Green Cleaning for Schools
Green cleaning is a critical component of a healthy school environment. Custodial services often involve the use of many chemicals, some of which are toxic to humans and school site ecology. Making simple changes in cleaning techniques and product choices, such as minimizing the use of harsh cleaners, solvent-based cleaners or cleaners with strong fragrances (which can exacerbate asthma symptoms) and switching to environmentally friendly cleaning products, can go a long way to protecting and improving the health of students, staff and the school environment. Learn more about implementing a green cleaning plan to protect custodial staff, students, teachers, and the natural environment.
Tip: Also visit our National & State Green School Programs page to learn more about local and national Green School programs and resources to help you improve the health & sustainability of your school!
Before You Start
- Form an Action Team
- Center for Green Schools: Green Cleaning Video (7 mins)
- Center for Green Schools: Green Cleaning Companion Guide
- Overview: Protect Students & Staff with Green Cleaning (EPA)
Design and Preparation
- Conduct a General Environmental Review Checklist
- Green Cleaning Program Assessment
- Conduct a Healthy Schools Audit
- EPA School Indoor Air Quality Assessment Mobile App
Implementation
- Green Cleaning Action Plan Forms:
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Green Cleaning Initiatives:
- 5 Steps to Green Cleaning in Schools
- Use Specialized Green Cleaning Guides to Target Specific Areas
- Effective School Cleaning and Maintenance Practices (EPA)
- Tips for Teachers, Bus Drivers, Athletic, Maintenance & Food Service Staff
- Purchasing Green & Sustainable Products
- Safe Chemical Management in Schools
- Also see: Ventilation, Air Quality, IPM
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Tools for School Facilities Staff:
- Overview: School Green Cleaning Laws
- High-Performance Cleaning Program Plan (Implementation Workbook)
- Sample Indoor Air Quality Management Plan (Implementation Workbook)
- ISSA Green Cleaning Training & Resources
- Green Clean Schools Webinars
- NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: hygiene information for hundreds of chemicals/classes
- Also see: Ventilation, Air Quality, IPM
Using Your Project
- EPA Lesson Plans, Teacher Guides & Online Resources for Educators
- Eco Schools K-12 Resources for Educators
- Eco Schools National Standards & Curriculum Alignment
- Eco Schools Green STEM Initiative
- Green Education Foundation: Sustainability Lesson Clearinghouse
- Learning Lab Sustainability Lessons
- Project Learning Tree Curriculum Offerings
Sharing Your Project
- Downloadable Green Cleaning Posters & PowerPoints
- Involve Parents in Creating a Healthy Indoor School Environment
- Create Signs About Green Cleaning & Green Product Tips & Efforts