Did you know that one out of every three cleaning chemicals used to clean schools in the United States poses a risk to the environment? (US National Center for Health) Using safe cleaners can improve the quality of both your working environment and the world at large. Children should not be in a space full of chemicals. There are simple steps you can take to ban chemicals, strong fumes, and lower the health risks that come with traditional cleaning products. You can be green and clean in your center!
 
Safe or “green” cleaning products are effective, affordable, and easy to find and green products work just like conventional, more toxic products. Schools across the country are making the switch. And so can you! Use green cleaning products to decrease your environmental impact, reduce health liability, and even save money. Many common cleaners contain environmental toxins and chemicals associated with possible health concerns. Indoor air pollution, some of which is linked to cleaning product exposure, is ranked among the nation's top five environmental risks. What's more, the nonprofit environmental standards organization Green Seal estimates that cleaning products contribute approximately eight percent of non-auto-related emissions that can cause eye, nose, and lung irritation, as well as rashes, headaches, nausea, asthma, and other concerns.
 
If you push for a "green cleaning" classroom or center, you can feel proud to be a part of a growing movement. New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts have all recently passed statewide legislation requiring all schools to use green cleaning products. Look for cleaning products certified by Green Seal, or look for product lines such as Simple Green and Seventh Generation. If you do not perform the primary custodial chores for your space, just spread the word!

Simple Steps
Keep the entryways clean. Many pollutants enter the building on the bottoms of all those shoes, so stop dirt in its tracks! Keep doormats at building entrances and entryways. Carpets, especially wall-to-wall coverings, can host molds and trap moisture. Switch to simple, easy-to-clean flooring, such as laminate or wood. If you do have carpeting, use the best vacuum system your center can afford and empty the vacuum bag often. Don't use carpeting other than easy-to-lift throw rugs (with secure non-slip backing) in kitchen or bathroom areas, or in paint/craft/"wet" work spaces.
 
Make It Shine
Beware of touch points! Touch points, such as door handles, faucet knobs, and cabinet handles are common places for germs to linger. Wipe them down regularly with a simple solution of white vinegar and water. Use paper products that are labeled "green" or eco-friendly, including recycled tissues and towels bleached without the use of chlorines.
 
Do-It-Yourself
There are a number of natural cleaners which are used safely to clean and are inexpensive as well.

White Vinegar: Vinegar mixed with water is one of the oldest cleaning solutions available. It cuts grease and kills mildew. Use it in place of bleach or ammonia. Here's a well-known cleaning solution: mix is 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda dissolved in 1/2 gallon of warm water.
 
Baking soda: Great for scouring – add some water to make a paste for a non-toxic, gently abrasive scrub.
 
Soap: Buy unscented. Little hands don't need perfume additives, and your hands could use a break as well.
 
Cornstarch: Just shake it onto the rug, wait a few minutes and vacuum. Cornstarch removes odors.
 
For carpet stains, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray directly onto the stain and let sit for several minutes. Clean up the stain with a brush or sponge and warm, soapy water.

For a stronger carpet cleaner, mix 1/4 cup each of borax, salt and white vinegar. Rub the paste into the stain and let sit for several hours, then vacuum up the dried paste.

For More Information:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) promotes the use of environmentally safe cleaning products through its Environmentally Preferable Purchasing “Green Cleaning” Web site. www.epa.gov/epp/pubs/products/cleaner.htm

Green Seal (GS) is an independent, non-profit organization that evaluates and certifies green products. www.greenseal.org/findaproduct/index.cfm
 
Easy cleaning tips from Simple Green. http://consumer.simplegreen.com/cons_tips.php
http://www.epa.gov/epp/pubs/products/cleaner.htm
 
Environmental Home Center is an online source for green building supplies, including people-friendly cleaning supplies, non-toxic paint, natural carpets, sustainable wood products, and energy-efficient insulation. www.environmentalhomecenter.com
 
The U.S. General Services Administration’s supply system provides information on purchasing green cleaning products and living greener. www.epa.gov/greenpower/links.htm#advo

Yvonne Gando is Assistant Editor at Earlychildhood NEWS.