Massachusetts organizations of all types are increasingly practicing green cleaning in order to contribute to larger sustainability goals. Green cleaning mandates are often met by purchasing cleaning products through the state’s Environmentally Preferable Products (EPP) program and then aligning both daily cleaning and documentation with program requirements. That is where MassDEP-approved comes in.
MassDEP applies to both cleaning products and vendors. A MassDEP-approved cleaning product meets the state’s EPP criteria. An organization could purchase that product, then use it and document its use in a way that is compliant with the EPP program.
Green cleaning is one of the services we offer at All Pro Cleaning Systems. We understand the value of green cleaning products and strategies to help organizations contribute to eco-friendliness and sustainability. We would be happy to set you up with a green cleaning quote at your convenience.
The Regulatory Framework
Massachusetts’ green cleaning standards are codified partly in Executive Order 515, an order that mandates all state agencies give preference to environmentally preferable products. The order paved the way for the now formal EPP program through which cities, towns, schools, and other government entities purchase cleaning products and engage with vendors.
In addition, MassDEP and the Operational Services Division (OSD) expect municipalities hoping to take part in certain state programs to adopt EPP purchasing policies. The policies apply to a broad range of cleaning solutions and janitorial supplies.
The Environmentally Preferable Cleaning Products, Programs, Equipment & Supplies contract is now statewide and ‘all green’. Its all-green status mandates that cleaning solutions and janitorial paper products are independently certified by third parties.
Local Businesses Can Participate
EPP standards and MassDEP-approved products apply mainly to government entities. Privately owned businesses are free to source their cleaning products from whomever they wish. They are also allowed to contract with any cleaning vendors they choose. But here is the thing: local businesses can still participate by ensuring their contracts line up with state EPP contracts.
Private businesses can still purchase MassDEP-approved products. They can buy the same brands listed under FAC118 and source cleaning products through the same distributors that take part in state contracts.
Typically, this would mean working with a janitorial supplier capable of providing the necessary documentation on their green products. The documentation would show that their products are on the approved FAC118 Approved Green Products List. At the very least, their products would carry third-party certifications aligned with state standards.
Why Implement Green Cleaning?
After reading all of this, one might wonder why a private business would implement a green cleaning program that aligns with state standards. After all, meeting state standards in anything often proves cumbersome. It really boils down to two things:
- Environmental Safety – By its nature, green cleaning is better for the environment. Green cleaning products and techniques pose as little harm as possible to the environment. That makes green cleaning both sustainable and more environmentally friendly.
- Human Safety – Harsh cleaning chemicals and poor cleaning techniques can have a negative impact on human health. Both cleaning crews and building occupants can struggle with trace chemicals, for example. Green cleaning relies on products that are safer and less likely to cause problems.
Green cleaning still isn’t the norm throughout the greater Boston area. In towns like Medford, Franklin, and Middleton, more traditional cleaning methods are still employed. But that does not mean green cleaning is impossible.
If you would like to learn more about how All Pro Cleaning Systems approaches green cleaning on behalf of our clients, contact us. We can make green cleaning a reality at your place of business. Let’s talk about how.