The EarthCare ® Product Portfolio C aring for the environment and providing a healthy workplace are demanding tasks that offer unquestionable long term benefits. Determining what is truly " en­vironmentally friendly" or " green" has been a confusing process. The development of recognized standards greatly improves our ability to make purchasing decisions that contribute to the sustainability of a healthy environment for all. The presence of the Triple S EarthCare ® seal indicates that a product meets " green" standards from a recognized 3rd party organization ( such as Green Seal, USGBC or the EPA) or the product offers significant features that contribute to the preservation and sustainability of a healthy environment. Look for the Triple S EarthCare ® seal when you want to make the places where we work, live, learn and play healthier. This Triple S EarthCare ® Green Guide was created to help facility managers de­velop a comprehensive green cleaning program. Here are the Green Labels to Look For GreenSpec provides information and speci­fications, particularly of sustainable or green building products, to construction profession­als. GreenSpec is a product of government and construction industry drives towards sustainability. Established by the Carpet and Rug Institute's Green Label Certification Program, to protect indoor air quality, keep surfaces as clean as possible by vacuum cleaning - without putting dust back into the air. This IAQ program identifies vacuum cleaners that remove soil; contain dust within the filtration bag and the machine itself, keeping it out of the air and doesn't damage the carpet and helps keep its appearance looking good. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental De­sign ( LEED) Green Building Rating System T en­courages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through the creation and implementa­tion of universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria. Through the Comprehensive Procurement Guideline ( CPG), EPA designates items that must contain re­cycled content when purchased by federal, state, and local agencies, or by goverment contractors using appropriated federal funds. Under E. O. 13101 EPA is required to update the CPG every 2 years. Many private and commercial institutions are adopting the standards set by the EPA. Green Clean Schools is the Healthy Schools Campaign's national part­nership to promote green clean­ing in America's schools. The initia­tive brings together the cleaning industry, educational leaders, parents and advocates in a rapidly growing Green Team whose mission is to encourage schools to adopt environmentally friendly policies, practices and products. The Green Seal is awarded to products that have less impact on the environment and work well. To earn the Green Seal a product must meet the Green Seal environmental standard for the cat­egory as demonstrated by rigorous evaluation, testing and a plant visit. CIMS- Green Building is the sixth dimension to the ISSA Cleaning Industry Management Standard & Certification Program, providing cleaning organizations with the opportu­nity to certify that their green cleaning pro­gram meets an industry standard. Products and systems in this guide will assist you in achieving this certification. EcoLogo provides customers - public, cor­porate and consumer - with assurance that the products and services bear­ing the logo meet stringent standards of environmental leadership. EcoLogo certifies environmental leaders cover­ing a large variety of categories, helping you find and trust the world's most sustainable products.

Starting Your Green Cleaning Program Ensure Proper Vacuuming Use CRI ( Carpet and Rug Institute) Green Label Vacuums. Soil Removal - the vacuum must re­move a set quantity of soil from car­pet in four passes. Filtration & Dust Containment - must not release more than 100 micro­grams of dust particles per cubic me­ter of air. Carpet Appearance Retention Vacuum Filter Bag Program/ Schedule Check filter bag before each use; keep a log of filter changes Don't wait until filter bags are full. Ergonomic - your equipment should protect the user's health, reduce fatigue and injuries. . . . . . . . . Green Cleaning represents a better way to keep your facility safer and healthy for our employees and patrons. Step Program 80% of dirt comes from the outside Mats at all entrances - inside and out Use high quality mats - longer life 10- 12 feet in length or longer Preferably rubber backed Direct traffic onto the mats - use barriers . . . . . . Stop Dirt at the Door Follow Our Consider writing a mission statement - i. e. To provide a cleaner, safer, healthy environment for all of the staff, students, patrons of XYZ Company [ School System]. Be sure to get feedback from the key leaders in your organization - teachers, students, parents, and custodial staff. Your plan should consider the peo­ple who are involved, the products required and the procedures to use them. . . Create a Plan Inventory existing cleaners and replace with Green Seal, Designed For the Environment, or EcoLogo approved Cleaners. Consider a closed dilution control system. Focus on touch points to reduce cross- contamination - doorknobs, etc. Apply disinfectants properly - use proper dwell time to use minimal amount of product. Carpet extracting - use air blowers to reduce the chance for mold growth. Spills - quick clean- up will require milder and fewer chemicals. . . . . . . Use EarthCare Cleaners T 2