Environmentally Preferable Products
Environmentally preferable products are products and services defined as those which “have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared to other products and services that serve the same purpose. This comparison may consider raw materials acquisition, production, manufacturing, packaging, distribution, reuse, operation, maintenance, or disposal of the product or service, as stated in Presidential Executive Order 13101, section 201. Please note the comparative, rather than the absolute of the definition.

Green Seal is an independent, non-profit organization that strives to achieve a healthier and cleaner environment by identifying and promoting products and services that cause less toxic pollution and waste, conserving resources and habitats, and minimizing global warming and ozone depletion. Green Seal has no financial interest in the products that it certifies or recommends in any manufacturer or company.

Spartan Chemical Company, Inc. recommends the use of Green Seal Certified Products for those categories where a standard is available. Until a standard is available and products are certified for a particular category, a review should be performed of the Material Safety Data Sheets for existing products. Select the most “preferable” product based on human health considerations and impact on the environment. It is imperative to remember that we clean for health first, with appearance considerations being second. It is also important to remember proper product selection always calls for selecting the least hazardous product in those situations where no “Green” product is available.

Points to Remember When Buying “Green”

• Purchase less aggressive formulas that feature biodegradability, no phosphates, low or no VOC’s, low toxicity or other attributes that can be altered from traditional formulas without sacrificing product performance.
  
• Purchase concentrated formulas in bulk. Reduce the products environmental “life cycle” initially by conserving and aiding in the energy needed to produce the product, minimizing of transportation, handling, packaging, and reducing waste packaging and disposal.
  
• Additional consideration should be given to packaging. The question should be asked, “How does the packaging for any given product impact our land fills and the environment?” There are “unique” packaging and dispensing systems that may adversely affect the environment and increase materials sent to the landfills. It is important to consider the “life cycle” of a product and its packaging.

When available, we Will Use Products Covered by Green Seal’s GS-37 Standards

• pH: Prefer products with a relatively neutral pH closer to 7
  
• VOCs: Prefer products that have no or low VOC content
  
• Biodegradability: Prefer products that are readily biodegradable
  
• Dyes and fragrances: Prefer products without dyes and fragrances
  
• Bio-based products: Prefer products with ingredients derived from renewable resources
  
• Health hazards: Avoid products that contain carcinogens or reproductive toxins