Oregon

Statesman Journal
Salem Oregon
Child-care Facilities Can Be Eco-certified
Beth Casper

September 22, 2005

Child-care providers in Oregon now can apply for their facilities to be certified as environmentally healthy places for children.

The new program, coordinated by the Oregon Environmental Council, helps eliminate potential sources of toxins in and around child-care centers, including lead in drinking water and old paint, pesticides used on lawns or inside buildings, mold, and poor indoor air.

Child-care providers apply by filling out a 25-item checklist.

Providers that qualify will receive a colorful sticker to identify their eco-healthy facility and a poster that highlights their activities.

Participants also will receive monthly tips.

The program is supported by other organizations, including the American Lung Association of Oregon and Healthy Childcare Initiative of the Department of Human Services' Office of Family Health.

For information, go to www.oeconline.org.