Environmental Council Endorses Green Cleaning Initiative
The EC voted unanamously to endorse a proposal to perform a pilot study on eliminating chemical–based cleaners at UNE. Dr. Gerry Beekman of UNE's Marine Science Center presented the proposal at the EC's February 2nd meeting.
The Marine Science Center is a green design building that, among other things, serves as a hospital for marine animals. Dr. Beekman found that many of the cleaning products used in the MSC contain hazardous chemicals that could have a detrimental impact on the health of already distressed animals. After performing an inventory of currently used chemically-based cleaners, he began looking for alternative compounds. His research led him to a program developed by the Deirdre Imus Environmental Center for Pediatric Oncology at the Hackensack University Medical Center, one of the largest hospitals in the United States. The Imus Center program is currently in use at several medical facilities, schools, businesses, and other facilities across the country.
Dr. Beekman approached Suzanne Snowden of Environmental Health & Safety with the concept. She suggested a pilot plan-- select 2 distinct areas to perform a 6 month trial. At the end of the trials have the involved parties evaluate the outcome. The Marine Science Center was an obvious choice. Elisabeth Haase, EC member from the Department of Health & Safety suggested he include one of the University Health Centers in the pilot program. Since the Imus Center is concerned with environmental effects of chemicals on pediatric populations, the UHS Pediatric Center seemed a logical candidate. After meeting with the center's director, Anthony O'Callaghan, Beekman walked away with not only an endorsement for the Pediatric Center's involvement, but the entire UHS.
At the conclusion of the six-month study an assessment of its impact and viability will determine whether or not further implementation of the program is warranted.