Not only can cleaning products negatively impact the environment, but they also impact personal health. Changing office cleaning supplies can lessen both water and air pollution as well as make a safer environment. The following certifications and standards can help guide sustainable procurement options:
Certifications and Standards
| Certification | Description | Logo |
|---|---|---|
| Green Guard |
Greengard is a third-party certifying body that aims to protect human health and improve quality of life by enhancing air quality. |
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| Green Seal | Green Seal is an independent non-profit organization “dedicated to safeguarding the environment and transforming the marketplace by promoting the manufacture, purchase, and use of environmentally responsible products and services”. |  |
| Safer Choice |
From the Environmental Protection Agency, Safer Choice is a certification and labeling program that shows consumers which products perform well and are safe for human health and the environment. |
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Things to Consider:
Buy credibly certified products
- Make sure to request options that are third party certified such as Green Guard, Green Seal, and Safer Choice.
- Look for statements that the product has eliminated toxic or harmful materials/ingredients (chloroform, chlorine, formaldehyde, etc.)
?. Sources such as EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning can help educate these decisions. - Look for statements that the product or service produces low/no VOCs or other pollutive emissions, and if so, are there alternative settings or products with a lower emissions impact? Learn more about VOCs in cleaning products.
Buy circular
- Can the product and/or packaging be disposed of through existing UW recycling programs? Refer to the A-Z Sorting Guide if unsure.
