GREENER CLEANERS: WHAT TO CONSIDER
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WHAT DOES “GREEN” MEAN?
“Green cleaners” is a general term for non-hazardous, non-toxic products. Historically, industrial and household cleaners have been found to have a multitude of effects on both human health and the environment due to certain chemicals they contain. The following are characteristics of green cleaners:
- Non-carcinogenic
- Non-flammable
- Does not contain chlorinated compounds
- Generally safe if accidentally swallowed, absorbed through skin or in eyes, or inhaled
- Safe to pour down drains-not harmful to plants or waterways
- Non-corrosive
- In biodegradable or recyclable containers
- Greener cleaners DOES NOT necessarily mean more money.
(Sources: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)
RESOURCES
For more information on greener cleaners and cleaning services, go to www.epa.gov/oppt/epp/pubs/cleaning.htm
For more information on EPP, including how to get your company to go greener, go to www.epa.gov/epp/pubs/about/about.htm.
For more information on the Choose Green Report, go to www.pca.state.mn.us/oea/lc/greenseal/cgr_9909.pdf.
For information about Minnesota’s State contract for greener cleaners and other green cleaning projects, go to www.pca.state.mn.us/oea/epp/cleaners.cfm
Posted: February 15th, 2008
