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Case Studies

Yellowstone Cleaning Products Project: Pollution Prevention in National Parks (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)

Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks are "greener" a result of a joint project funded by EPA Region 8, the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, and the National Park Service (NPS). Yellowstone and Grand Teton significantly reduced the toxicity of janitorial products used in park operations with help from a Jackson, WY, company.

First, the consultants inventoried all the cleaning products at the Parks. At Yellowstone, they identified 130 products. Another 30 products were on the shelves but were not used. As they conducted the inventory at Yellowstone, the consultants found products containing chemicals such as 2-butoxyethanol, perchloroethylene, trichloroethylene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, sodium hydroxide (lye), ammonia, phosphoric acid, bleach, naphthalene, toluene, xylene, and acetone. The large number of products meant dollars for appropriate storage space, hazardous waste disposal in some cases, and confusion as to what products did what jobs. 

The consultants talked to NPS maintenance staff and managers to learn about their cleaning practices, tools, and challenges. The consultants then worked with the NPS Maintenance Office and two concessionaires - the medical clinics and service stations - to conduct a pilot implementation project during the winter season of 1998-1999. During the pilot at Old Faithful and Mammoth, new cleaning products were introduced that were both effective and met strict bid specifications issued by the city government of Santa Monica, California. Most of the new products are environmentally preferable for many reasons, including: 

They contain ingredients made from corn or soybeans (renewable resources); 
The general cleaning products do not contain disinfectants; 
They do not contain Toxic Release Inventory chemicals; 
VOC levels meet or exceed California's VOC regulations for cleaning products; 
Products are sold in bulk and measured in appropriate concentrations by onsite dispensers; and 
Products are not delivered in aerosol cans. 

As part of this project, disinfectants are used alone where absolutely necessary*. The manufacturer takes back the larger product containers, while the smaller five gallon containers can be recycled. Commercially strong, refillable bottles are used by the staff, eliminating disposal of empty pint or quart bottles.

After the pilot, Yellowstone decided to expand the project to all NPS facilities in the Park. Grand Teton, a neighboring park, joined the project. The Yellowstone Facility Manager said that use of sodium hypochlorite (bleach) has been dramatically reduced throughout the Park. The central warehouse began stocking most of the 18 approved products and the warehouse manager was enthusiastic about the new approach. Staff at both parks said that they felt better after switching to the new products.

This project also succeeded because there was top management support. Introducing the program on a limited basis allowed Yellowstone to test products for performance and involve the janitorial staff in the decision-making process on whether to go park-wide. The consultants guided the project, providing training on proper disinfection practices, hands-on cleaning demonstrations, and oversight. The purchase of cleaning products was simplified. Finally, the "champions" for this project continued to look for new applications for environmentally preferable products.

Lessons learned included the importance of early coordination with the warehouse manager and purchasing departments. They can be effective advocates. There should be a champion for the project at each location. Strong management commitment is needed and should be regularly communicated.

To read the full EPA issued report: Yellowstone Cleaning Products Project: Pollution Prevention in National Parks click on the image below:



Environmentally Preferable Purchasing process with the City of Santa Monica (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)

"The Clean Environment Company was awarded the bid to supply the City of Santa Monica with environmentally preferable cleaning products. 

Products were evaluated based on factors such as impacts on human health, aquatic toxicity, biodegradability, volatile organic compound levels, packaging and corporate environmental responsiveness. 

Top ranking products were tested for performance on city structure and offices. 

"Products from the Clean Environment Company were preferred by city custodial staff. The Clean Environment Company will supply bathroom cleaner, furniture polish, degreaser, glass/window cleaners, deodorizer, enzymatic cleaner, solvent spotter, disinfectant, liquid hand soap and carpet cleaner." City of Santa Monica

To read the full EPA issued report: The City of Santa Monica's environmentally preferable purchasing program click on the image below:

Clients

We have many customers who care about cost, worker safety, the earth, and keeping their structures clean. 

Some of the better known names are:

    • Yellowstone National Park
    • Yosemite National Park
    • Grand Teton National Park
    • Big Bend and 50 plus other national parks
    • Big Cypress National Preserve
    • State of California
    • City of San Francisco
    • City of Seattle
    • State of Colorado
    • University of Massachusetts
    • Several Schools
    • Sundance Resorts
    • Forever Resorts
    • Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
    • Big Bend Resort
    • Grand Teton Lodge Co.
    • Ambrose Hotel
    • Health Food Stores
    • Toyota

   The Clean Environment Company ©2007