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JACKSONVILLE— This week, students of Clara White Mission’s janitorial
services job-training program did more than learn a new skill; they became part
of a different “mission” – to green Florida’s future. The Florida Department of
Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Pollution Prevention (P2) Program provided
hands-on training on “green” cleaning at the Clara White Mission.
The Clara White Mission partners with businesses and local community
organizations to reduce homelessness through advocacy, housing, job training and
employment. Recently, the Mission started a Janitorial/Environmental Services
Training Program to train people for work as housekeepers and janitors in the
hospitality industry. During its inaugural course, the Mission invited DEP to
enhance the program by providing information on “green” cleaning.
A “green” cleaning program is a complete approach to cleaning that examines
the entire cleaning process. Programs assess space, products and work practices
to maximize cleanliness while reducing unnecessary employee, staff, patient,
visitor and environmental exposure to hazardous chemicals. In addition, “green”
cleaning focuses on improving indoor air quality, reducing water pollution and
encouraging recycling.
“Our goal is to educate students on the benefits of green cleaning and to
increase the use of green cleaners in businesses and industry,” said Director of
Sustainable Initiatives Deas Bohn. “By working with to the Clara White Mission
to inform program participants about ‘green’ cleaning we are providing graduates
with a unique and marketable skill when they enter the workforce and protecting
the environment.”
To compliment the informational component of the “green cleaning” training,
DEP also provided “green cleaning kits” to the students; containing microfiber
cloths, environmentally friendly cleaning products and ingredients and
directions for creating chemical-free products.
DEP’s Pollution Prevention Program is committed to stopping pollution at its
source by providing free assistance to industries and manufacturers, commercial
businesses, government, military facilities, schools and organizations to “go
green” and save money through pollution prevention strategies. The P2 Program is
a 100 percent voluntary, non-regulatory program within DEP’s Office of
Sustainable Initiatives. To learn more about DEP’s P2 Program, visit
www.dep.state.fl.us/pollutionprevention.
DEP’s Office of Sustainable Initiatives is comprised of three voluntary,
non-regulatory programs that assist Florida industry and citizens in protecting
the environment. The Clean Marina Program, the Florida Green Lodging Program and
the Florida Pollution Prevention Program offer a variety of services including
on-site assessments, consultations, speakers and workshops, all at no cost to
citizens or organizations. The goal of the Sustainable Initiatives programs is
to meet the needs of the present population without compromising resources for
future generations. To learn more about DEP’s Sustainable Initiatives, visit
www.dep.state.fl.us/green/.
For more information on the Clara White Mission, visit
www.clarawhitemission.org
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2012 State of Florida