Save the Date: Green Clean Schools National Summit
Building coalitions to bring Green Clean Schools laws to every state

Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. with reception to follow 1800 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC

In 2006, the state of New York passed a law requiring green cleaning in schools. In 2007, Illinois passed a similar law. Now, activists in more than a dozen states are planning to introduce legislation requiring schools to protect the health of students and staff by implementing green cleaning programs.

Please join Healthy Schools Campaign and advocates from around the country for a special Green Clean Schools National Summit, building on this momentum to bring health-promoting green cleaning laws to every state in the nation.

The summit will bring together national organizations, corporate leaders, state-level activists and concerned individuals to develop state-specific strategies with lessons learned from previous successful efforts. Summit attendees will have the opportunity to learn about model legislation, see sample materials, discuss responses to common objections and get updates on policy and product development.

Perhaps most importantly, the summit will connect local activists and national organizations to build strong, effective state-level coalitions.

Are you an activist working to bring a Green Clean Schools law to your state? Please let us know so that we may connect you with other activists and organizations interested in supporting the effort. A limited number of scholarships are available to cover the cost of travel for non-profit advocates. Contact Mark Bishop at 312-419-1810.

Correction: Missouri Law Establishes Guidelines for Green Cleaning in Schools

Healthy Schools Campaign’s press release of July 11 reported that new legislation signed by Missouri Governor Matt Blunt established requirements for green cleaning in schools. In fact, the legislation establishes guidelines and recommendations for green cleaning.

“We’re excited to see states adopting policies on green cleaning in schools and applaud Missouri leaders for taking this step,” said HSC deputy director Mark Bishop. “Providing a clear definition of ‘green’ is an important part of helping schools make decisions that support the health of their students and staff. We’re looking forward to working with Missouri advocates to implement these guidelines in schools.”

HSC was instrumental in advocating for legislation requiring green cleaning in Illinois schools and is forming a coalition to provide strategy and support to state-level advocates working to create green clean schools legislation.

To learn more or get involved in state-level efforts, contact Mark Bishop at 312-419-1810.

Registration Open for Second Webinar in Green Clean Schools Series
First Webinar Also Available for Online Viewing

HSC, American School & University and the Green Clean Network are pleased to announce an exciting summer series of webinars to help schools develop green cleaning knowledge and learn best practices.

All webinars include expert insight and practical advice from a highly-regarded panel of green cleaning leaders including Steve Ashkin of the Ashkin Group LLC, HSC Deputy Director Mark Bishop, and award-winning facilities managers from schools recognized in the first annual Green Cleaning in Schools awards. The webinars are accessible to those just getting started with green cleaning and will provide the next level of knowledge to those who have already taken steps to go green.

The webinars also offer an excellent way to prepare for the Second Annual Green Cleaning Awards!

The webinars feature two topics to help participants integrate green cleaning more fully into all aspects of facilities maintenance:

Second Annual Green Cleaning Award Application Period Open

The Second Annual Green Cleaning Award honors those who show dedication and innovation related to green cleaning methods and practices. Winners will be profiled in a prestigious special issue of American School & University magazine. (Click here to check out last year's special awards issue.)

The judging criteria are based on HSC's Quick & Easy Guide to Green Cleaning in Schools. The Green Clean Schools webinar series offers an excellent way to prepare for this award competition!