GreenEarth Cleaning

Christmas is all about giving, spending time with family, and spreading cheer. Let’s try incorporating sustainability in your Christmas list and go green for the holidays! Buy less Holiday gifts can provide a practical need, the need to buy something new every year. But keep in mind that although many new gifts are generally gestures of kindness or thoughtfulness, you can still give more while spending less money this year. Sustainable giving Not all gifts need to be store-bought. Although it may be a habit to buy a brand new gift at your local department store or online, there are many ways that you can give a thoughtful present and go green for the holidays. Consider a DIY gift or maybe something special to you that you think might be special to someone else. There are so many options to choose from that are just as thoughtful as a store-bought gift. Shorten your list to simplify your gift-giving Many people get stressed this time of year with the long lists of gifts for each person during the ‘gift-go-around’ season. It is important, as said previously, to remember that gifts are thoughtful gestures, not shiny ones. Consider doing a Secret Santa this year! This way, you can shorten your list to just one person, not a dozen, and focus on really making your gift special for them. Think green and buy smart For example, locally made gifts from marketplaces and local artists. Local craft fairs and artisan shops are a good way to start. This way, you can find gifts made by anyone with a special skill from all over the world. This can save you the cost of travel and reduce gas emissions that are huge contributors to global warming. Keep in mind as well that you are also helping to support local artists and their businesses. What’s better than a gift that is unique to give to your loved one and going green for the holidays in the process?! Consider donating your old toys or clothing If you would like to help teach your children the spirit of giving during the holidays, ask them to go through their toys and decide which ones they do not play with anymore and donate them to a homeless shelter/domestic violence shelter or your local Salvation Army or Goodwill. This way, your children can learn about the importance of giving back to other children and families and spread some Christmas cheer to those who may be less fortunate this year. Go on an outing with the family The best gift during the holidays is spending precious time with your family. Consider going on an outdoor excursion rather than giving gifts this season. Presents do not have to be an object; one of the best gifts of all is having a family to enjoy it with. Care for your fabrics sustainably  When we get ready for Christmas, we usually think about what sweater we are going to wear, what tablecloth we will use for dinner, and what type of stockings will be hung up. But what most do not consider is the importance of sustainability during the holidays. When we pull out our decorations, they may be dusty or have that storage odor. No one wants smelly décor, stained dresses, or anything to make the holidays less than perfect. Your local GreenEarth cleaner can save your traditions by renewing all of your favorite textiles. Using our environmentally non-toxic GreenEarth Cleaning system, they can properly clean your Christmas items and clothing without any harsh chemicals. Find the GreenEarth cleaner nearest you on our store locator. There are many ways to be sustainable and thoughtful. Traditions can change, which is okay! Sometimes we outgrow old traditions, create new ones, and with that, we can create some new memories that will last a lifetime. GreenEarth Cleaning is all about sustainability and protecting the environment. We can spread Christmas cheer by minimizing our carbon footprint. Open your hearts this season, and enjoy the holidays with your family all the while protecting our planet.

In August of this year, GreenEarth Cleaning published a blog regarding the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel, following the publication of its Climate Change report. The report delivered the starkest warnings yet. The latest findings, approved by 195 member states, dealt with the physical science basis of climate change and how humans are changing the planet. We also discussed COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland, and how it was considered more vital than ever that firm agreement to carbon emission reduction targets be put in place and actions to support this take place as a matter of urgency. So, what were the main takeaways from COP26, and what can everyone do to play their part?  Phase Down Fossil Fuels but Not Phase Out—At the beginning of negotiations, there were discussions around moving away from coal and fossil fuel subsidies.  By the time of the second draft of the deal, the language had changed to urging countries to move away from “unabated coal” and “inefficient subsidies for fossil fuels.” On the final Saturday of COP26, China and India successfully pushed for another last-minute change to the crucial phrase, saying they would agree only to “phase-down unabated coal,” rather than “phase-out.” Whilst many were disappointed about the phasing down of fossil fuels rather than out, the text did represent the first-ever mention of coal and fossil fuel subsidies in such a deal. Focus on 1.5 degrees centigrade—This was the target set in Paris in 2016. Whilst it is believed that there is a small chance to achieve this, drastic changes would need to be made and promises kept. Most thinking would suggest achieving somewhere between 2 and 2.5 degrees, depending on the commitment of all nations. Timeline Acceleration—The deal “requests” that world leaders “revisit and strengthen” their 2030 targets under the Paris agreement, known as “nationally determined contributions” (NDCs), by the end of 2022. This compares to a typical five-year timeline for countries to submit new or updated NDCs.  The hope is that this will keep commitments in the front of governments’ and citizens’ minds when it comes to combatting climate change. Funding Future Loss and Damage—whilst almost every part of the globe will see the negative impacts of climate change (if not already), there are said to be around 50 countries that are at a greater risk. Even if greenhouse gas emissions were to stop today, a lot of the damage has already been caused.  Therefore, the 50 or so countries will need additional financial support to combat the effects.   However, delegates agreed to start a “dialogue” about the idea, angering those who say such reparations are long overdue. Voices of the Young—There was a large presence of young people in Glasgow voicing their passionate opinions on how climate change will impact theirs and future generations’ lives the most. The presence was felt more outside the venue, where more than 100,000 people marched to demand climate action. It even struck a chord with former US President Barack Obama telling the youth of today to “stay angry” about inaction on global warming. So, what next? Well, the deal is an important development, but many would say that it’s not enough. However, it is something that can be built on, and it saw some firsts and requests that countries review their commitments more regularly. It’s easy to blame a government (whatever your political persuasions might be) for what they do and don’t do. Equally, we don’t necessarily need policy change for us to make a change—it can start with our personal goals, actions, and statements.

The definition of bliss is reaching a state of perfect happiness, typically so as to be oblivious of everything else. And that’s exactly how we feel putting on our favorite cashmere sweater and cuddling up next to the fireplace with a hot beverage and a good book. It’s that time of the year when some of us are excited to rotate the wardrobe and get out our favorite wool sweaters. It’s possible to find some unpleasant surprises though, due to the natural fibers that are used in manufacturing these garments. Caring for sweaters or other natural textiles can be tricky. That’s why we’re here.  It’s important you’re properly caring for sweaters—and all natural fiber garments, for that matter—to prevent things like clothes moths but to also maintain that soft, delicate feeling we all love so much when we first purchase one of these items. And don’t fall victim to “clear spillage.” Oftentimes, we may spill on one of these garments, but as it’s not visible, we figure it’s not necessary to clean. That’s wrong with any article of clothing, but especially when dealing with natural fibers like wool. It’s important we clean these items at the beginning of the season, after each wear, and again at the end of the season, prior to storing.  Trust the professionals. These are delicate fabrics and typically not cheap, so spend the money to ensure they’re cared for by the folks who know what they’re doing—your local GreenEarth cleaner. Some other dry cleaning solvents are aggressive and can actually damage your more delicate garments. Some store clerks will even warn you not to dry clean them because of horror stories they’ve heard or maybe their own experiences dealing with wool sweaters ruined by a dry cleaner. GreenEarth is different. It’s so gentle, the most delicate textiles can be cleaned by any of our Affiliate dry cleaners around the world. Not only is it safe for natural fibers, but the silicone solvent can also have a rejuvenating effect, resulting in clean, fresh, and softer-than-ever sweaters—just imagine it.  In summary, it’s important you’re properly caring for sweaters. Clean your natural fiber textiles regularly, and leave them to the professionals, more specifically a GreenEarth Cleaning professional. It will extend the lifetime of your favorite garments, reducing your contribution to landfill waste and allowing you the pleasure of cherishing them for many winters to come. Find your nearest GreenEarth cleaner at our store locator. 

It’s officially fall, and that means it’s time to get your Halloween costume ready! At GreenEarth Cleaning, we understand parents want to protect their children against unwanted germs. New and/or old costumes should be properly cleaned before the big night of trick or treating. With our state-of-the-art, environmentally non-toxic system, you need not worry. Your costumes this year will come back clean, fresh, and germ-free. With these resources, we can provide you with the utmost quality of cleanliness and protection. Sometimes children get dirty, and you want your children to look their best in their Halloween costume, and “wow” or scare anyone who sees them at their front door asking for candy. It does not go unnoticed that reused costumes can get a bit worn out over time, so if you’re repeating a costume, let us get it ready for you. And new ones may have been tainted by other children or adults trying them on; people touch everything and that passes around germs—we can take care of that too. GreenEarth and our Affiliates value our customers and our cleaning process overall. You should not have to worry when you bring your costumes to your local GreenEarth cleaner. Our product and processes can remove germs, clean your costumes, and return them in that “like-new” condition, while also being kind to the earth. Weather can be harsh on costumes too, candy and juices can leave stains, and unwanted odors can build up from running around all night. For these things, we have the best quality, environmentally non-toxic solution. Our system is non-toxic to the environment, gentle on all fabrics, and can clean at high enough temperatures to deactivate most bacteria and viruses. GreenEarth replaces traditional dry cleaning petrochemicals with pure liquid silicone, which is what makes it safe for the environment. With this, your old costumes can be restored, or new ones can be properly sanitized. The dirt, the germs, the candy stains—GreenEarth cleaners can help to erase the damage of time. You can expect a gentle, chemical-free clean if you choose a cleaner using the GreenEarth system, and rest assured, you will not be disappointed. Find a GreenEarth cleaner near you at our store locator.

Your big day has come and gone—what do you do with your wedding gown now? Brides have a number of options they can choose from regarding what to do with their dresses. Some donate or sell their gown so it can be loved a second time around by a new bride-to-be. Others re-envision what they wore down the aisle into new cocktail attire. And still, others decide to “trash” their bridal wear through a once-in-a-lifetime photoshoot. However, most popularly, brides look to clean and preserve their dress for future generations.  We’re big fans of that last option. What is wedding gown cleaning and preservation? Wedding gown cleaning and preservation is a more specialized approach in comparison to standard dry cleaning. The process is laborious and requires even more astute attention to detail. A dress is first inspected for both visible and invisible stains. You may be asking, “Wait—there are stains you can’t see?” And the short answer is yes. Spills from light-colored, sugary substances like champagne will oxidize over time if left untreated, resulting in yellow or brown stains that aren’t easily removed.  Following an inspection, a gown undergoes careful cleaning and is then folded with acid-free tissue, wrapped in muslin, and placed in an archival preservation chest. When should I have my gown cleaned and preserved? Time is of the essence here. The sooner you can get your dress in for cleaning and preservation, the better. You don’t want to give stains time to settle in, which will make them that much more difficult to fully remove. If you’ll be honeymooning right after your wedding, consider entrusting your gown to your mom or a member of the bridal party, so they can take it to your chosen dry cleaner the very next day. Who should clean and preserve my gown? The answer to this one is a giveaway—a GreenEarth cleaner, of course! Our Network of garment care professionals clean to a higher standard, making them the obvious choice for preserving your most precious memento. The GreenEarth system itself also provides a much gentler clean than traditional dry cleaning methods. Petroleum solvents are abrasive and aggressive, wearing away surface fibers, but GreenEarth is chemically inert, or in other words, it doesn’t chemically react with fabric fibers. It just carries the detergent to garments and gently carries away soils. That makes it safe for even the most delicate fabrics and trims, like lace, sequins, beads, and silk, many of which are included in bridal wear. Tips for after you’ve taken your cleaned and preserved gown home Your gown should be stored in a cool and dry place. Attics and basements are no good, as textiles are sensitive to changes in heat and humidity. Open your preservation box and inspect your gown every two to three years to make sure nothing has happened to it while in storage. Always wash your hands before handling the garment. There are special gloves you can use as well to ensure the oils from your hands aren’t transferred to your gown. Refold your gown differently than it was folded before so that permanent creases don’t develop. Locate a GreenEarth cleaner So now you’re ready to have your wedding gown cleaned and preserved. First things first: Find your nearest GreenEarth cleaner by searching our Store Locator.

Garment aftercare is essential when it comes to fabric lasting longer or even just smelling nice, but somehow, it’s almost become a dirty word. Let’s unpack that… Almost every industry or sector has a previous bad news story that hangs around for far longer than the good news stories, and no matter how hard you try to shake it off, the mud sticks. There are lots of good things to be said about the garment aftercare sector. Closed-loop A dry cleaning machine is a closed-loop system, which means that all the waste stays in the machine—anything from lint to microfibers and microplastics.  The removal of waste will tend to be regulated depending on the geographic location of the dry cleaner.  A closed-loop system ensures that the waste will not end up in our waterways. GreenEarth® Of course, we believe that there is no better way to clean than with GreenEarth Cleaning. Not only is it a closed-loop system, but it is also much gentler and milder than other solvents.  It has a lower Kauri Butanol (KB) value which means that it is less aggressive and its impact on clothing, and indeed the planet, represents quality and environmentally non-toxic garment aftercare. The GreenEarth Cleaning system also uses far less energy and water—our studies have shown a saving of at least 50% per load. Detergency GreenEarth’s Sustain detergent, which forms part of the Optimized GreenEarth Cleaning System, is gentle yet most effective.  To that end, the necessary dosage levels are far lower than other detergent recommendations.  And best of all, it is so safe that hazardous warning symbols are not required. Laundry loop is closing GreenEarth is proud to be working alongside PlanetCare and Plastic Soup Foundation in developing ‘SeaClear.’  This is a solution, a filter, to trap microfibers and microplastics, and prevent them from going into our waterways and the ocean. We’re currently in the Beta testing phase and hope to share more news on that very soon. Single-use bags Single-use plastic is a well-known “no-no” when it comes to the environment.  Many dry cleaners have been offering customers a garment bag for many years, either to buy or as part of a loyalty program.  Most bags are breathable, so they can be hung in the closet straight away, retaining their freshness, while also avoiding tons of plastic going to landfills. A great example of this is the Johnson Cleaners ‘Priority Club’. Hanger recycling Plastic and metal hangers do form an important part in ensuring that a garment stays in good shape after it’s pressed and until it gets hung up in the closet. Now, some customers will keep them on those hangers, but others discard them to place them on their own hangers.  It doesn’t have to be that way.  Dry cleaners will be delighted to receive them back, either when you’re passing or just when you bring in your next order. It keeps the demand down, which means that finite resources are being protected, plus they do not end up in landfill sites.  You’ll also be saving your local independent dry cleaner some money too. Keep an eye out for any racks that they have for you to leave those hangers! Maximized loads There will always be cases where a garment needs to be cleaned the same day or the next day, but many customers are not in a huge rush.  Determining when they want their order ready can help a cleaner maximize their cleaning loads. Why is that important? Well, the more items in a load, the less carbon and water used per item.  The capacity of a machine establishes the maximum size of that load so that the quality of cleaning is never compromised. Let your cleaner know when you need your garments to be ready—it will help them and the planet. Make clothes last longer And of course, gentle and effective care can lead to clothes lasting longer. This is why it’s so important that the information on the care label is correct.  Fabric testing forms a large part of that—usually retaining a control sample and cleaning other fabric samples in any garment aftercare solution.  The results will determine what is put on the care label and be supported by customer communications. A garment that becomes damaged after only a handful of cleanings ends up in a landfill. That’s not good for the customer, the fashion brand, or the planet. Find a GreenEarth cleaner nearest you. 

It seems like we’re finally finding a way to get back to some form of normalcy in our daily lives with work, school, events, and travel picking up in a big way. So this is perfect timing to take a look at how GreenEarth Affiliates can support their local school systems in protecting their students and families by keeping their school uniforms clean and sanitized. It is important to realize the quality of clean and care achieved in the GreenEarth Cleaning System—much to everyone’s satisfaction this fall. Trust that we can help to protect what matters most to you with our thorough cleaning process. Whether it’s the school band, football team, cheerleading squad, or any other uniforms requiring professional cleaning and sanitization, your local GreenEarth cleaner will provide your school with the utmost quality of cleanliness and protection. Schools may run into issues when searching for the best garment care professionals to trust with their students’ attire for a proper clean. Again, we appreciate that students need a clear mind and a fresh look to perform to their full potential. With best-in-class professionals on the job, there is nothing that cannot be repaired and/or cleaned at the highest level. Garments that take the hardest beatings are typically sporting gear, and they can build up serious odors over time, along with color fading and stains, which is to be expected after repeated use. Schools, parents, and students alike expect uniforms and equipment to be held up to a certain standard—and rightfully so. Well, GreenEarth cleaners around the world can assist you in making sure you meet those standards. GreenEarth Cleaning provides the most environmentally safe option to clean your clothes by replacing traditional dry cleaning petrochemicals with pure liquid silicone. Our cleaning system is environmentally non-toxic, gentle on fabrics, and cleans clothes at high enough temperatures to deactivate most bacteria and viruses. We can restore these items and return them to their former glory. By working with your local GreenEarth cleaner to facilitate the cleaning and sanitizing process for your students, you’re creating a better and safer environment for your athletes, musicians, and student body. Trust GreenEarth Cleaning to provide your school with peace of mind. Check out our Store Locator, and we assure you will not be disappointed. By: Joe Pasley

Acknowledging a problem is where the solving process has to begin. In our last blog, Sustainability Director, Garry Knox discussed the Climate Change Report issued by the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel. Clearly, the alarming concerns addressed by this report will require action on a large scale, but that does not negate the positive impact every small action has toward finding a solution. Don’t let the “what difference can I make?” perception deter you from making a cognizant effort in minimizing your carbon footprint. You alone, and we together can make a real difference. We’re not here to tell you we have the answer to climate change. What we have done, though, is compile a list of some easy-to-implement lifestyle changes that can ensure you’re doing your part to contribute to a better ecosystem for future generations.  10. Recycle Let’s start with the first thing that comes to everyone’s mind. Recycling is probably the easiest way we can minimize our carbon footprint. Most municipalities make it super easy to recycle nowadays. A quick Google search (recycling in *insert city*) can lead you to the specifics for your local facility. 9. Reduce Water and Energy Usage It’s much easier said than done, but by simply being conscious of our habits throughout our day-to-day routines, we can slowly start to make changes that help us achieve our goal. There are countless small things we can do that add up, like taking shorter showers, not running the water while brushing your teeth or shaving, turning off lights when you’re not in a room, shutting down computers and other electronics, and buying energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs—just to name a few. 8. Eliminate Plastic Plastic is everywhere—we get it. When we’re in public spaces, sometimes it’s out of our control. But at work and home, it’s definitely achievable. A lot of the plastic we use daily can be replaced with reusable products, like water bottles, food storage containers, grocery bags, straws, etc. Even when we’re shopping, there are usually options (sometimes they cost a bit more) packaged in paper or cardboard instead of plastic. We’ve noticed a lot of companies using bamboo as a replacement for plastic as well. Again, we understand it’s not happening overnight, but incremental changes will have you plastic-free in no time at all! 7. Go Digital A digital lifestyle admittedly is harder for some than others. In this day and age, however, if we make the effort, it turns out to be pretty easy. Bills can be paid online, documents can be shared and edited through a variety of applications, most stores allow you to choose to receive your receipts digitally—we honestly can’t come up with a situation where paper is absolutely necessary. Can you? 6. Ditch the Car (When Possible) Obviously, if you have a 30-minute commute to work in a car, biking or walking isn’t an option. Is carpooling a possibility? Is there a public transit route that will get you there in a reasonable amount of time? Maybe not, but if there is, consider it. Even if it’s not possible in your daily commute to work, when you’re attending an event, having dinner with your family, or meeting friends out for a drink, think about walking, biking, carpooling, or taking the bus. Again, simply being cognizant of these options at all times will help us all make better choices for the environment. 5. Meatless Mondays “Woah, Woah, Woah. Now they’ve gone too far!” Hear us out. We’re headquartered in Kansas City, considered by many to be the champion of BBQ, so cutting meat out of our diet isn’t taken lightly. But what if we just do it one day out of the week? The climate impact of meat, specifically industrial factory farms, is enormous—roughly equivalent to all the driving and flying of every car, truck, and plane in the world. So cutting out our meat consumption one day out of the week can have a massive impact on minimizing our carbon footprint. And to take it a step further, try purchasing locally sourced meat and produce; it tastes better too! 4. Smart Home Renovations The new craze of the last decade seems to be flipping houses. How many more home improvement shows can they come up with? We have a feeling we will find out. But if you’re buying a new home and flipping it, or maybe you’re just tackling one small project at a time as you form your house into your dream home, think sustainably. There is an endless list of smart tech that can increase your home efficiency, not to mention products like eco-friendly insulation and solar panels, which are surprisingly affordable with city rebates. Any home project you’re working on, big or small, always keep in mind, “How can we make this more sustainable?” 3. Ethical Purchasing Decisions Whether we’re talking about food, clothes, or personal care products, these days there is always an option that has the environment in mind. Of course, sometimes this takes a little due diligence on our part to confirm its legitimacy. There is no short supply of products claiming to be “green” for one reason or another when in fact many aspects of their business are not. But some simple things we can do is shop from local suppliers as often as possible. Check out antique shops and vintage clothing stores–the stuff is usually super cool too. And pass on fast fashion. Buy clothing that is quality and long-lasting or even made out of repurposed fabrics! These garments might cost a little more, but you’ll get your mileage out of them and then some.  2. Support Sustainable Causes Plastic Soup Foundation, Water.org, tentree, 4Ocean, Natural Resources Defense Council, Greenpeace, Rainforest Alliance, WildlifeDirect—just pick one. We couldn’t list them all if we tried. There are countless wonderful charity organizations out there doing great things to lower our impact on the environment and oceans and leave a better planet for our children. If you’ve got a budget, you can

On Monday, August 9th, a report by the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was issued and delivers the starkest warnings yet. The latest findings, approved by 195 member states, deal with the physical science basis of climate change and the contribution of humans to that change. Many world leaders, particularly those of the 50 countries said to be at greatest risk have reacted strongly to the report, with the U.K. Prime Minister stating that this is a “wake up call to the world.”  The UN’s Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, has labeled it a “code red for humanity.”  No region on Earth has escaped the impacts of the climate crisis. The report states that “human-induced climate change is already affecting many weather and climate extremes in every region across the globe.” It clearly expresses that in the not-too-distant future, heatwaves, heavy rainfall, and droughts will become more common and extreme.  The assessment also reveals that levels of CO2—the primary driver of global warming—were higher in 2019 than at any other time in “at least 2 million years.” It adds that levels of methane and nitrous oxide—the second and third biggest drivers, respectively—were higher in 2019 than at any time in “at least 800,000 years.” Under the Paris Agreement in 2015, over 190 governments agreed that a global warming limit should be set at 1.5°C to 2.0°C above pre-industrial levels. However, the IPCC report states that, under all scenarios, this target will not be achievable. There is a real risk that both targets will be broken this century unless huge reductions in carbon emissions can be realized. Later this year, the U.K., in partnership with Italy, will host COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland. It is considered more vital than ever that firm agreement to carbon emission reduction targets can be put in place with a matter of urgency. The new report backs up the many recent calls for a “green recovery” as a solution to the economic instability caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. U.S. climate envoy John Kerry has voiced that to achieve carbon reduction targets, all governments need to change their economies. He went on to say, “This is a critical decade for action, and COP26 in Glasgow must be a turning point in this crisis.” GreenEarth Cleaning has long made a commitment to protecting the planet, not just through the gentler and safer composition of its environmentally non-toxic solution but also through the reductions in energy and water usage achieved from using the GreenEarth System. We will continue to strive for further improvement in the technology that we are responsible for, the relationships we manage, and our own actions in terms of sustainability targets. We will also continue to share ideas and solutions that help to inform individuals to make a difference to help the world achieve the targets set out in the Paris Agreement. There are many examples of how we can make a difference, by adjusting our behavior. The actions range from finding alternatives to travel to eating less meat and dairy to using your voice to challenge your local government or parliamentary representatives to affect change on a national level. The Grantham Institute recently published a guide on “9 Things You Can Do About Climate Change.” Yes, overall there’s a lot of information to take on board from the IPCC, but every small step in the right direction has a positive impact. By: Garry Knox