - 100
Paper Towels
40 - 60
40 - 100
Paper Napkins
30 - 60
30 - 100
Facial Tissue
10 - 15
10 - 100
General Purpose Wipers
40
40 - 100
Plastic Liners
10 - 100
10 - 100