Northern Michigan's largest school district makes the switch from traditional chemicals to environmentally-friendly products.
TRAVERSE CITY -- Going green is part of the daily routine at Northern Michigan's largest school district. That includes what's used to take away the germs and mess of the day.
Keeping nearly two dozen school buildings clean is a big job. Just like the dirt and grime, Traverse City Area Public School custodians don't want to leave anything behind.
"If you add up all the buckets of water, the mop buckets and spray bottles that we have and use everyday, that's a lot going back into the environment," said Adam BeVier, Director of Buildings and Grounds.
So six months ago, TCAPS made the switch from traditional chemicals to green ones.
"It's not as powerful an odor," said Valerie Quinby, Lead Custodian at Traverse Heights Elementary. "We don't use bleach. We use other chemicals that are good for the environment and good for yourself, so it works out very well."
Staff and student safety was a big part of the decision, according to BeVier. The department is seeing other benefits as well. He said the new system wastes less cleaning product and money.
"A company here locally helped us manage or choose products that were equal to the traditional cleaning products," said BeVier. "The green cleaning chemicals have advanced now that they are pretty much the same price or along the same cost comparison."
It's a system that fits with the budget and the goal of a safe environment. A clean they can feel good about, indoors and out.
