Dry Cleaning vs. Green Cleaning

By: Colleen Heenan

Since moving to a metropolitan area I have witnessed many things that I only read about while living in the Midwest. One thing is the phenomenon of “green dry cleaning.” I was curious to find out just exactly what this means and if it is an industry worth supporting.

Traditional dry-cleaning, as we all know, is terrible for both humans and their environment. One of the main chemicals found in about 85 percent of all solvents used for dry-cleaning is called perchloroethylene, also known as “perc.” Perc has been identified by the EPA as a possible carcinogen and central nervous system depressant. It also pollutes the air and water and may cause holes in the ozone layer.

Since perc is harmful to both the environment and the people who reside in the same buildings as dry-cleaning businesses, the EPA has called for a ban of perc being used in buildings were people reside. Though, they have claimed little evidence has been linked to acute or chronic problems in humans by wearing these dry cleaned garments.

The new generations of dry-cleaners claiming to be “green” or “organic” are popping up everywhere. This would be good news if there were regulations in labeling a business as “green” or “organic.” There are no regulations on how you can advertise your dry-cleaning practices. For example, any product labeled as “organic” uses chemicals that have a chain of carbon, by definition, as their main ingredient. This being the case for a new solvent being produced and labeled as “organic”, known as DF-2000, which is a petroleum-based product that releases smog, generated by volatile organic compounds.

Another product being used at some “green-cleaners,” is called G5, a form of liquid silicon. Even though G5 practically breaks down to sand, to activate the silicone chemical the use of chlorine is needed. This combination has been shown to produce cancer in female lab rats as well as produce pollutants known as dioxins.

So far, evidence to a process called “wet-cleaning” using liquid carbon dioxide, is known as the safest method of cleaning delicate garments. The process involves using water and biodegradable detergents in a controlled environment where pH and agitation is highly regulated. The EPA has claims this method as a very effective medium when using a detergent.

The best way to ensure your being as green as possible is to ask your cleaners about their process and possibly search for a “wet-cleaner” near your home (perhaps walking distance). If you want to take the next step in your trips to your local cleaner, you can bring your own garment bags, reuse your old ones, or just opt out. Also, the reuse of your hangers, or swapping of yours from their hangers helps to reduce the demand or use of the disposable hangers. Green actions from clients create a demand for green businesses.

For more information check out: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/07/AR2008080702759.html