Custodians want Green

Custodians want Edmonton public schools to go green Last updated Mar 15 2006 11:27 AM MST
CBC News School custodians want the Edmonton Public School Board to replace the toxic cleaners with ones that are more environmentally friendly and safer for students and staff.
The custodians say understaffing has meant schools are using high-powered cleaners to get the job done quickly, rather than properly.
Custodian Sherry Bonner says some of the chemicals currently being used can cause allergic reactions, rashes and dry skin.
"When you are wiping desk you need a little more power because you don't have time to scrub the desk – you [use] a chemical on your rag and you just wipe them quickly and it works," she said.
"But it could make kids sick ... if you use it and don't properly wipe it off their desk, it's going to make them sick."
The union representing Edmonton's public school custodians presented the idea to the school board Tuesday night.
They say the proposal wouldn't cost any more and they hope to see the changes made in the upcoming budget.