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Beware of Green Washing by "Organic" Dry Cleaners
Beware of Green Washing by "Organic" Dry Cleaners
Published 04-22-08
Submitted by Green Apple Cleaners
NEW YORK, NY "“ April 22, 2008 "“"Organic" and "green" claims by dry cleaners are showing up on every corner, but customers must beware of this misleading marketing tactic. The term "organic" refers to toxic volatile organic compounds found in dry cleaning solvents, and there is nothing environmentally friendly about them. Used in lieu of safe and effective modern cleaning technologies, these organic compounds are harsh, potentially toxic chemicals ranging from petroleum-based perchloroethylene and hydrocarbons to liquid silicone.
Unlike organic food, organic dry cleaning is neither healthy for the planet, nor healthy for people. In fact, numerous studies report quite the opposite to be true. The chemicals used pose such a threat to the environment that in many states they are being outlawed.
Thanks to new technology, clothes labeled "Dry Clean Only" can now be cleaned harmlessly with pressurized liquid carbon dioxide in a method called CO2-cleaning, and with water in a process called Wet-cleaning. These gentle cleaning processes work to get clothes clean, while holding their shape and protecting the integrity and color of the fabric from harsh detergents that also wreak havoc on the environment.
How can you find a CO2 dry cleaner? There aren't many. Because the equipment is at a premium and must be operated by highly skilled garment specialists, CO2 dry cleaners are few and far between. Just don't be fooled by signs that read, "organic." Search engines, and the website www.findco2.com can help you to find a bona fide CO2 cleaner in your area.
New York City and New Jersey residents have the advantage of Green Apple Cleaners, the only CO2 dry cleaner in the Northeast. This eco-conscious, door-to-door service offers non-toxic cleaning and spot removal for shirts, suits, coats, dresses, shoes, handbags, linens, drapes, carpets, furniture and mattresses, as well as in-home tailoring. And the company itself is green through and through, from the plant to the planet.
This Earth Day, take a stand against green washing by misleading "organic" or "green" cleaners who use perchloroethylene, hydrocarbons, and liquid silicone. Choose safe, natural CO2 or water, the universal solvent. It's better for you, your clothes and the environment. Get the truth about green dry cleaning at greenapplecleaners.com.
Green Apple Cleaners
Green Apple Cleaners
What we stand for We at Green Apple Cleaners care about you. We care about your clothes. We care about our employees and the communities in which we liveand work. We care deeply about the environment. We promise to treat each customer as a friend and treat every one of your garments as if it were one of our own. And we promise to take the hassle out of dry cleaning, focusing on your convenience in every way possible. What is CO2 Dry Cleaning? CO2 dry cleaning uses liquid CO2, the same ingredient that makes sparkling water "fizzy". It has been lauded by Consumer Reports, NYC.gov and Greenpeace as a more effective and environmentally safer cleaning method than current dry cleaning processes. How does CO2 dry cleaning work? CO2 dry cleaning uses natural liquid carbon dioxide. The entire cleaning process is done at a cool, room temperature. Other dry cleaning methods like perchloroethylene (or "perc", the most common dry cleaning method) hydrocarbon and Green Earth (silicone) are toxic chemicals that are known carcinogens and ground water contaminants. Additionally, most other dry cleaners require heat to dry your clothing. Heat degrades fabrics, causing them to wear out, fade and pill, and can actually cause stains to set permanently. CO2 clean: better for your clothes Our CO2 dry cleaning technology gets clothes cleaner than any other dry cleaning method. With CO2, there's no fading, shrinking, pilling or stain setting. And there's never a "dry cleaning" smell or residue left on your clothes. Garments cleaned with CO2 feel softer Your clothes feel better than when they're cleaned with other methods. Garments cleaned with CO2 actually last longer Fabrics keep their color, shape and finish, looking newer longer. CO2 cleaned garments have been shown to last 20% to 40% longer than those using traditional dry cleaning. Green Apple Cleaners full range of eco-friendly services: • Hassle free pick up and delivery • Stain removal expertise • Non-toxic dry cleaning • Specialized shirt laundry • Hypo-allergenic wash and fold • Fine linen cleaning • Premium hand finishing • Wedding and formal wear cleaning • Leather and suede cleaning • Shoe and accessory care • Fur care and storage • Off-season storage • Fire damage restoration • On-site drape and carpet cleaning • On-site upholstery cleaning • In-home tailoring
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