Our History

We started with two projects that were conducted during 1998-99 in the San Francisco Bay Area. The work is now being extended into Southern California.

The first project, which took place in the City of Richmond, focused upon the needs of small organizations - individual custodians, small janitorial contractors, and neighborhood businesses. This project was funded by an Environmental Justice Through Pollution Prevention grant from US EPA Region IX.

The County of Santa Clara hosted the second project, which emphasized large organizations - government agencies, schools, manufacturing firms, hotels, and large janitorial contractors. This project was funded by a Pollution Prevention Incentives For States grant from US EPA Region IX and California EPA.

What We Did On These Earlier Projects

On each of the earlier projects we interviewed janitors to find out what they know, don't know, and need to know about the chemical products that they use. These surveys were conducted in person, by mail, by phone, and via the internet. In all, about 100 individuals and organizations participated.

In addition, we studied workers'compensation data to learn about the frequency and severity of actual accidents involving janitors and chemicals.

Next, we conducted reviews of specific chemical products being used for janitorial work by several dozen organizations. These on-site assistance visits identified hazardous ingredients in the products as well as patterns in the way that the products are used.

Guided by the surveys and site reviews, we developed fact sheets, product sample kits, purchasing specifications, and other outreach materials to advise users on the health, safety, and environmental consequences of their janitorial products. We hosted several workshops, demonstrated environmentally preferable products, and offered on-site chemical product reviews.

Get More Info On our home page http://www.westp2net.org you can use the buttons to see the fact sheets, reports, and training workbooks that we prepared. All of the materials that we developed are in the public domain, so you may freely copy and use them.