Published: August 30, 2007 08:31 am      

EKU moves to green cleaning

Kermit the Frog might have been wrong when he said, “It’s not easy being green.”

At least that is the case for Eastern Kentucky University students, faculty and staff as they begin the academic year with new Green Seal-certified products in place.

Green Seal, an independent, non-profit Washington, D.C.-based testing organization, has developed criteria for identifying environmentally preferable products.

EKU recently completed installation of new equipment and chemicals to make the cleaning products used campus-wide 100 percent Green Seal-approved.

The university is changing paper towel systems to automated touchless models and replacing hand soap dispensers to be more ecological. The project, expected to be completed by the end of September, also includes adding Green Seal-approved paper products and hand soap.

“The standards for Green Seal cleaning chemicals are very impressive,” said Rich Middleton, director of facilities services at EKU. “Green cleaning is all about reducing the risk of harm to human health and the environment. Requirements address, among other things, toxicity, biodegradability, fragrances, concentration and even user training. EKU’s custodial staff is a critical part of the equation for keeping our facilities safe, healthy and high performing.”

Middeton added that to the best of his knowledge, EKU is the first university in Kentucky to transition completely to Green Seal-certified cleaning chemicals.

Following the Green Seal requirements allows EKU to select products and implement procedures in a cleaning effort that is less harmful to the environment. It also provides building occupants, visitors and custodial personnel with a safer, healthier environment.

“This is not only the right thing to do, but it is in keeping with our efforts to better serve the campus community and its needs,” Middleton said. “We wanted to do everything within our power to develop a total program that would be in the best interest of the university as well as the campus community as a whole.”

Middleton noted that sound environmental stewardship might also bring financial rewards.

“We expect to have no additional costs with the new system,” he said. “We’re even optimistic about recognizing a savings, given that the packaging of the new chemicals is so concentrated.”

Maybe it’s easier being green in more ways than one.