Question:
"
Recently, I have run in to DfE and was curious as to your take on the things
the EPA is doing in relation to Green Seal. This customer is insisting that
our products be "EPA approved." Is it merely who the customer decides to
follow? Sounds a bit like Green Washing to me.
Your comments would be appreciated.
"
Steve’s Answer:
If your customer is talking about disinfectants then I agree --- at a
minimum the product has to be EPA registered. However for other products
like all purpose cleaners and floor care products, most of the "roadmaps"
such as LEED-EB:OM and the Quick & Easy Guide to Green Cleaning in Schools
require that the products are either Green Seal or Ecologo certified (or the
manufacturer can show through independent testing that the products would
meet those standards even if they aren't certified).
However, EPA's Design for the Environment (DfE) program is making
significant progress and is currently included in some of the State
legislation on Green Cleaning in Schools (i.e. Illinois). My belief is that
in the future, the
DfE products will be recognized as "green" along side of Green Seal and
Ecologo.
Hope this helps.
Steve
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