Dry Cleaning Resolution :: Environmental and Health Concerns

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Dry Cleaning Resolution

Have you made any eco-conscious New Year's resolutions? In 2009 why not resolve to choose a green dry cleaner? While Environment Canada has regulated the phasing out of wasteful, old-generation washing machines and the reduction of toxic dry cleaning emissions, the department has not yet assessed the success of its regulations.

This means that many dry cleaners may still be using dangerous chemicals. Even establishments that call themselves green may be using harsh chemicals while simply reusing and recycling their hangers and plastic garment bags. If you must dry clean, here are a few easy tips that will help you make a difference for the environment.

Try wet cleaning instead of dry cleaning. It doesn't use the same harmful chemicals and is still safe for dry clean-only clothes.
Ask how the wet cleaner will wash your clothes. Some wet cleaners will simply throw your clothes in an average washing machine and then charge you extra.
Cut down on the amount of clothes you need dry cleaned by treating stains immediately and hanging up your clothes after wearing them.
Try a liquid carbon dioxide cleaner (CO2): some believe this method to be superior to both dry cleaning and wet cleaning. Beware: cleaners that use CO2 are hard to come by.
Bring your wire hangers back to the dry cleaners for them to reuse.
Many "dry clean only? pieces of clothing can be hand-washed in cold water and laid flat to dry.

Source: alive #January 09 Newsletter

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