Developing Action Steps
(If you arrived at this page while working on the Pledge Worksheet, by clicking "See Examples of Action Steps," please close this window after you're finished reading. The Pledge window will still be open so you can continue working on your Worksheet).
If you cannot meet all of the GreenCare Standard at this time but want to work toward achieving them, you should identify Action Steps you will need to take in order to achieve each standard, and an estimated date or timeline for completing the steps.
These Action Steps can be written into the electronic Pledge Worksheet and printed so you will have a hard copy to work from. Once you have completed your Action Steps and can meet the Standards, go back to your worksheet and change your check box to “yes”!
Below are some examples of Actions Steps for each of the pledge topic areas:
Action Steps Examples:
Pest Management
If you are unsure if pesticides are currently used at your facility for common pests, your action steps might be:
Action Steps: 1) Inspect facility for pesticides or sprays. 2) Talk with staff about any pest problems and discuss alternatives to pesticides. 3) Talk with gardening & cleaning companies to find out if they use pesticides and if so, discuss how to eliminate their use. Estimated completion date: 1-2 weeks
OR
If you know pesticides are used for a particular pest, such as ant spray to control ants, your action steps might be:
Action Steps: 1) Discuss with staff the source of the ant problem and correct it; 2) Research less toxic ant control on GreenCare’s Technical Assistance page and links, or “Ask GreenCare”; 3) Take remaining pesticide spray to the hazardous waste collection center. Estimated completion date: 2 weeks
Cleaning & Disinfecting
If you don’t currently use ‘green’ cleaning products, your action steps might be:
Action Steps: 1) Go to the GreenCare website links to investigate certified ‘green’ cleaning products; 2) Find out which green cleaning products are available where we shop and purchase products. 3) Meet with cleaning staff about appropriate cleaning products and practices. Estimated completion date: 2 weeks.
OR
If you don’t know what products your cleaning company uses, your action step might be:
Action Steps: 1) Contact cleaning company to see what products they use and find out if they would switch to the safer green products. 2) Have them sign the Cleaning Service Agreement saying they will abide by the GreenCare cleaning standards. Estimated completion date: 1 week
Air Quality & Asthma Triggers
If you have not tested your building for radon gas, your action steps might be:
Action Steps: 1) Purchase radon gas test kit at local hardware store or online; 2) Schedule 3-day window for the test; 3) Notify staff and cleaning crew about the test and ask that they not disturb it. Estimate completion date: 2 weeks
Common Lead Exposure
If you are unsure if exposed older layers of paint at your facility contain lead, your action steps might be:
Action Steps: 1) Determine if building was built before 1978, if so, testing needed; 2) Purchase lead test swabs at local hardware store or online and test areas where older paint layers that are exposed; 3) If lead paint found, cover up with latex paint (tell staff not sand or scrape lead paint areas). Estimated completion date: 1 to 2 weeks.
Toys, Supplies & Fixtures
If you are not sure the arts and craft supplies are non-toxic, your action steps might be:
Action Steps: 1) Check all art and craft supplies for AMCI or ASTM certification labels; 2) If the label cannot be found, check with your supplier for non-toxic choices; 3) When all current supplies are replaced with non-toxic certified supplies, go back to GreenCare website and check ‘yes’ to this standard. Estimated completion date: 2 to 8 weeks
Stewardship & Green Living
If you still use incandescent light bulbs in your light fixtures, your actions steps might be:
Action Steps: 1) Purchase energy efficient compact fluorescence bulbs for lamps and replace old bulbs; 2) Talk with staff about only using lighting when necessary to save energy. Estimated completion date: 1 week