The Environmental Protection Agency defines green cleaners as products made with environmentally friendly ingredients to preserve human health and environmental quality. However, there is little regulation around the term "green cleaner," so it's important to do your research.

Despite some confusion when browsing the store shelves, many of us are motivated to clean green because it's good for the planet and reduces human health risks. Almost all commonly used cleaning products contain chemicals that potentially cause health effects, including respiratory ailments, skin irritation, neurological disorders or cancer.

To eliminate toxic chemicals, some folks opt for making DIY cleaners. Recipes for using a few safe and inexpensive ingredients such as plain soap, water, baking soda, vinegar, washing soda, Castile soap, lemon juice and Borax can be found online. While home-made cleaner recipes can satisfy most household cleaning chores, make sure you follow the recipes.

More at source: Columbian.com

Find a green cleaning service here. 

Find green cleaning supplies here. 

Zanni said janitors from S.J. Services of Danvers worked their first day at City Hall on Thursday. The company will maintain the building five days per week under a one-year, $38,000 contract.

“Just with the couple days I observed, it’s been excellent,” Zanni said. “What I’m looking for is cost-effectiveness. In this case, we’re talking $100,000 per year.”

Custodial work at City Hall had previously been the responsibility of two Methuen employees.

More at source: Eagle Tribune

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Washington and Oregon have adopted a new green janitorial supplies contract that will direct public agencies to purchase supplies that reduce the use of toxic chemicals without raising costs, according to a statement issued this week by Washington's Department of Enterprise Services and Oregon's Department of Administrative Services.

The contract addresses low environmental impact cleaning products, tools, equipment, consultation and training, the state agencies said. Oregon negotiated prices with Coastwide Laboratories, Waxie Sanitary Supply, Interline Brands and West Coast Paper for government customers in both states. The new price agreements begin Aug. 1 and may be extended in two-year increments until 2018, according to a news release from agencies in both states.

Oregon Executive Order No. 12-05 calls on state agencies to adopt purchasing policies focused on less-toxic products. Washington Executive Order 04-01 directs state agencies to purchase equipment, supplies and other products that do not contain toxic chemicals unless no feasible alternative exists.

Find a green cleaning company here. 

More at source: Columbian

GLENWILLOW, Ohio - The company that makes Royal vacuum cleaners has finalized purchasing the assets of the Oreck Corp., the company's new owners announced Thursday.

Royal Appliance Mfg. Co. purchased the assets of Nashville-based Oreck for $17.25 million in cash and various liabilities, according to records filed in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, Nashville Division. The court formally approved the purchase agreement July 16, and the sale of assets was finalized late Wednesday, a company spokeswoman said.

Royal is part of Glenwillow-based TTI Floor Care, which also include the Hoover, Dirt Devil and Hoover Commercial brands.

TTI Floor Care and former Oreck CEO Tom Oreck announced Thursday that both parties were close to reaching an agreement for the former company head to purchase "an unspecified number" of Oreck retail stores. Both parties also said in a news release that they were close to reaching an agreement in which Tom Oreck would continue as the "public spokesman" for the 50-year-old brand.

"We are excited at the potential for a partnership with Tom Oreck, said TTI Floor Care President Simon Lawson in the release. "He brings a great deal of successful experience with both the Oreck brand and customer service driven retail operations.

Added Oreck in the release: "The legacy of the Oreck stores is their unyielding commitment to the Oreck customer. "The power of the Oreck experience, combined with the resources of TTI, will serve to enhance and sustain the Oreck brand and the fine people who build, sell and service Oreck for generations to come."

Oreck products will continue to be made in Cookeville, Tenn., the release said.

More at source: Cleveland.com 

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SHERMAN – A janitor has filed a lawsuit against his former employer claiming the employer violated federal law by not paying overtime wages.

Jerry Windham filed suit against OJS Systems Inc. on July 23 in the Eastern District of Texas, Sherman Division. 

Windham worked for the defendant from April 2012 through April 2013 as a janitor.  He claims that during his employment, he worked in excess of 40 hours but was not paid one and one-half times his regular rate of pay for each overtime hour worked.

The defendant is accused of violating the Fair Labor Standards Act, which prohibits the denial of overtime compensation for hours worked in excess of 40 per workweek.

The plaintiff is seeking an award of actual and compensatory damages, including the amount of unpaid overtime, liquidated damages, attorney’s fees, interest and court costs.

Source: SE Texas Record