Illinois Green Clean Schools Law Goes Into Effect Today, May 9
Schools Anticipate Benefits for Health and Learning; Businesses See New Market Opportunities
Children, teachers, school administrators and many more benefit when students have a healthy learning environment and good attendance at school. Illinois schools are one step closer to achieving that goal today, as the Green Clean Schools Act goes into effect.
The law requires Illinois schools to clean for health without harming the environment – that is, to implement cleaning programs that use less toxic cleaning chemicals and include common-sense measures such as door mats to reduce the amount of dirt that enters a school in the first place.
The law provides numerous health benefits for those involved, particularly the growing number of children who suffer from asthma that can be triggered by exposure to commonly-used toxic cleaning chemicals, and the janitorial staff who work closely with the chemicals. It also provides benefits for Illinois businesses that, when faced with a huge jump in the demand for cleaning products that are sensitive to health and the environment, have the opportunity to expand their “green” offerings and reach into new markets.
HSC brought together the coalition that successfully advocated for this law in 2007, and is offering ongoing support to schools and cleaning product vendors as the law is implemented.
“Everyone wants to see kids healthy and ready to learn,” said HSC deputy director Mark Bishop. “Schools want to look out for the health of their staff, and we all benefit from a clean environment. This law makes the state of Illinois a leader in setting a clear expectation that schools and businesses work together to create safer, healthier learning environments.”
Learn more about the green purchasing guidelines for schools »
Registration Available for Chicago Marathon through HSC Team
Although open registration for the 2008 Bank of America Chicago Marathon has closed, Healthy Schools Campaign has a limited number of guaranteed charity bibs for the race!
As the weather gets warmer, many athletes are beginning to train for fall events such as this one and are looking for a charity to support with their efforts. This is the perfect time to let friends, family and colleagues know about opportunities to join the HSC team.
Charity athletes receive training and fundraising support - and make a difference for children’s health and learning for a lifetime.
Learn more or register today »
National, Local Experts to Speak on Schools and Climate Change at HSC Event
Few people realize that nearly one-third of all U.S. commercial construction involves schools. With green construction for schools increasing by more than 65 percent each year, schools play a unique role in our nation's sustainability efforts. How does the trend toward green construction and renovation affect our local schools, and how do schools relate to climate change?
HSC is pleased to announce a unique event bringing together national and local experts working at the forefront of issues surrounding climate change and the school environment. Please join us on June 11 to learn about the latest developments and opportunities in this exciting field.
Presented in partnership with Read Green, Live Green, the Chicago Public Library’s 2008 summer reading program.
Learn more or register today »
|
