Long Beach, CA Green Cleaning Pilot Program

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Long Beach, CA, US

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Type: Program

Status: Announced on 4/21/08

Source File: http://www.longbeach.gov/news/displaynews.asp?NewsID=3195&targetid=85

Description:

Mayor Bob Foster announced today that the City is launching a green cleaning products pilot program within City Hall.

"This pilot program is another step on our City’s path to become an environmental leader," said Mayor Bob Foster. "Using green products, rather than traditional cleaning products, reduces the amount of toxic chemicals that collect in our indoor environments. The goal is to make our City’s buildings healthier spaces for our employees and the public."

Sun Valley Green, an environmentally focused company, is donating products for the pilot program. These green cleaning products and their containers are Green Seal Certified, 100% biodegradable, non-toxic and recyclable. The products also are more concentrated, which means the packaging uses less material.

"Currently, there are more than 70,000 cleaning chemicals being used today and fewer than two percent have been thoroughly tested for their effects on people. Long Beach is taking the lead to ensure their employees are no longer exposed to these dangers. We are thrilled to partner with Long Beach," said Teresa Cochran, Founder of Sun Valley Green.

The City already uses several green cleaning products, but still uses traditional products in certain cases. Under this month-long pilot program, custodial staff will clean selected floors with green cleaning products exclusively. The offices of the Mayor, City Council and City Manager will all be part of the green cleaning program.

"This is, quite simply, the right thing to do, because initiatives like this compliment the City’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability," Assistant City Manager Suzanne Frick said. "We are very proud of our leadership role in this field, as well as our investment in the environment."