Green Cleaning Products
The University of Montana is committed to using cleaning products and practices that protect human health, indoor air quality, water quality, and the environment.
Under UM’s Green Cleaning Products Policy 1011, the University works to use third-party-certified green cleaning products whenever practical while balancing cost, effectiveness, safety, equipment needs, industry standards, and proper disposal.
Why green cleaning matters
Some conventional cleaning products contain ingredients that can affect custodial workers, building occupants, and the environment. Potential concerns include exposure to irritating or toxic chemicals, indoor air pollution from volatile organic compounds, and contamination of waterways when products enter sewer or stormwater systems.
Green cleaning does not mean sacrificing performance. Effective, lower-impact products are widely available for many routine cleaning and sanitizing needs.
Purchasing guidelines
When purchasing cleaning or sanitizing products:
- Avoid unnecessary or duplicate products.
- Choose concentrated or bulk products that reduce packaging and shipping.
- Look for products with fewer hazard warnings and lower toxicity.
- Select products with minimal, recyclable packaging and reusable applicators.
- Avoid products containing unnecessary antimicrobial agents.
- Give preference to biobased or readily biodegradable ingredients.
- Follow all product instructions, dilution requirements, safety procedures, and disposal guidelines.
Look for credible certifications and environmental labels
Whenever possible, choose cleaning products carrying one of the following:
- EPA Safer Choice for general cleaning products
- Green Seal
- UL ECOLOGO
- EPA Design for the Environment for disinfectants and sanitizers
These labels help purchasers identify products that have been evaluated against established health, performance, and environmental criteria. GREENGUARD may be relevant when purchasing furnishings, building materials, or other indoor products for which low chemical emissions are a priority, but it should not be presented as one of UM’s primary certifications for cleaning chemicals.
Product-specific considerations
For general-purpose and hard-surface cleaners, look for noncorrosive products with lower toxicity and limited volatile organic compounds.
For hand soaps and hygiene products, choose third-party certified products without added antimicrobial ingredients unless they are required for a specific health or safety purpose.
For carpet and upholstery products, select low-VOC options that leave minimal residue.
Before you buy
Ask:
- Is this product necessary?
- Is there a certified lower-impact alternative?
- Can a concentrated product replace several ready-to-use containers?
- Does the product contain ingredients that create avoidable health or environmental hazards?
- Can the packaging or applicator be reused or recycled?
Whenever possible, purchase fewer products and select options that are effective, durable, and safer for both people and the environment.