It's time for students, teachers and parents to start preparing for back-to-school season! As preparations begin for students to return, it’s the perfect time for school maintenance and facility managers to test new sustainable cleaning practices and implement them by the first day of school.

The U.S. Department of Education’s ED-Green Ribbon Schools initiative identifies three key pillars of a green school to help measure progress: reducing environmental impacts and costs, improving facility occupants' health and performance and providing effective sustainability education. These pillars help guide schools as they transition into “green” facilities.

Importance of a Clean Learning Environment

One of the first steps to becoming a green facility is establishing a sustainable cleaning routine. A clean school environment plays an essential role in students' health and academic performance.

Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) is a significant contributor to student and teacher absences, with half of all schools reporting having a negative IAQ. This can result in increased rates of respiratory infections, and allergies and trigger those with asthma. Asthma alone is the leading cause of school absences with around 13.8 million school days lost between children of the ages 5 to 17.

Maintaining clean classrooms not only helps reduce the spread of germs and allergens but also contributes to creating an inviting atmosphere for learning. Studies have shown that green schools see a 15% reduction in absences and a 5% increase in test scores. Absenteeism can significantly impact a student’s academic performance. More absences mean fewer hours of instruction. Students who are frequently absent also miss out on important interactions and activities that are essential for their academic and psycho-social development.

Rise of Green Cleaning

Green cleaning refers to the use of environmentally friendly cleaning products and practices that help promote a healthier environment for building occupants while reducing the impact on the planet. However, some cleaning products make false and misleading claims about its true environmental benefits, a practice known as greenwashing. Traditional cleaning products often contain harmful chemicals, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which contribute to having a poor IAQ. These harmful chemicals pose risks to both students and staff. Schools can avoid being greenwashed and help ensure a safer, healthier environment for everyone by switching to third-party certified cleaning products.

To verify if a product is truly sustainable, look for third-party certifications from reputable organizations such as Green Seal® or ECOLOGO®. These trusted organizations conduct rigorous life cycle assessments (LCA) to evaluate the product's impact on both humans and the environment. Selecting cleaning products with these certifications can give you confidence that the product is truly sustainable and helps contribute to creating a green school.

Our line of Natura Yarn Mops is the first and only Green Seal-certified line of mops on the market. Additionally, our Large Natura Broom Head and Lobby Dustpan have received the UL Environmental Claim Validation (ECV). Our commitment to sustainability extends to our packaging. By using BRIK-PAK™, we reduce cardboard and plastic usage in mop head packaging by up to 70%.

Embrace the Green

Schools can help pave the way for a healthier and more sustainable future by adopting green cleaning practices. We are proud to support schools in their journey towards sustainability by providing sustainable cleaning tools.

Together, we can help create a cleaner, greener future for the next generation. As schools prepare for the upcoming school year, let’s prioritize sustainable cleaning practices and make our schools a shining example of how small changes can make a big difference.

For more information about our third-party certified cleaning tools, visit www.abcoproducts.com.