Green Cleaning in Schools:

Developments in State and Local Policy

September 2008

Cleaning products are important for maintaining a sanitary environment in schools. However, chemicals in cleaning products may be hazardous to the environment and to the health of maintenance workers, students, and school staff. “Green cleaning” reduces environmental and health risks by selecting alternative, environmentally-sensitive products, by applying these products properly, and by implementing maintenance practices that minimize exposure to cleaning products.

Over the past few years, school districts and states have begun to adopt formal policies incorporating a green cleaning approach. This policy update includes state and school district policies that incorporate some or all or the following basic elements of a green cleaning program: requiring the use of green cleaning products; establishing guidelines for purchasing products that reference existing third-party standards; identifying green cleaning practices; and providing staff training. The following summaries are provided to help states and school districts understand the current state of green cleaning policy as they develop their own approaches to implementing healthier, more environmentally sound practices.

State Laws. Increased press coverage, outreach and advocacy on green cleaning practices have piqued the interest of state legislatures. Below are summaries of four state laws on the subject. Other states have green cleaning laws or executive orders that apply to state buildings. While those policies may encourage school districts to adopt green cleaning practices, they do not apply directly to schools and are not covered here.

New York
Illinois
Maine
Missouri

School District Policies. Over the past several years, school districts have begun to change their practices to include green cleaning strategies, and some have adopted written policies that affirm this commitment. Following are summaries of the green cleaning policies of six school districts that vary in size and geographic location. The policies themselves vary in their level of detail. Nevertheless, by adopting a written policy statement, all of these districts are helping to ensure the continuity of green cleaning practices regardless of changes in district management or administration. Numerous other school districts are taking significant steps to adopt green cleaning programs — by developing product lists, revising bid documents, holding staff training, etc. This policy update focuses only on districts that have formalized their program in a written policy document.

Chicago (IL)
Montgomery County (MD)
Boston (MA)
Bellingham (WA)
Great Neck (NY)
Amity (CT)