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About

Green Cleaning Policy

 
 

Green Cleaning Policy

Effective date: June 28, 2025

i. Scope

This policy applies to all cleaning procedures, material purchases, equipment purchases, and cleaning services conducted inside and on the grounds of the Maplewood Memorial Library. Specifically, this policy encompasses:

  • Cleaning strategies for:

    • Hard floor and carpet cleaning and maintenance

    • Protection of vulnerable occupants during cleaning

    • Disinfectant and sanitizer selection and use

    • Safe storage and handling of cleaning chemicals, including spill management

  • Performance metrics and strategy development:

    • Reduction in water use, energy use, and chemical toxicity

    • Green cleaning product and equipment purchases

  • Staffing and training plans:

    • Staffing requirements and contingency plans for shortages

    • Timing and frequency of staff training

ii. Goals

This policy aims to achieve the following goals upon implementation:

Category

Goal

Performance Measurement Unit

Cleaning products and materials purchases

   

75% meet sustainability criteria   

Cost

   

Cleaning equipment   

   

40% meet sustainability criteria   

Cost

   

Toxic chemical usage   

Limit use to instances with no viable sustainable alternative

   

Number of uses   

   

Water, energy, and chemical usage   

   

Implement 4 new reduction strategies   

Number of strategies implemented

   

Waste reduction   

   

Implement strategies to reduce waste from janitorial   activities   

   

Amount of waste diverted   

iii. Roles and Responsibilities

The Library Director and Business Manager are responsible for ensuring policy execution and proper training for all custodial staff and vendors. The Library Director and Business Manager will also share this policy with relevant stakeholders and conduct periodic reviews as outlined in the quality assurance section. Updates to the policy will be communicated to all stakeholders promptly.

iv. Procedures and Strategies for Implementation

1. Hard Floor and Carpet Cleaning and Maintenance:

  • Hard floors (e.g., tile, concrete) will be cleaned weekly using sustainable products. Stripping and coatings will not be applied.

  • Carpets will be vacuumed daily with sustainability-compliant vacuums and inspected monthly for stains or damage. Spot cleaning will use sustainable materials, and damaged tiles will be replaced.

  • For carpet extraction, methods that minimize chemical use and water waste will be employed.

2. Protection of Vulnerable Occupants:

  • Cleaning activities involving non-sustainable products or high-odor chemicals will be conducted after business hours.

  • Vulnerable occupants include individuals with sensitivities, children, and elderly occupants.

3. Disinfectant and Sanitizer Use:

  • Hand soaps and sanitizers will meet at least one sustainability standard.

  • Disinfectants will be stored securely and used by trained staff following dilution guidelines.

4. Chemical Storage and Spill Management:

  • Cleaning chemicals will be stored in designated janitorial closets with safety data sheets (SDS) clearly displayed.

  • Spill response will adhere to SDS protocols and will involve roping off affected areas as necessary.

5. Strategies to Reduce Toxicity, Water, and Energy Use:

  • Manual-powered equipment will be used where feasible.

  • Cold water will replace hot water where appropriate.

  • Filters in vacuums and other equipment will be replaced regularly to optimize efficiency.

6. Waste Reduction Strategies:

  • Cleaning staff will separate recyclable waste (e.g., paper, plastics) from general waste during cleaning processes.

  • Compostable waste (if applicable) will be collected and disposed of in designated compost bins.

7. Hand Hygiene Promotion:

  • Restrooms will feature hands-free soap dispensers, faucets, and hand dryers.

  • Hand sanitizers meeting UL EcoLogo 2783 standards will be available throughout the library.

v. Tracking and Performance Monitoring

  • Staffing and Training:

    • Custodial staff will attend monthly training sessions on procedures, chemical usage, and equipment maintenance. Attendance will be logged by the Business Manager

    • A contingency staffing plan will address shortages and gather feedback from staff and occupants post-implementation.

  • Water, Energy, and Chemical Usage:

    • Chemical usage will be logged for tracking against goals.

    • Equipment maintenance logs will ensure regular servicing.

  • Purchasing and Waste Management:

    • Cleaning product and equipment purchases will be recorded and reviewed quarterly. Any discrepancies will result in corrective action.

    • Waste reduction strategies and results will be tracked to ensure compliance with goals.

vi. Purchasing Guidelines

Cleaning products, disinfectants, paper products, and equipment must meet at least one of the following sustainability standards:

  • Green Seal (e.g., GS-37, GS-40, GS-41)

  • UL EcoLogo (e.g., 2759, 2784, 2783)

  • EPA Safer Choice

  • Carpet and Rug Institute Green Label certification for vacuums

Disposable products must comply with EPA comprehensive procurement guidelines or equivalent.

vii. Quality Assurance/Control Processes

The Library Director and Business Manager will conduct quarterly evaluations of this policy’s implementation. This includes:

  • Ensuring proper recordkeeping for purchases and chemical usage

  • Analyzing cleaning audit results to verify compliance with cleanliness standards

  • Revising strategies or training programs based on findings

  • Incorporating policy updates into the next staff training cycle

  • Documenting waste management outcomes and making adjustments to achieve waste reduction targets

Adopted by the Maplewood Memorial Library Board of Trustees on March 19, 2025.

 
 

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