District 202 cleaning efforts going green

Campuses in Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202 are going green with their cleaning. Working closely with Pike Systems, Inc., a custodial solutions provider in Montgomery, District 202 has worked since the beginning of the 2005-06 school year to begin implementing the "Green Cleaning" program.

"Green Cleaning" is a cutting edge program that enables improvement in cleaning levels and a healthier program for custodians, staff and students. Highlights include:

· Implementation of Green Label Certified Cleaners
· Green Certified floor finish and stripper
· District-wide use of foaming hand soap
· Vacuums that bear the Carpet and Rug Institute's Green Seal of Approval and affiliation with the American Lung Association
· KaiVac No-Touch Cleaning Systems that more effectively clean restrooms

Implementation first began at the three District 202 schools that opened their doors in August 2005 - Charles Reed Elementary School, Liberty Elementary School and Plainfield North High School. Each school in the district has now begun to implement the first stages of "Green Cleaning."

Some of the benefits seen by other districts that have implemented the program include:

· Enhanced health and well being
· Increased state funding, due to higher student attendance levels
· Improved productivity of teachers, staff and students
· Higher test scores
· Lower worker's compensation costs
· Environmental benefits
· Improved indoor air quality

For more information, contact District 202 Director of Custodial Services Rich Gehrke at (815) 439-5492.