Cleanlink News July 24 2007
Green Cleaning Awards to Honor School Programs
According to a recent GreenBiz.com announcement, janitorial product manufacturers, distributors and service providers for educational institutions are invited to enter the first Green Cleaning Award for Schools and Universities.
The Green Cleaning Network, Healthy Schools Campaign and American School & University magazine launched the contest to recognize outstanding green cleaning programs.
The programs could include administrative and janitorial staff, outside contractors, vendors, and community and advocacy groups.
"The goal of the award is to identify and recognize schools and universities that have gone beyond simply making Green product choices," said Steve Ashkin, the Green Cleaning Network's executive director, in a statement. "Although products are important, exemplary programs go much further -- they include policies, procedures, training, shared responsibility and other efforts that result in an effective cleaning program that minimizes harmful impacts on the health of building occupants and custodians, and on the environment as a whole."
Entrants have until September 14 to submit a statement responding to questions about the program's history and innovation, as well as provide information relating to chemicals, equipment and supplies. The contest is open to all types and sizes of institutions in the private and public sectors. Those honored will be notified by Nov. 1 and receive an award and recognition in the December issue of American School & University.
A panel of school stakeholders, cleaning industry experts and school health advocates will judge the programs' comprehensiveness and quality, as well as the level of institutional policy and funding support. The Healthy Schools Campaign’s "The Quick and Easy Guide to Green Cleaning in Schools" will serve as the basis of judging criteria.
