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5X���� and Staples, provider of office supplies, technology, cleaning solutions and more, have signed a new cleaning contract that will help the university further achieve its commitment to sustainability.

Under the agreement with Staples, the company will provide “green” cleaning products to Kent State at a competitive price.  

Within the new contract, the requirements are that available “green” cleaning chemicals supplied to the university have to meet Green Seal certification requirements.

“The choice to require Green Seal certification was multifold,” says Melanie Knowles, manager of sustainability at Kent State. “Green Seal products are healthier for both those doing the cleaning and for people occupying the spaces cleaned with those products.”

Green Seal examines chemicals used in cleaning products to make sure they fall within its certification requirements. Packaging of the chemicals and products also must be environmentally friendly.

“The benefits for 'green' products are replacing chemicals that we have been using for years that have the potential to harm us,” says Phil Rhodes, environmental specialist with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. “We can replace potentially harmful chemicals with much safer products that won’t harm the local air and surface water.”

The process of choosing the supplier of these products consisted of evaluations, proposals and interviews. Representatives from four custodial departments at Kent State participated in the evaluations, including University Facilities Management, Residence Services, Dining services and the Student Recreation and Wellness Center.

“Reducing exposure to chemicals from products is healthier for people at Kent State,” says Knowles.

For more information about Kent State’s sustainability projects, visit www.kent.edu/sustainability.

For more information about Green Seal certification, visit .