My dorm in college was the best on campus for many reasons; it was close to the cafeteria and classroom buildings, was one of only two which had four-person rooms, it was right by the parking lot, and the frisbee golf course began right outside our front door. But there was one thing which really made it special: our janitor. His name was Fred and he was possibly the nicest person I’ve ever met. He took great pride in his work and always did an amazing job. Every time you saw Fred in the hallway he’d take the time to ask about your life and how school was going. 

And you'd never miss Fred on days when he was around.  Even if you didn’t see him in the hallway you always knew if he had been by because your eyes would burn and you’d feel like you were about to pass out. We’d always have to open the hall windows after Fred left, even in the winter, to air the place out. It couldn't have been healthy for us or Fred.  This was our only complaint: his overzealous use of cleaners.

Green Cleaning Programs and Policies, a new AASHE member’s resource released this week, will hopefully help colleges and universities avoid this problem. Many schools, such as Harvard, have excellent lists of products and practices to help get campuses started with the responsible purchasing of cleaning supplies. Not only do these supplies help keep indoor air quality high and prevent harmful chemicals from leaching into the environment, they also keep faculty, staff and students healthy.  Although, "we have an on-campus frisbee golf course," may be a better selling point for potential students, no one wants a chemical-induced headache during finals.  The purchase and use of green cleaning supplies should be a priority for any school wishing to improve the lives of those who spend their time on campus and the surrounding community in general.  I think Fred, and all those he worked around, would agree. 

-- Justin Mullikin
   AASHE Intern