August 11, 2006—The state of Vermont has selected Enviro-Solutions, a manufacturer of green cleaning products, as one of three manufacturers selected to provide environmentally preferable cleaning chemicals and products for the state. The July 2006 contracts are in effect for two years.
According to Mike Sawchuk, VP and General Manager of Enviro-Solutions, the products were evaluated on the following criteria:
- There should be minimal exposure hazard associated with the products’ use and application and limited potential impact on the users’ health.
- Products should have limited environmental impact, keeping in mind the possibility that they will end up in local wastewater systems and will pollute rivers and lakes.
- Products should be sold in reusable and/or recycled content packaging. In addition a preference is given to products not sold in aerosol containers, which can pose a flammability risk and specific environmental problems.
- Products with synthetic dyes and fragrances are avoided to limit potential allergic reactions or skim irritations.
The top-scoring products were then field tested by state and school custodial staff.
Along with selecting green cleaning chemicals meeting the state’s screening criteria and testing program, Sawchuk adds that the “mission and focus” of the manufacturers was evaluated as well. “[The State] prefers working with manufacturers that take green cleaning seriously and realizes that cleaning is not only for appearance but also for the health of their staff—and the planet,” says Sawchuk.
Vermont has been involved with green cleaning for more than 10 years. On Earth Day 1994, Jim Douglas, the state’s governor, issued an executive order establishing a Clean State Program for state government. The program encourages the purchase, use, and reuse of products that promote healthy environmental practices, resource conservation, and pollution prevention.
For more information visit the Enviro-Solutions Web site.
