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Now, federal buildings can be both green and clean, because government
buyers have a tool for comparing cleaning products on the basis of their
environmental attributes. A matrix was developed as part of the
Cleaning Products Pilot Project that makes it easy to select a cleaning product
based on local environmental needs. The project is a cooperative effort between
the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) and the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) to facilitate the purchase of environmentally prefer-
able products as required by Executive Order 12873.
The project is the first of many environmentally preferable purchasing (EPP)
pilot projects being developed by EPA, in partnership with other federal agen-
cies, to demonstrate how environmental considerations can be successfully
incorporated into purchasing decisions.
Environmentally
preferable products
are "products and
services [that] have a
lesser or reduced
effect on human
health and the
environment when
compared to other
products and
services that serve
the same purpose."
Executive Order 12873,
Federal Acquisition,
Recycling, and Waste
Prevention
October 20, 1993
Project Overview
Cleaning products were selected as
the first EPP pilot project, because
they are used throughout the federal
government. The project consisted of
three phases:
• A field test to examine the perfor-
mance, health and safety, and
environmental impacts of several
alternative cleaning products
• An environmental impact assess-
ment conducted by EPA
• Developing a list of environmen-
tally preferable cleaning product
attributes.
After considering several methods
for highlighting the key environmen-
tal attributes, the GSA/EPA team
developed a matrix. It allows pur-
chasers to identify and compare
commercial cleaning products with
reduced human health and environ-
mental impacts.
The matrix was first published in
GSAis February 1996 Commercial
Cleaning Supplies catalog, which was
distributed to more than IS,000 fed-
eral government buyers. The catalog
included a 13-page section listing 48
commercially available biodegradable
cleaners and degreasers from 30 sup-
pliers. Additional information on
seven environmental attributes for 28
of the 48 products was voluntarily
provided by the manufacturers and
suppliers. The matrix allows pur-
chasers to compare cleaning products
based on the environmental attributes
most critical for their geographic
region and intended use.
Printed on paper that contains at least 20 percent postconsumer fiber.
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SOQ Environmental Technology
Ecomate-MPC (Concentrate)
SL
Exempt
IS
Ecomate-MPC (Ready-to-Use)
SL
Exempt
N
Sunshine Makers, Inc.
Simple Green
' N-SL
Exempt
0
Crystal Simple Green
N-SL
Exempt
N
Ultra Shield Products Int'l, Inc.
Ultra Shield Cleaner
N-SL
Not Reported
1.
Webaco Manufacturing Corp.
Scuzz (Concentrate)
ST
Exempt
3.
Scuzz (Ready-to-Use)
ST
Exempt
3.
West Penetone
Citrikleen Aerosol
M
Exempt
3
Citrikleen
M
Exempt
(
Citrikleen HD
M
Exempt
1C
Penair IID-1 Pump Spray
M
Exempt
1
* This information was updated June 1997.
1. SKIN* IRRITATION
Some ready-to-usc cleaning products may contain chemi-
cals that can cause skin redness or swelling. If potential skin
irritation is a concern, products rated as negligible (none to
slight) would l>e most preferable for this attribute. From
most preferable to least preferable, select negligible (N),
slight (SL), moderate (M), or strong (ST), in that order. An
"Kwinjn1* nwsns tJi.it all chemical components in the ready-to-use prod-
uct arc less than ?*.: by weight.
2. FOOD CHAIN EXPOSURE
Some ready-to-itse cleaning products may contain ingredi-
cms tliat can be taken up by smaller aquatic plants and ani-
HnKB tnals. Oieinical concentration can increase through the
food chain as these plants and animals are consumed by
larger animals. If you intend to use these products in areas
where wastewater is adequately treated, this attribute may
lie less important. If you intend to use these products in areas where
wastewater treatment is less efficient, diis attribute may be more impor-
tant to yiHi. We measure this attribute by recording its bioconcentration
factor (IK'O. Products with a BCF less dian 1,000 and products for which
thi\ jitrilmtc i<> "Exempt" are more preferable.
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3. AIR POLLUTION POTENTIAL
Products may contain volatile organic compounds
(VOCs). When these products are used, the VOCs may
escape to the atmosphere and react to form smog. Smog
and other atmospheric pollutants have been shown to
cause irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs and to
cause asthma attacks. Many state and local authorities
have restrictions on the use of VOCs. The numbers reported refer to the
percent by weight of VOCs in the ready-to-use product. An "NA" (not
applicable) indicates no VOCs of concern are present. The lower die
number, the more preferable the product. An "NA" would be most
preferable for this attribute.
4. FRAGRANCES
This attribute does not refer to natural odors which are
associated with cleaning agents (e.g., a lemon odor in a
citrus-based cleaner). It refers instead to fragrances that
are added to the formulation to improve its odor or to
mask an offensive odor. While fragrances added to a
formulation have litde cleaning value, they may provide
aesthetic benefits important to many users. On the other hand, some
people prefer products without added fragrances. A basic principle of pol-
lution prevention is to avoid additives that are unnecessary. A "Yes" indi-
cates that fragrances have been added; a "No" indicates that they have not
been added.
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Product'
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Skin Irritation
W
e CI«
Product A
X-
Food Chain Exposure
Air Pollu
Alfa Kleen
ak-020
Not Reported
Not Reported
Allied Enterprises, Inc.
Clean Free
ST
Not Reported
American. Clng. Solutions, Inc. r
Tuff Job
M
12000
Easy Job
SL
Exempt
American Sanitary Products
Alpine Cleaner
Not Reported
Not Reported
Caljen Sales Company
Fast Clean
ST
12000
Charlie Chemical & Supply, Inc.
Charlie HD Clnr.
M
Exempt
Chemco Industries, Inc.
—
Enviro-Chem
M
Not Reported
Kleenzol 148
SL
Not Reported
Earth Clean Systems, Inc.
Degrease It
N-SL
Exempt
Electro Environmental Chemical
ECD-101
SL
Exempt
E.R.L., Inc.
E-Z Does It
M
Not Reported
Concentrate
M
Not Reported
Grease Cutter
M
Not Reported
Gaylord Industries, Inc.
Formula G-510
Exempt
8165
L&B Distributors & Mfg., Inc.
Klean E-Z
Not Reported
Exempt
Concentrate
Not Reported
Exempt
National Industries for the Blind
Detergent
SL ..
Not Reported
PCI of America
Hurrisafe 9010
N-SL
Exempt
Hurrisafe 9030
1 ^ ,l I,, <
Exempt
Hurrisafe 9040
SL
Exempt
Rochester Midland Creative Chem
Not I
' -»n"-rs-* '
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Following publication of the
matrix, more than 80 companies
requested information on joining
the program. Manufacturers provid-
ed environmental attribute informa-
tion for three additional cleaning
products, which were included in
the matrix published in the July
1997 GSA catalog. GSAalso
expanded the matrix to include all of
the cleaning products that meet the
acute toxicity and biodegradability
criteria detailed in the Federal
Supply Schedule Contract for
Bi
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6. Packaging-
Reduced/Recovered Content
A product's packag-
ing can account for a
significant portion of
the product's contri-
bution to the solid
waste stream. EPAjs recommend-
ed approach to managing solid
waste is to reduce product pack-
aging and use recovered materials
when packaging is necessary.
Products with reduced packaging
or recovered content packaging
are preferable. Reduced packag-
ing, however, often results in a
product being shipped as a con-
centrate, which can create addi-
tional human health or environ-
mental risks. As a result, the fol-
lowing attribute is related to
product packaging.
7. Product Includes Features to
Minimize Exposure to
Concentrate
Although packaging a
product in concen-
trated form may
result in reduced
packaging, it raises
the potential that the
end-users of the product will be
exposed to the concentrate.
Exposure to the concentrate may
place the end-user at greater
health risk than exposure to the
ready-to-use product. It is prefer-
able that products shipped as
concentrates are provided in
packaging that minimizes con-
centrate exposure.
Alternative Methods
for Identifying
Environmentally
Preferable Products
The environmental attribute
matrix was not the only mediod
considered to promote the purchase
of environmentally preferable clean
ing products. The GSA/EPA team
also considered establishing thresh-
olds for individual environmental
attributes. Products that met the
thresholds would be placed on a list
of "green" cleaning products or be
identified by a "green dot."
Proponents of this method suggest-
ed that this would be the most con-
venient for government buyers.
Others felt that if minimum envi-
ronmental performance criteria
were established! manufacturers
would have no incentive to exceed
the minimum criteria. They also
suggested that, although a "green
dot" would make it easier for buy-
ers, it might also obscure vital envi-
ronmental information including
which environmental attribute^)
warranted the "green dot." Such
information is important, because
government purchasers buy cleaning
products for a variety of situa-
tions—from remote forest service
outposts to entire military
bases—each of which has unique
environmental and performance
needs.
The environmental attribute
matrix was selected over the "green
dot," because it allows purchasers to
compare product attributes and
select products that meet their pre-
determined environmental, perfor-
mance, and cost requirements.
Environmentally
Preferable Purchasing
Environmentally
Preferable Purchasing
(EPP) promotes federal
government use of prod-
ucts and services that
have reduced impacts on
human health and the
environment. Such pur-
chases are required by
Executive Order 12873,
Federal Acquisition,
Recycling, and Waste
Prevention. The Executive
Order also directed EPA
to develop guidelines to
help federal agencies
incorporate environmen-
tal preferability into their
purchasing procedures.
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'otential
Fragrances
Dyes
Packaging- Minimizes Exposure
Reduced/Recovered Content to Concentrate
No No Yes/Yes No
Yes Yes Yes/Yes No
No Yes Yes/Yes No
No No Yes/Yes No
No No Yes/Yes No
No No Yes/Yes No
rted No No No/NA NA
... .No Yes Yes/Yes No
No Yes i ^ Yes/Yes ' No
No No Yes/NA No
No No No/Yes NA
Yes Yes No/NA NA
Yes Yes Yes/NA No
No No No/NA NA
No No Yes/Yes No
Yes Yes No/Yes NA
Yes Yes Yes/Yes No
No No No/Yes NA
No No No/NA NA
No No Yes/NA No
No No Yes/NA No
-------
No
No
No
No
Yes/Yes
No/Yes
No
NA
Yes
Yes
Yes/Yes
No, Small Sizes.
To Limited Extent, Large Sizes
No
¦No •' ¦
Yes/Yes
No, Small Sizes.
'
1o Limited Extent, Large Sizes
No
Yes
Yes/Yes
No
No
No ''
Yes/NA
: No
No
/NO •
No/NA
No
No
No/NA
NA
No
No
Yes/NA
No
No
No
Yes/NA
No
No
No •
No/NA
NA
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ital Attributes
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DYES
This attribute refers to dyes that have been added to a for-
mulation to enhance or change the color of the product.
While the addition of these dyes contributes little to the
cleaning value of the product, it may be important for safety
reasons. These additives may help end-users differentiate ,
between products and other liquids, such as water. Again, a -
sic principle of pollution prevention is to avoid unnecessary additives,
yes present for aesthetic reasons may not be providing a necessary fimc-
>n. End-users must decide what is necessary in their specific situations.
"Yes" indicates that dyes have been added to the product; a "No" indi-
tes that they have not been added.
PACKAGING-REDUCED/RECOVERED CONTENT
product's packaging can account for a significant portion of the prod-
uct's contribution to municipal solid waste. Packaging is a
large component of municipal solid waste landfills, The
EPA's recommended approach to managing solid waste is,
first, to reduce packaging of products and, second, to recy-
cle packaging materials. The EPA has issued packaging
guidelines for vendors to follow. This is a 2-part answer.
:>r the first part, a "Yes" signifies that the product is packaged as a con-
notate; a "No" signifies that it is not. The second part is applicable only
paper packaging is used. Paper packaging should be consistent with
iplicable recovered materials recommendations set forth in 60 FR.
1386, 5/1/95 or draft recovered materials recommendations found in 60.,
R 14190, 3/15/95. A "Yes" signifies that the vendor has met EPA guide-
les for this attribute. These products would be more preferable for this
tribute. An "NA" indicates that no paper packaging was used.
scause the product may be shipped as a concentrate, please also consider
ie next attribute.
7. PRODUCT INCLUDES FEATURES TO MINIMIZE
EXPOSURE TO CONCENTRATE
Although packaging a product in concentrated form may
result in reduced packaging, it raises the potential that the
end-users of the product will be exposed to the concentrate.
Exposure to the concentrate may place the end-user at
greater health risk than exposure to the ready-to-use
product
A "Yes" in this column indicates that the concentrate is part of a system by
which chemicals are transferred only among closed containers. This offers
less exposure potential. A "To Limited Extent" indicates that die concen-
trate is premeasured and prepackaged but not designed to be transferred
among closed containers. A "No" in the column indicates that the con-
centrate is shipped without specific exposure controls. This offers greater
exposure potential. An "NA" means that the product is not a concentrate.
Because the information on these attributes is intended only for purposes
of relative comparison, it does not substitute for other guidance on safe
product usage. The information on environmental attributes should help
you decide which products to buy; it does not provide guidance on how
to use the products. You should continue to carefully follow guidance on
Material Safety Data Sheets, labels, and other product-specific informa-
tion to ensure safe usage.
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Future EPP Pilot Projects
Although not a project objective,
as the first EPP pilot, die Cleaning
Products Pilot Project is likely to
influence the direction of future
pilots. Some of die lessons learned
from tliis pilot may be specific to
cleaning products, while others may
be relevant for other product cate-
gories. Odier EPP projects, for
example, may adopt alternatives to
die environmental attribute matrix to
help government buyers make pur-
chasing decisions. Each environmen-
tally preferable pilot project will be
unique due to the differences
between the product categories, envi-
ronmental attributes being examined,
and die stakeholders involved.
Additional EPP projects are being
developed and implemented by fed-
eral, state, and local government
agencies, as well as in the private sec-
tor. Future fact sheets and case stud-
ies will document their successes.
For Additional Information
EPAs Pollution Prevention
Information Clearinghouse
(PPIC) has several EPP docu-
ments available, including
Executive Order 12873 on
Federal Acquisition, Recycling,
and Waste Prevention; EPAs
Guidance on Acquisition of
Environmentally Preferable
Products and Services (60 FR
50722); and the Cleaning
Products Pilot Project Case Study
(EPA742-R-97-002), which
documents the history of and
lessons learned from the pilot
project.
For copies or additional
information, please contact:
EPA/PPIC
401 M Street, SW. (7409)
Washington, DC 20460
Phone: 202 260-1023
Fax: 202 260-4659
To order a copy of GSAs
Commercial Cleaning Supplies
catalog, which includes the
most recent update to the
environmental attribute matrix,
please contact:
GSA/FSS
Paints and Chemicals
Center (10FTI)
400 15th Street, SW.
Auburn, WA 98001-6599
Phone: 800 241-7246
&EPA
United States
Environmental Protection Agency
(7409)
Washington, DC 20460
Official Business
Ponalty for Private Use
$300
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