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Green Dry Cleaning
From WikiVerde
For those of us whose life or career cannot survive without dry cleaning, it has been virtually impossible to live a completely green life. After all, even the concept of dry cleaning brings to mind harsh chemicals that are poisonous to the environment. However that is not the case anymore as dry cleaners worldwide are discovering there are alternatives to the traditional chemicals used in the business. Whether or not the fears surrounding dry cleaning chemicals are based in truth, the public as a whole are becoming more eco-conscious and are demanding greener dry cleaning.
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Traditional Dry Cleaning
Traditional dry cleaning involves the chemical perchloroethylene, commonly known as perc. In the past few years perc has been classified as a possible carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency. Other state and government agencies, not to mention consumer and environmental groups, believe that perc is toxic with links to cancer and via its production, global warming. However there are others in the dry cleaning industry that argue in defense of perc, saying it is harmless as long as it is used responsibly. The public by contrast has always had a fear of perc but cannot argue with the chemical’s cleaning power. Today there is new technology that dry cleaners can use to get all the cleaning benefits of perc without harming health or the environmental.
Green Dry Cleaning Techniques
GreenEarth Cleaning: Made with liquid silicone and is considered to be gentler on clothes and the environment. According to Joe Hallak, president of the National Cleaners Association, the silicone gives garments "a nicer feel," and it protects colors and beadings and trims.
Liquid Carbon Dioxide: Consumer Reports, Greenpeace recommend liquid CO2 cleaning as a true "organic" dry cleaning method. Unfortunately, the technique requires expensive machinery and very few dry cleaners have invested in the equipment.
Dry Cleaning Alternative - Wet Cleaning
Wet Cleaning uses water and biodegradable soap in sophisticated computer-controlled washing machines. Both the EPA and Greenpeace consider wet cleaning non-toxic and environmentally safe. Although it is touted as one of the best alternatives to perc, Consumer Reports has noted that the method can cause shrinkage and pilling in some fabrics.
Sources
EUNNIE PARK: Greener dry cleaners in North Jersey?: National Cleaners Association Newsletter: April 13, 2008
GreenEarth: http://www.earthcleaning.com
Liquid CO2: http://wwwFindCO2.com
