Green Seal, Washington, D.C., created GS-44, a green standard specifying environmental requirements for hand, hair and body soaps. The standard specifically includes liquid and solid soap and cleaners, shampoo, conditioner and related shower products for babies, children, adults and professional-use.

According to Green Seal, this is the first standard that collectively addresses the health, environmental and labeling concerns for personal-care products.

The standard prohibits carcinogens and other hazardous materials found in products. It also requires that the ingredients are labeled on all products and defines common claims made by natural, organic and biobased products.

Legislation Updates

• The U.S. Green Building Council and the U.S. Conference of Mayors both insisted that Congress commit additional funding to evaluating the environmental, economic and health benefits of green schools. They also endorsed the 21st Century Green High-Performing Public Schools Facilities Act, which authorizes billions of dollars to support school repair, renovations and modernization projects in school districts nationwide.

• Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell signed House Bill 6496 that requires schools to purchase green cleaning products. The bill takes effect on Oct. 1, 2009.

• Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle has vetoed House Bill 1538, which would have mandated public schools to purchase and use Green Seal-certified cleaning products