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Four states passed bills to implement a green cleaning program for either schools or government buildings within their respective state.
Connecticut, Hawaii and Nevada are expected to join New York, Illinois and Maryland as states that require green cleaning programs in their schools.
The Connecticut House and Senate passed House Bill 6496. Governor M. Jodi is expected to sign the bill requiring schools to purchase green general purpose cleaners, floor finishes, floor strippers, hand cleaners and soaps. All of the aforementioned products must be Green Seal or Ecologo certified. The bill would take effect on Oct. 1, 2009. Schools are required to use only green cleaning products by July 1, 2011.
In Hawaii, House Bill 1538 mandates all public schools purchase and use cleaning and maintenance products approved by Green Seal, if economically feasible. Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle has until June 30, 2009 to state her intention to veto the bill. The bill becomes a law on July 15, 2009 if the governor fails to do so.
The state of Nevada passed a bill pertaining to cleaning and maintenance products of floor surfaces. If signed, Senate Bill 185 requires all public K-12 schools to use environmentally preferable floor-care chemicals.
Moving past the educational market, Illinois passed a bill in both the House and Senate that requires government buildings to implement a green cleaning program. If signed, the bill requires the buildings to use only cleaning products in compliance with the state guidelines and specifications for the Green Cleaning for Schools Act. The guidelines specifically refer to restroom cleaners, carpet cleaners, hand cleaners, hand soaps, general purpose cleaners and glass cleaners.