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Illinois Becomes Second State to Require Green Cleaning, Reducing Chemical Exposure for Children

The importance of using environmentally safe cleaning products around children is finally coming to light. Illinois recently became the second state to pass legislation requiring "green" cleaning products in schools. Read on to learn where to find a free resource on green cleaning.

With a 52-5 vote in the Senate in May 2007, Illinois became the second state to enact legislation requiring green cleaning in schools.

The act will require all elementary and secondary schools in Illinois to purchase environmentally sensitive cleaning supplies, which are now cost-comparable and as effective as conventional cleaning products. If public schools can abandon the use of dangerous chemicals near children, there is no reason child care facilities can't follow suit.

Green cleaning products reduce children's exposure to irritants and toxic chemicals while protecting the health of staff who work closely with the supplies.

Full details and bill status updates can be found on the website for the Healthy Schools Campaign at www.healthyschoolscampaign.org/gca.

The Healthy Schools Campaign, an independent not-for-profit organization, is the leading authority on healthy school environments and a voice for people who care about our environment, our children and education. You can go online and order a free resource CD, "The Quick & Easy Guide to Green Cleaning in Schools -- Five Simple Steps to a Healthier Environment." In fact, you can order 10 free copies to distribute to your colleagues and child care licensing staff to help educate them about how to clean more safely.

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