Mission
It is our mission to provide the public with cleaning products that deliver the maximum level of efficacy at the least level of toxicity. Our products are formulated using naturally derived ingredients that help minimize the hazards normally associated with traditional cleaners. They are free of any known human carcinogens, mutagens, teratogens and endocrine disruptors.
While The Deirdre Imus Environmental Health Center® strives to use only naturally-derived ingredients wherever possible, effective all-natural replacements are not available for every type of ingredient at this time. For this reason, the Center has established 3 categories for our products: a DIN Category, a DIC Category and a category for Disinfectants and Sanitizer.
DIN Category Products – All 12 Products Third-Party Certified
These products are formulated using naturally-derived, plant and mineral-based ingredients that help minimize the hazards normally associated with traditional cleaning products. Some DIN products may contain 0.01% of FD&C (food grade) dyes for use in institutional settings.
DIC Category Products – 4 of 8 Products Third-Party Certified
Our DIC Products, to every extent possible, are formulated with naturally-derived ingredients, however may include some synthetic ingredients for which effective natural substitutes have yet to be developed.
Disinfectants and Sanitizer – EPA Registered
100% of all profits from our institutional products go to The Deirdre Imus Environmental Health Center® for supporting the Greening The Cleaning® program in addition to funding education and research to identify, control and ultimately prevent toxic exposures in the environment that threaten our children’s health.
Objectives
Toxicity Reduction
Many cleaning products produce odors and emit chemicals contributing to poor indoor air quality and can be harmful to the individuals exposed to them. Reducing exposure to toxic cleaning agents is particularly important in healthcare facilities where patients who are already in a compromised state of health need a contaminant-free environment to promote healing. Transitioning to safer cleaning alternatives can be beneficial to all concerned about improving their indoor air quality.
Quantity Reduction
Switching to multipurpose cleaning products allows for a reduction in inventory complexity resulting in simplified training and diminished misuse of products.
Cost Reduction / Budget Neutral
Institutions that implement the Greening The Cleaning® program may enjoy cost savings for a variety of reasons. Buying bulk quantities of concentrated cleaning products cuts down on packaging and shipping costs. Education of housekeeping staff enables them to use the products more efficiently, which reduces waste. Product dispensing systems are available to ensure consistent, accurate dosing each and every time resulting in less waste and cost savings.
Additionally, reducing staff exposure to irritating chemicals may reduce employee sick time and worker’s compensation. Hackensack University Medical Center, upon conversion to the Greening The Cleaning® program in 2001, yielded an overall 15% cost savings.
Waste Minimization
Greening The Cleaning® products are formulated by environment-conscious manufacturers focused on delivering the highest quality products while maximizing production efficiencies.
Space Reduction
The Greening The Cleaning® program encourages facilities to consolidate their supplies in one centralized location to aid in the management of inventory. Smaller containers and spray bottles are kept in the janitorial closets and on carts.
Education of Personnel
A green cleaning program can only be implemented if those who actually clean the facility understand the importance of their actions and know how to use the new products. For this reason, The Deirdre Imus Environmental Health Center® educates all personnel in the participating facility, from the housekeeping staff to supervisors and top-level management so they can work together to preserve their environment at no additional cost.
Sustainable “Green” Healthy Facility
Implementing our Greening The Cleaning® program is an easy way to improve indoor air quality, reduce cleaning costs, enhance employee health, and contribute to a greener and more sustainable building environment. In addition, by transforming your current cleaning practice to a green cleaning practice, you will help to protect the health of your surroundings without harming the environment.