Newton County Sheriff's Office announced recently the implementation of a Green Cleaning program at their facilities in Covington.

The Green Cleaning program utilizes cleaning products that are environmentally preferred, formulated from bio-based renewable resources, non-toxic and non-allergenic. All members of the sheriff's office cleaning staff have been trained in environmentally preferred cleaning techniques.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans spend an average of 90 percent of their time indoors. EPA studies have shown that human exposure to air pollutants indoors can be two to five times, occasionally 100 times, higher than outdoor levels. Poor indoor air quality can cause potential short-term and long-term health risks and may cause headaches, dry eyes, dizziness, respiratory irritation and fatigue.

In response, many facilities and organizations, including NCSO, have implemented "Green Cleaning" programs to ensure safe cleaning for the custodians, as well as staff, occupants and visitors. These products are non toxic, contain no cancer causing carcinogens, have low or no VOC's, and will not irritate the skin and eyes. Products also contain minimal or no fragrance which reduce asthmatic attacks, allergic reactions and irritation to the respiratory system.

NCSO has partnered with State Industrial Products, a chemical manufacturer devoted to safer work practices, to implement a Green Cleaning program. All products are Green Seal, EcoLogo, or DfE certified. These are the most respected and reputable third-party green certifications in the industry, according to a press release, which verifies that the products are safe, sustainable and effective. In addition to the products, State Industrial provides customized dispensers and training on green cleaning procedures and monitors the program to ensure success.

Sheriff Brown estimates by implementing the program, the agency will save approximately $60,000 a year.