Purchase Green & Sustainable Products
Did you know that the primary sources of indoor exposure to airborne chemicals are furnishings, building materials and other products found in schools that can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particles into the air? These chemical emissions can contribute to a wide range of adverse health effects including asthma, upper respiratory irritation, fatigue, nasal congestion, nausea, dizziness and more. Furthermore, chemicals found in many common cleaning products can cause similar health problems.
Creating a sustainable purchasing policy helps meet facility needs while reducing chemical exposure in the school environment. Sustainable purchasing can also help slow the depletion of natural non-renewable resources, and materials purchased regionally help the local economy and reduce both the energy required for transportation and the associated greenhouse gas emissions. There is now a wide range of certified, effective, “green” products available. Learn more about establishing a sustainable purchasing policy and finding green certified products for your school.
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: Sustainable Purchasing (6 mins)
- Center for Green Schools: Sustainable Purchasing 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
Implementation
- Create a Healthy Schools Action Plan
- Develop a Sustainable Purchasing Program:
- Green & Sustainable Products: Databases & Certified Products
- Also See: Green Cleaning
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