GreenEarth in the News

GreenEarth Joins Sustainable Apparel Coalition

Fri, 24 May 2013 21:44:46 GMT

GreenEarth Joins Sustainable Apparel Coalition

Collaborating to lead the apparel industry toward shared vision of sustainability

Kansas City – May 2013 – GreenEarth Cleaning announces that it has joined the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC). GreenEarth has taken a lead role in bringing environmentally responsible alternatives to the dry cleaning industry and will now look to add a "fresh load” of benefits to its legacy of sustainability.

GreenEarth will use the group’s sustainability measurement tool, the Higg Index, as a standard setting mechanism to improve the ability of its dry cleaning system to offer a "low impact” choice in the cleaning and care of garments.

With its membership in the SAC, GreenEarth joins more than 90 global brands, retailers and manufacturers, as well as government, non-profit environmental organizations, and academic institutions, which are collectively committed to improving sustainability in the apparel and footwear industries.

In its relationship with the SAC, GreenEarth will contribute both data and resources to support the Higg Index, which gauges a broad range of sustainability factors and drives supply chain decision-making to better efficiency and sustainability impact. The Higg Index is an open source, indicator-based tool that allows suppliers, manufacturers, brands and retailers to evaluate materials, products, facilities and processes based on environmental and product design choices. Longer-term, Coalition members also see the need and value of consumer-facing communication regarding full life-cycle indicators of product sustainability performance.

"We are pleased to be joining the SAC and are confident it will have a positive impact on the sustainability of the apparel industry over time as well as on our ability to offer the most sustainable choice in fabric care,” says Tim Maxwell, President of GreenEarth Cleaning. "Doing business without doing harm is the founding principle of the GreenEarth Cleaning Company.”

"We welcome the addition of GreenEarth to the Coalition, and look forward to their participation in this industry-wide effort in sustainability,” said Coalition Executive Director Jason Kibbey. "Having GreenEarth as part of the Coalition widens the scope of our impact within the apparel industry to include garment after-care and accelerates the change we’re making towards responsible industry actions.”

There are currently more than 90 members of the SAC, the majority of which are global brands and retailers including: Adidas, Ann Inc., Burberry, C&A, Gap, H&M, JCPenney, Kohl’s, Levi’s, L.L. Bean, Marks & Spencer, Nike, Nordstrom, PPR, REI, Target, and VF Corporation.

About GreenEarth:
GreenEarth Cleaning was formed in 1999 to bring environmentally non-toxic dry cleaning to the worldwide dry cleaning industry. The GreenEarth system is based upon patents utilizing liquid silicone as the dry cleaning solvent and has been optimized to provide the best possible fabric care with the smallest possible environmental footprint. GreenEarth licenses its technology to more than 1,600 retail dry cleaner locations. Through these stores, and the businesses for which they provide specialty services, the GreenEarth Cleaning system serves customers at more than 6,000 retail points of service worldwide. For more information, visit www.greenearthcleaning.com.

About the Sustainable Apparel Coalition:
The Sustainable Apparel Coalition, representing more than one-third of the global apparel and footwear industries, was formed by sustainability leaders and leading environmental and social organizations to address current social and environmental challenges. Recognizing that improved supply chain practices are both a business imperative and an opportunity, the Coalition seeks to lead a shared vision of industry supply chain sustainability through the creation and use of the Higg Index. In measuring and evaluating apparel and footwear product sustainability performance through the Higg Index, the Coalition aims to spotlight priorities for action and opportunities for technological innovation. More information on SAC, the complete Higg Index, and a full list of members can be found at http://www.apparelcoalition.org.

Media Contacts:

GreenEarth

Tim Maxwell

816-926-0895

tmaxwell@greenearthcleaning.com

Sustainable Apparel Coalition

Tim Gnatek

415-342-6632

tim@bluepractice.com

GreenEarth has joined the Sustainable Apparel Coalition

Wed, 22 May 2013 17:12:00 GMT

GreenEarth is pleased to announce that it has joined the Sustainable Apparel Coalition. The SAC, a perfect fit for GreenEarth, is a unique collaboration with leading retailers and manufacturers working toward the goal of apparel production and after care that produces no unnecessary environmental harm and has a positive impact on the people and communities they serve.

To read the full press release, click here.

Martinizing Dry Cleaning Awarded Best Green Business

Fri, 3 May 2013 15:44:01 GMT

Thornton: Business awarded for green standards

Martinizing Dry Cleaning is the only dry cleaner in Thornton that uses the Green Earth cleaning system, which has become the global standard for environmentally friendly dry cleaning, said owner Brad Johnson.

Martinizing, 13689 Colorado Blvd., also reuses six tons of hangers that are returned by their customers each year. The business is a member of the Colorado Environmental Leadership Program and strives to reduce electric and water usage.

For its efforts in environmental impact reduction, the city awarded Martinizing Dry Cleaning as the Best Green Business at Thornton’s 26^th Annual Business Expo on April 19 at the DoubleTree by Hilton.

"Thornton feels that this annual event offers an excellent opportunity not only to recognize the businesses, but also it provides a networking opportunity and a chance for the city to update business leaders on economic development news, programs and other resources available to them,” said Kimberly Schafer, economic development marketing specialist with the city.

To read the full article, click here.

Best Cleaners' Earth Day Campaign To Support Connecticut Forest And Park Association

Tue, 9 Apr 2013 21:20:45 GMT

Best Cleaners' Earth Day Campaign To Support Connecticut Forest And Park Association

This Earth Day, you can help preserve the natural beauty of our great state by supporting the Connecticut Forest and Park Association (CFPA), the first non-profit conservation organization in the state. Best Cleaners, an environmentally-friendly drycleaning business with 11 locations in central Connecticut, has teamed up with CFPA for a special Earth Day celebration and fundraising campaign. Starting on Thursday, April 18 and running through Monday, April 22, each Best Cleaners will donate a percentage of sales to CFPA with a $1000 minimum promise. The general public is also encouraged to stop by any Best location to make a donation to help fund CFPA's efforts to protect land for public enjoyment while maintaining 825 miles of hiking and biking trails.

In 2001, despite the significant expense of modifying equipment, Best Cleaners' owners Bill and Shawn McCann converted their family-owned business from the dry-cleaning solvent PERC to the GreenEarth method, an environmentally-safe, silicone-based solvent. In recognition of their initiative and commitment, the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection honored Best with a Green Circle Award for voluntarily implementing a facility-wide pollution prevention plan.

"We are always looking for new ways to be a good citizen and to help keep Connecticut clean and beautiful for generations to come," stated Shawn McCann, "That's why we encourage everyone to support the Connecticut Forest and Park Association in whatever way possible, by volunteering time or making a donation, so our greatest public assets can be maintained and enjoyed by all."

Since 1895, CFPA has helped save Connecticut land from runaway fires and clear-cutting while protecting water and wildlife resources. Recreational sites like Mohawk State Forest, Gillette Castle, Talcott Mountain and Sherwood Island still stand tall as natural state treasures thanks to CFPA's efforts in providing funding, personnel and maintenance equipment. Today, hundreds of CFPA volunteers work with public and private landowners to maintain miles of hiking and biking trails and take part in programs and special events like WalkCT and CT Trail Days.

For more information on the Connecticut Forest and Park Association, go to http://www.ctwoodlands.org. For more information on Best Cleaners and GreenEarth drycleaning method, go to http://www.bestcleaners.com.

Bridgestone Cleaners Brings Innovative, Green Touch To Garment Care

Tue, 5 Mar 2013 16:49:03 GMT

Bridgestone Cleaners Brings Innovative, Green

Touch To Garment Care

From cruise ship costumes to trashed wedding dresses, this Cobble Hill dry cleaners has seen it all.

February 28, 2013

Ken Kinzer, founder of Bridgestone Cleaners in Cobble Hill. Credit Joanna Prisco

Photos

At a glance, a degree in hotel and restaurant management and a career as a chef in the airline industry might appear misplaced on the resume of the President of the National Cleaners Association—a trade coalition serving dry cleaners small and large.

"There are actually a lot of similarities,” says Ken Kinzer, who is also the founder of Bridgestone Cleaners. His business has been removing spots, restoring silk blouses and saving other splattered textiles in Cobble Hill since 1983. But its storefront recently received a facelift, and its technological approach to cleaning clothes is practically Jetsonian—leading some neighbors to mistake the shop for a new addition.

"I hardly recognized the place—it looks great!” says a woman walking up to the counter at 175 Court Street.

The waiting area is a portrait in minimalist furniture, bright lighting, and pristine surfaces—far removed from the cluttered, humid stereotype most city dwellers might expect.

But Kinzer is the first to admit that he doesn’t run a typical dry cleaning operation, and that his prices don’t lend themselves to casualwear. Unless, of course, you tend toward the $100 tees sold at Barney’s Co-Op on Atlantic Avenue. Then, as with any investment purchase, he believes you should properly care for it so it lasts for years to come.

In order to do that, Kinzer suggests a combination of attention to detail and that cutting-edge technology mentioned earlier.

Unlike average cleaners, Bridgestone offers a range of services from dry cleaning to wet cleaning to hand washing, depending upon the needs of the soiled item. But Kinzer’s latest—and favorite—method is using a non-toxic GreenEarth cleaning solution made from liquefied sand. The process gently aggravates a stain away from the material it has bonded to, while being whipped around a centrifuge-like container. Not only are the results more efficient and earth friendly, he says, but odorless too.

Other tech-y updates are apparent in the DUMBO plant’s tracking system: Instead of stapling collars with a numbered tag, pieces are coded with an invisible bar so that they can be monitored throughout processing—and the garment’s history recorded for future visits.

"When it comes back to us we can see how many times it’s been in, what the previous issues were, everything,” says Kinzer, clearly delighted.

Client needs range from preventing wear on expensive suits to proper care for unique couture pieces; refreshing home décor items, such as pillows, curtains and comforters; and the seasonal cleaning of Ugg boots and designer gear.

In fact, Kinzer receives regular e-mail alerts from the National Cleaners Association’s Garment Analysis Laboratory, flagging high-end pieces that are known to bleed color or exhibit other defects when cleaned. That way, he and his technicians will be able to spot one if a client wants it serviced and discuss how to approach it best.

One recent e-mail cited Louis Vuitton black jeans that became blotchy and experienced "localized fading” at the hemlines and pocket edges. "This condition is known as dye crocking," the e-mail read, describing the process as when dyestuffs break away from the fabric "due to the incomplete penetration of the yarns."

While customers investing in high fashion would likely be distressed to learn that an article was prone to damage, other Bridgestone customers of a certain sensibility intentionally stain or destroy pieces worth thousands of dollars.

"It’s called ‘trash the dress,’” Kinzer explains, describing a wedding photography trend in which brides jump into the ocean or tumble around a muddy hayfield in order to capture a dramatic shot.

Can you restore a wedding dress after something like that? Kinzer smiles.

"It’s all knowing what type of stain you are dealing with, the material, and how long it has been there,” he says with a knowing laugh, noting that he has cleaned bridal gowns both for posterity and for posting on eBay.

The bizarre rituals of popular culture and the cleaning challenges they present leave Kinzer unruffled.

But he did recount one frenzied shift several years back, when a cruise ship docked in the harbor and Bridgestone was hired to clean more than 100 entertainers' costumes and employee uniforms in less than 24 hours.

"That was a crazy day,” he says, eyes wide. "But we got it done. Really great costumes.”

SAFER ALTERNATIVES IN DRY CLEANING SUMMIT & INDUSTRY TRADE FAIR

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 15:58:42 GMT

Saturday, March 9, 2013
Denver Marriott Tech Center
4900 S. Syracuse Street
Denver, Colorado 80237

Due to increasing concerns over perc dry cleaning solvent releases to the environment and related water, air and soil impacts, the Small Business Assistance Program (SBAP) at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has partnered with the Rocky Mountain Fabricare Association, GreenEarth Cleaning, CDPHE’s Hazardous Materials Waste Management Division and the Drycleaning & Laundry Institute (DLI) to bring this dry cleaning event to Denver at no charge to attendees.
The Summit & Trade Fair will feature Presentations and a panel discussion on alternative solvents from industry, allied trades and CDPHE and an Exhibitor Trade Fair offering a multitude of resources in dry cleaning, laundry and wet cleaning equipment and supplies.
The Solvent Summit will be a unique opportunity for dry cleaners to spend a day where they may learn all the latest on the development of alternative solvents, wetcleaning and how to optimize their application. Talk directly with industry representatives and state environmental leaders. Exhibit space is provided for any and all of the possible tools and resources being offered to dry cleaners.
Booths for exhibitors are available to display the latest in equipment, products, chemistry and services. Admission is FREE for attendees and refreshments (including lunch) are all provided at no charge throughout the day. Pre-registered attendees will get a gift at the door. Exhibitor’s booth setup fee is only $200.
Click here http://tinyurl.com/SummitExhibitorRegistration for Trade Fair Exhibitors Registration.

$200.00 will secure a 10 x 10 booth which includes:
Drapes and side curtains (3 sided )
110 V outlet
Table ( 6 ft ) with decorative cloth cover
Trash can and two chairs
Internet connection
Water stations will be setup for everyone to utilize
Boxes and packages are free to ship to the hotel
Domestic water and drain available to select limited booth spaces
For additional cost there is also available a limited number of connections to 3 phase power supply
Special $89.00 Marriott room rate for participants
For complete details and exhibitor package you may contact:
Joe Blaha
Summit Coordinator
303-810-3508
jblaha@greenearthcleaning.com

Listed below are social media sites and quick links that can provide you with the most up to date information regarding the summit. Please note there is a separate registration form for exhibitors and attendees.
Facebook: http://tiny.cc/RMFA_Facebook
Rocky Mountain Fabricare Association Website: www.rmfa.org
Colorado Department of Health and Environment Website:
http://tinyurl.com/SummitHomePage
Brochure: http://www.rmfa.org/files/DC-Summit-Brochure.pdf
Exhibitor Registration: http://tinyurl.com/SummitExhibitorRegistration
Attendee registration: http://tinyurl.com/SummitParticipantsRegister
Hotel: http://tinyurl.com/SummitMarriottHotel
Joni Canterbury, SBAP, (303)692-3175 or joni.canterbury@state.co.us
AGENDA:

8:30 a.m. Registration and Continental Breakfast
9:00 a.m. Regulatory perspectives: "Colorado: Going Green” plus "Are Alternatives Regulated?”
10:30 a.m. Break and Exhibitor Booths Open
11 a.m. "Understanding Professional Wet Cleaning: Skills & Tools to be Successful.”
12 Noon Lunch and Exhibitor Booths Open
1:00 p.m. "Alternative Solvents: How Do I Choose?”
1:30 p.m. Exhibitor Booths Open
2:30 p.m. Panel Discussion: "Alternative Solvents” (panelists include Allied Vendors & Dry Cleaning Owners/Operators using Alternative Solvents).
4:30 p.m. Refreshments, Exhibitor Booths Open until 5:30 p.m.
Contact Us - Our office and staff are available to help answer your questions from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Toll Free: (866) 964-RMFA Denver Metro: (970) 330- 0124 Email: info@rmfa.org

Xeros Wins Environmental Awards for Laundry Appliances Using Bead Cleaning Technology

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 16:56:15 GMT

Xeros Wins Environmental Awards for Laundry Appliances Using Bead Cleaning Technology
Feb 12, 2013

Xeros, maker of low-water bead-cleaning laundry appliances, won two green innovation honors at Rushlight Awards 2013.

Xeros won the Rushlight Sustainable Manufacturing & Services Award and the Rushlight Environmental Management Award. The Environmental Management Award winner is chosen from the winners of five other Rushlight awards categories.

Xeros cleans clothes with very little water, using its own patented polymer beads. The cleaning system comprises a special washing machine, which releases the beads into the drum for cleaning and removing the beads from the clothes once cleaning is complete. The system is designed to use up to 80% less water, 50% less energy, and 50% less detergent compared to conventional washing, but also to deliver superior cleaning.

The technology launched into the commercial laundry market in late 2012, with initial sales to laundries in the UK and United States.

Bridgestone Cleaners Supports Operation PROM

Fri, 1 Feb 2013 17:04:57 GMT

Green Dry Cleaning Expert Bridgestone Cleaners Supports Operation PROM

Brooklyn’s foremost green dry cleaning expert Ken Kinzer of Bridgestone Cleaners puts support behind Operation PROM Brooklyn.

Brooklyn, NY (PRWEB) January 31, 2013

There are many different types of gowns for women to wear on formal occasions – wedding, ball, prom, quinceanera – and Brooklyn’s leading green dry cleaning expert Ken Kinzer of Bridgestone cleaners has seen, and cleaned, them all.

"I see more things alike with prom dresses and wedding gowns. Both are being worn at parties dragged on the floor, covered with beverage, food and whatever stains,” says Bridgestone Cleaners’ Ken Kinzer.

Gowns are very important to Ken and he recognizes how important they are to many young ladies in Brooklyn during prom season and that is why he is putting Bridgestone Cleaners support behind Operation PROM Brooklyn – an inaugural dress drive to collect gowns and cocktail dresses for those who can't purchase their own.

"Bridgestone Cleaners locations will serve as drop off destinations for those donating gowns now through March 31. We feel it’s a great cause to help many young women in Brooklyn feel special.”

Mr. Kinzer also has some advice for how to care for those gowns to keep them in tip top shape.

"The trick is in stain identification and that's where over 30 years experience and training not only in dry cleaning but also in the technology of wet cleaning, comes in,” Mr. Kinzer said.

Bridgestone Cleaners is one of the leading experts in the field of green dry cleaning in New York City and is part of the GreenEarth Cleaning family, using their non-toxic dry cleaning solution and Eco-friendly wet cleaning techniques.

"Many of the gowns we clean end up having to be cleaned several times in order to return them to new condition. Along with having the experience one needs to have invested in true wet cleaning machinery. After all the FTC is about to add wet cleaning to its care label choices. So wet cleaning is not my Mom's washing machine.”

Bridgestone Cleaners are Brooklyn's real green dry cleaning serving brownstone Brooklyn and downtown Manhattan. Call 718-222-9958, or visit our Dumbo (109 Front Street) or Cobble Hill (175 Court Street), Brooklyn, NY locations. Follow us on Facebook. and Twitter @nycgreencleaners.

Green Your Green: Eco-Friendly Dry Cleaning

Thu, 6 Dec 2012 22:27:53 GMT

Eco-Friendly Dry Cleaning

Posted on November 29, 2012

Dry cleaning does not have to take a toll on the environment anymore. Environmentally-friendly dry cleaners are now investing in new technologies that do not contain hazardous chemicals to pollute the air, soil or water.

Crest Cleaners, a chain of individually owned drycleaners located in Northern Virginia and Maryland, cares about the environment, as well as your clothes.

Crest Cleaners uses a method called GreenEarth Cleaning throughout its 14 locations. GreenEarth Cleaning is a non-toxic process using liquid silicone, the base ingredient in shampoos, conditioners and lotions. Liquid silicone is composed of liquefied sand and breaks down into its basic natural elements when released into the environment. Traditional dry cleaning uses petrochemical solvents such as perchloroethylene, or perc. Perc was introduced in the 1950’s as an alternative to flammable, more toxic cleaning products.

"Customers say their clothes don’t have an odor like traditional dry cleaning. They say their cloths smell fresh,” Mario, the manager of the Reston store said. "Our customers are very happy with our service.”

The GreenEarth process is also gentle on clothes, keeping colors from fading and fabrics looking newer.

Crest Cleaners takes back customers wire hangers as another way to reduce their environmental footprint. "A lot of customers bring back their hangers so we can reuse them,” Mario explains.

Northern Virginia Magazine recognized Crest Cleaners as the "Best Dry Cleaner of 2012″ for its customer service and ecological practices.

Crest Cleaners offers free home pickup and delivery service.

For more information, visit: http://crestcleaners.rtrk.com/?

Hyatt Regency Reston, Virginia Picks Xeros to Put the Green in Its Whites

Thu, 6 Dec 2012 22:26:25 GMT

Hyatt Regency Reston, Virginia Picks Xeros to Put the Green in Its Whites

Host Hotels & Resorts Property Signs On To Become an Affirmation Participant

December 05, 2012 12:17 PM Eastern Time

RESTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Xeros Ltd, the UK-based innovator of a "virtually waterless” laundry cleaning system, announced today that the Hyatt Regency Reston, Virginia will become an affirmation participant and begin using Xeros’ proprietary cleaning solution for its guestrooms and restaurant. The revolutionary, eco-friendly Xeros washing machine was installed at the property on Tuesday, December 4th to expertly launder Hyatt’s guest room and dining room linens and bath towels using less water, less chemicals and less energy than traditional methods. This marks the second affirmation site for Xeros in the United States. The company first entered the US market in September 2012 with its first washing machine placed at Sterling Linens in Manchester, New Hampshire.

"We are optimistic and encouraged by what the Xeros technology could mean for the future of laundry services and our industry”

"We’re excited to work with a premier hotel such as the Hyatt Regency Reston,” said Bill Westwater, Chief Executive Officer of Xeros Ltd. "Our revolutionary cleaning system will provide the Hyatt with dramatic savings in laundry and utility costs per year, as well as superior cleaning for guest comfort and convenience.”

Backed by 30 years of research, Xeros’ environmentally-friendly polymer bead cleaning system delivers superior cleaning performance, decreases costs and lowers a laundry’s impact on the environment. The company currently provides its solution to in-house laundry operations for the hotel and lodging industry, as well as retail dry cleaners, and plans to broaden its commercial and domestic outreach in the future.

"We are optimistic and encouraged by what the Xeros technology could mean for the future of laundry services and our industry,” said David Eisenman, General Manager for the Hyatt Regency Reston. "Through our relationship with Xeros, we will be able to meet the needs of our guests, while at the same time reducing our utility consumption and carbon footprint in the world.”

The Xeros technology uses a fraction of the water, energy and detergent required for conventional cleaning methods, and provides significant cost-saving and environmental benefits:

Uses 70-90% less water than traditional washing machines
Consumes approximately 40-60% less chemicals than traditional methods
Reduces energy use up to 45-65%
Patented beads capable of hundreds of washes before reaching life span, which are then collected and recycled
UK Partners achieved superior cleaning yet water savings of 80% using 50-80% less detergent
Minimizes carbon footprint

Through the use of polymer bead technology, the revolutionary Xeros cleaning process has been proven more effective than traditional "soap and water” methods. By combining the beads’ molecular structure with a proprietary detergent solution, the result is a superior cleaning medium that beats even water. The dirt from soiled items is attracted and absorbed by the beads, producing cleaner results than aqueous washing methods.

The Xeros cleaning solution will be located at the Hyatt Regency Reston to support the property’s cleaning needs. This marks Xeros’ second installation in North America. The company entered the marketplace in August 2012 with its first installation at Sterling Linen Services in Manchester, New Hampshire.

About Xeros:

Located at the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom, Xeros Ltd. has commercialized a globally relevant technology born from the pioneering work of Professor Stephen Burkinshaw at the Textile Design department of the University of Leeds. Xeros was named a top invention by TIME magazine, winner of ‘Best Technological Breakthrough’ in The Climate Week Awards 2011; listed in WWF’s survey of global ‘Green Game Changers’ and selected as one of 19 best fast-growing ‘Clean and Cool’ companies to go on a government-sponsored mission to Silicon Valley in February, 2010. For additional information, please visit www.xeroscleaning.com.

About Hyatt Regency Reston:

There's much more to Hyatt Regency Reston than meets the eye. This Four-Diamond Reston hotel has been named a Readers Choice Top 100 Hotel in the United States by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine. It features 518 oversized, elegantly appointed guestrooms, plush Hyatt grand beds, and spacious work areas with ergonomic chairs and wi-fi. Located in the Reston Town Center, the hotel’s location allows guests to enjoy myriad shops, restaurants and movie theaters, making it an ideal starting point for exploring Washington DC and experiencing the fascinating State of Virginia.

Contacts

Regan Communications Group
Saverio Mancini, 860-561-1822
smancini@regancomm.com

First Xeros laundry system has been installed at fellow GreenEarth Affiliate, Jeeves of Belgravia, i

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 16:36:37 GMT

The first Xeros laundry system has been installed at fellow GreenEarth Affiliate, Jeeves of Belgravia, in London. For more information, visit www.xerosltd.com.

North Dakota Approves GreenEarth, No Air Quality Permit Required

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 19:38:57 GMT

Andy Lien, General Manager of Camelot Cleaners in Fargo, North Dakota received a letter from the North Dakota Department of Health and we image he couldn't be happier. The letter stated that "GreenEarth is an environmentally friendly liquid, not subject to EPA regulation, therefore, an Air Quality Permit to Operate is no longer required". Andy stated that " I no longer need to record or submit paperwork to the state regarding poundage or waste (since I have none) and no longer need to apply for Air Quality Permits". Saving time and money for his operation! For the full letter click here.

GreenEarth Affiliate, Martinizing Cleaners Wichita, Winner of the 2012 Small Business Environmental

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 22:23:27 GMT

GreenEarth Affiliate, Martinizing Cleaners Wichita, Winner of the 2012 Small Business Environmental Stewardship Award!

NATIONAL COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES WINNER OF2012 SMALL BUSINESS ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AWARD May 29, 2012 – The National Steering Committee (NSC) for the Small Business Ombudsman/Small Business Environmental Assistance Programs (SBOs/SBEAPs) recognized five award winners during its 9th Annual Small Business Recognition Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, May 8, 2012. The ceremony was held during the19th Annual 507 Program Training at the Sheraton Crystal City Hotel in Arlington, Virginia.

Martinizing Dry Cleaning of Wichita, Kansas was honored in the category of Small Business Environmental Stewardship. Owner Nancy Staal opened her business in 2006 after working with the Kansas Small Business Environmental Assistance Program to ensure that she fulfilled all environmental compliance obligations and that she understood the ongoing compliance requirements as she began her day-to-day operations. Source reduction and recycling opportunities that highlight her commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability include:

- Utilization of Green Earth cleaning solvent, making her the first dry cleaner to use a non-perc or nonpetroleum solvent in Wichita

- Reclamation of additional usable solvent from the separator water that is normally evaporated, resulting in recovery of at least one gallon of solvent per week, a potential $1,040 per year savings.

- Offering customers hanger recycling, biodegradable poly bags, and "green garment” convert-a-bags services.

For more information about the National Small Business Awards Recognition Program as well as services offered nationally by the Small Business Environmental Assistance Programs, visit the Small Business Environmental Home Page at http://www.smallbiz-enviroweb.org. The web page is supported by funding fromthe US EPA Office of Small Business Programs and maintained by Audrey Graylin Zelanko, VisionTechnologies, Inc. and AGZ & Associates, LLC.

Best Cleaners Celebrates 10 Years of Green Cleaning

Wed, 6 Jun 2012 21:29:53 GMT

http://www.americandrycleaner.com/article/conn-governor-recognizes-best-cleaners-decade-green’-dry-cleaning

Conn. Governor Recognizes Best Cleaners for Decade of ‘Green’ Dry Cleaning

ARTICLE | JUNE 04, 2012 | BY STAFF WRITER

(From left) Connecticut Forest & Park Association Executive Director Eric Hammerling, Best Cleaners owners Shawn McCann and Bill McCann, and Connecticut State Sen. Paul Doyle at the Best Cleaners Day presentation on May 23 in Glastonbury, Conn.

" alt="Best Cleaners Day presentation image" src="http://www.americandrycleaner.com/sites/all/files/imagecache/350x320/images/story_images/Best-Cleaners-Day-Presentation%28web%29.jpg" width=350 height=320>

MIDDLETOWN, Conn. — When Best Cleaners owners Bill and Shawn McCann completed the conversion of their family-owned business to the GreenEarth® dry cleaning method a decade ago, they knew it was the right move for many reasons.

Despite the significant cost of modifying equipment in all 11 Connecticut locations, they believed that switching from perc to the environmentally safe silicone-based solvent would be a win-win for everyone. Customers’ clothing and household goods would be treated to a kinder, gentler cleaning process while chemical odors would become a distant memory. Soon, the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection recognized Best with a Green Circle Award for voluntarily implementing a facility-wide pollution prevention plan.

In recognition of Best’s leadership and commitment to keeping Connecticut green, Connecticut State Sen. Paul Doyle recently presented the McCanns with a citation from Gov. Dannel "Dan” Malloy honoring the 10th anniversary milestone and Best’s ongoing community support.

To celebrate the commendation and to encourage others to their part for the environment, Best Cleaners donated $1,000 to the Connecticut Forest & Park Association.

"Converting to GreenEarth was one of the best business decisions we have made in our 58-year history,” says Shawn McCann. "We are extremely honored by the governor’s recognition of Best Cleaners as we look forward to new ways to help keep Connecticut clean and beautiful for generations to come.”

National Clothesline- GreenEarth gets green light in Canada.

Tue, 8 May 2012 15:07:19 GMT

GreenEarth gets green light in Canada

The Canadian government has decided not to pursue restrictions on the use of siloxane D5, the key component of GreenEarth drycleaning solvent. The ruling clears a cloud hanging over D5 since 2009 when Environment Canada said it was looking at regulating the chemical. At that time the agency said it did not believe D5 posed a threat to human health but it wanted it to investigate releases of D5 into the environment, citing concerns for bioaccumulation in fish and other aquatic organisms. A board of review was convened by the environmental ministry to further investigate the issue. Last fall, the board reported that "it is virtually impossible for siloxane D5 to occur in any environmental matrix at concentrations sufficient to produce harm to the environment.”

Peter Kent, Canada’s environment minister, has now affirmed the board’s decision.
"This decision follows a thorough analysis of the Siloxane D5 Board of Review’s report, all existing available scientific information, and on-going international regulatory activities,” said Kent. "It underlines our commitment to reach fact-based conclusions to protect Canadians’ health and the environment.”

D5 is used in dozens of consumer products in addition to GreenEarth drycleaning. It is a common ingredient in personal care products, including deodorants, antiperspirants, cosmetics, shampoos and body lotions, and it is used in the production of silicone polymers and in industrial cleaning. Environment Canada is the second major regulatory body to decide that D5 poses no threat to human health or the environment. The California Air Resources Board reached the same conclusion in 2008 after studying GreenEarth as an alternative to the use of perc in drycleaning.
From the beginning, GreenEarth officials said they were confident that Canada would not restrict the use of GreenEarth. "We have always applauded the measured, fact-based approach that Canada has taken on the bioaccumulation issue and are pleased to yet again have science on our side,” said Tim Maxwell, GreenEarth president. "We have always welcomed regulatory reviews like the one now concluded in Canada because they offer scientific, thorough and independent perspective on the environmental, health and safety profile of GreenEarth silicone,” Maxwell added. "GreenEarth has never required regulation of any kind by any regulatory body in either the U.S. or Canada and news like this confirms our confidence in the security of our regulation-free status.”

In the U.S., EPA has been silent on the subject of D5 regulation in recent years. In a "fact sheet” on the use of D5 in drycleaning published in 2005, EPA said it would evaluate various studies and was "interested in receiving data on human exposure to D5, including drycleaning applications.” There has been no action by EPA since then.
Regulators in Europe continue to review the environmental safety of D5, according to the European Silicones Centre.

Kimco, North America's largest owner & operator of neighborhood & community shopping centers, announ

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 19:56:37 GMT

Dry Cleaning Conversions: How Kimco is helping dry cleaners replace perc with environmentally safe alternatives.

Many dry cleaners are at a turning point in their businesses, and Kimco is offering some new ways to help them round the corner. Dry cleaners are under increasing pressure to eliminate their use of perchloroethylene. Known as "perc” for short, the chemical has been used by nearly all dry cleaners since the 1930s.

But perc has been classified by the EPA as a "likely human carcinogen” if inhaled or consumed. This draws a direct line to dry cleaners, because vapor emissions and waste from their establishments can contaminate the soil, groundwater, and air, not to mention impact the shop environment for employees and customers. In addition, just this past February, the EPA concluded that perc can cause neurological, kidney, immune, and other health problems in addition to cancer.

It’s doubtful any dry cleaner isn’t familiar with the major regulations that have come out over the past several years to reduce harmful emissions from dry cleaning operations. Dry cleaners located in residential buildings must stop using perc by 2020, according to national EPA regulations. And the California Air Resources Board is phasing out all perc dry cleaning statewide by 2023.

As a result, many dry cleaners have begun transitioning to non-toxic, environmentally safe cleaning agents and methods. Manufacturers are responding by producing more green dry cleaning technologies. And some landlords have adopted new policies requiring their dry cleaning tenants to eliminate their use of perc and convert their operations to green establishments.

Over the past several years, Kimco has taken some of the most aggressive strides to reduce the use of perc in its shopping centers and the associated environmental, health, and regulatory risks. We’ve updated our practices and procedures to encourage green dry cleaners to come to our centers and to facilitate the green conversion of existing perc dry cleaners. We have researched the various alternatives and have found several environmentally safe options for dry cleaners.

We wanted to write about our initiatives to make current and prospective Kimco dry cleaning tenants aware of their options. Also, if you’re in the dry cleaning or real estate industries, we hope this helps you understand what we’re doing as a company to support the various governmental regulations and bring greater safety to communities in which our shopping centers are located.

Kimco’s Good Housekeeping Practices

Current Kimco perc dry cleaning tenants that remain in good standing with respect to their lease agreement can continue to use perc and operate their business as they currently do until their lease expires. When their lease expires, if tenants desire to remain in the center, they have the option to either convert their business to one of the approved green technologies, or convert to what is known as a drop-off/pick-up store.

A drop-off location is a store that accepts clothes for dry cleaning, but all the dry cleaning is done off site. This is a popular choice for tenants that have multiple locations. In this case, tenants might have one facility where they dry clean clothes, along with several drop-off locations that feed it.

As far as green technologies go, the options that are generally widely accepted and approved for Kimco’s centers are:

1. The GreenEarth Cleaning method. GreenEarth Cleaning is used by over 1,500 dry cleaners worldwide, and is growing rapidly. The GreenEarth method uses liquid silicone — which is essentially liquefied sand — to carry detergent to garments to remove dirt and oil. Liquid silicone is odorless, colorless, and doesn’t react with fabric fibers. This lets it clean without abrasion, so garments stay smooth and don’t shrink. When liquid silicone is released into the environment, it breaks down into sand, water, and carbon dioxide. GreenEarth has an affiliate program, so Kimco dry cleaners can either license GreenEarth’s technology to use in their business, or open a Tide Dry Cleaners franchise location. Tide Dry Cleaners is a franchise that uses GreenEarth’s technology for all dry cleaning, and is an approved Kimco franchise. More information about GreenEarth and licensing its technology can be found on its website.

2. Wet cleaning. The wet cleaning process uses computer-controlled washers and dryers, and biodegradable, non-hazardous detergents and conditioners, similar to home laundry products. Wet cleaning is safe for many fabrics that are traditionally dry cleaned, including silks, woolens, linens, suede, and leather. All waste is disposed of through existing drains and can be handled by the local waste water treatment facility. Wet cleaning typically whitens whites very well and is highly effective at removing water-based stains.

3. Liquid carbon dioxide cleaning process. Liquid carbon dioxide has a gas-like consistency and a low surface tension. This lets it function as a very effective solvent when combined with recyclable detergents. Once garments are cleaned through the liquid carbon dioxide process, excess dirt and detergent is distilled from wash fluid. Residue is collected and recycled. Carbon dioxide gas is removed from the machine using a compressor and the gas is sent back to the storage tank for reuse. Heat is not needed to dry clothes, eliminating the risk of heat-related damage and setting any stains that might not have been removed during the wash cycle. The process also has excellent color fastness.

It is important to note that the hydrocarbon cleaning process using solvents such as Exxon-Mobil’s DF-2000 or Chevron Phillips’ EcoSolv, which are sometimes perceived as green alternatives, are not truly green. These petroleum-based solvents contain volatile organic compounds, like perc, and are thus treated as hazardous materials. If they leaked into the soil or groundwater, a cleanup might be required. Although better and safer than perc, and less costly to remediate, these solvents pose many of the same risks and problems as perc, so Kimco does not consider hydrocarbon cleaning an acceptable alternative to perc.

Once tenants adopt a green cleaning method, several important business benefits are available to them. Green cleaning creates a competitive differentiation that tenants can use to create a positive narrative about their business and boost their marketing power. This can attract new customers, who are increasingly environmentally conscious.

Kimco is committed to working closely with our dry cleaning tenants so that conversions have as minimal of an impact as possible on their business. Our goal is to help our tenants eliminate environmental, financial, and regulatory risk regarding the use of perc, and improve the safety of the environments in which we operate.

We want our dry cleaning tenants to stay in their locations, and we’d like new tenants to come to Kimco centers that don’t already have a dry cleaning business. Our company mission has always been to support neighborhood shopping centers and their tenants — many of which are small, mom-and-pop shops — and dry cleaners are an integral part of that tenant dynamic.

And at the end of the day, we believe dry cleaners are great co-tenants to have in shopping centers. Dry cleaners require two visits — one to drop off clothes and one to pick them up, which helps bring more traffic to the center overall.

Over the years we have signed new leases with tenants employing some of these green technologies, and many more operating as drop-off locations. We have also had great success over the years converting several of our dry cleaning tenants to green cleaning and drop-off locations.

We’re planning to interview some of our dry cleaning tenants on our blog about their conversion experience to help you understand what’s involved and how to go about handling the process. Look for our first interview in the coming weeks.

If you have any questions about anything you’ve read here, feel free to leave a comment.

Categories: Sustainability
Tags: Biodegradable, Dry cleaners, Dry cleaning, Environment, GreenEarth Cleaning, Hydrocarbon cleaning, Leasing, Liquid carbon dioxide, Liquid carbon dioxide cleaning, Liquid silicone, Perc, Tenants, Wet cleaning

To read this article, please click on the link below:

http://blog.kimcorealty.com/2012/04/dry-cleaning-conversions-how-kimco-is-helping-dry-cleaners-replace-perc-with-environmentally-safe-alternatives/

Canada decides D5 “will not harm environment"

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:38:31 GMT

The Canadian Government has reviewed the 2009 assessment of siloxane D5 and concluded that it is not harmful to the environment.

Environment Minister, Peter Kent convened the country’s review board in August 2010, with a mandate to re-examine the assessment and also take into account more recent scientific information. He announced the board’s decision at the end of February 2012.

Tim Maxwell, president of GreenEarth Cleaning said the news represented a gratifying end to Canada's official conclusion back in 2008 that the D5 silicone used in the GreenEarth Cleaning process does not constitute a danger to human life or health.

He added: "We have always applauded the measured, fact-based approach that Canada has taken on the bioaccumulation issue and are pleased to yet again have science on our side.”

http://www.laundryandcleaningnews.com/story.asp?sectioncode=138&storyCode=2062171

A precautionary tale: Learn why the Canadian regulatory reversal on D5 silicone made regulatory his

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 17:32:24 GMT

A precautionary tale: Learn why the Canadian regulatory reversal on D5 silicone made regulatory history and why current scientific data and methodologies are vital to responsible risk assessments.

Scientists Recommend Canadian Regulation Be More Reasonable; Government Listens - Forbes http://onforb.es/I4tqjM

Canada Declares Siloxane D5 Not Harmful to the Environment

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 20:48:42 GMT

Concurring with the findings of an independent scientific panel of experts, Canada's Minister of the Environment declares that D5 does not pose a danger to the environment. For more information click here.

GreenEarth® Cleaning Welcomes Master Licensor in India and the Middle East

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 21:04:47 GMT

GreenEarth® Cleaning Welcomes Master Licensor in India and the Middle East Wotek Corporation a solution provider for dry cleaners, commercial, hotel and hospital laundries. (

February 28, 2012) – GreenEarth Cleaning, LLC has announced the signing of a new Master Licensor for India and the Middle East, the Wotek Corporation based in Piscataway, New Jersey. A U.S. engineering company, exporting and servicing well-known dry cleaning and laundry brands such as Union, Unimac, Multimatic, Lapauw, Hoffman, BW, Chicago, SIDI and White Conveyors. Wotek Corporation will license GreenEarth’s patented dry cleaning process to hotels and progressive operators in the dry cleaning space. In partnering with the world’s largest brand of environmentally friendly dry cleaning, Wotek positions itself as the exclusive future friendly solution provider to the hotel and dry cleaning markets in India and the Middle East. The unique fabric care advantages of GreenEarth’s environment safe process over perc and available alternatives were a key reason why Wotek sought to partner with GreenEarth. In addition to the environmental benefits it provides, the science behind GreenEarth’s silicone-based dry cleaning process enables it to clean the widest range of fabrics – eliminating problems commonly found with specialty fabrics, ornamentation and garment construction – without compromising cleaning performance. With the Wotek Master Licensor Agreement, GreenEarth is now licensed in 33 different countries. GreenEarth has more than 1600 Affiliate licenses worldwide; approximately half are in the United States. "The level of interest in GreenEarth, both internationally and here in the U.S., continues to grow,” said Tim Maxwell, President of GreenEarth Cleaning. "Our focus remains on quality over quantity; we are very selective about who we partner with to license our patented process and trademarks. Wotek Corporation is a top-notch, forward looking company—we respect the work they do and are pleased to partner with them to expand the reach of GreenEarth Cleaning.”

GreenEarth Affiliate Workshop in Savannah, GA April 20-21st

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 09:31:00 GMT

There is still time to register for the GreenEarth Affiliate workshop in Savannah, Georgia on April 20th and 21st. Savannah was the named the "destination of choice" by our Affiliates who participated in our recent workshop survey and we know you will love Savannah! This historic city is known for its charm and beauty; a city famous for its role in both the Revolutionary and Civil wars, for being the birthplace of the Girl Scouts and the setting for John Berendt's book "Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil. .
We have a packed agenda so we will start at 8 a.m. on Friday morning in order to wrap up Saturday before noon; leaving you time to enjoy all that Savannah has to offer. Pam Blaha, has offered to organize a trolley tour and lunch for spouses not attending the workshop; please let Joe Blaha know if you are interested.

If you plan on staying on, there is plenty to do; consider taking a short drive to Hilton Head or stay and take in the sites around Savannah with an Old Town Trolley Tour, or stroll through City Market, visit the Juliette Gordon Low Museum, enjoy shopping at Oglethorpe Mall, or meet a pirate while lunching at The Pirates’ House. For dinner there are many restaurants that aim to dazzle the even the most enthusiastic foodie.

As always the workshops are FREE to GreenEarth our Affiliates and industry partners alike. Of course you will need to get yourself there and reserve your room but we will take care of the rest. Friday's breakfast, lunch at Vic's and the Riverboat dinner and cruise are compliments of GreenEarth. We are pleased to have the Jeremy Davis Trio performing at our dinner Friday night. We know you will enjoy his blend of jazz and big band sound!
You can register online at http://www.greenearthcleaning.com/events/event_list.asp or email kmaxwell@greenearthcleaning.com.

We are finalizing our agenda to include new marketing and technical initiatives along with sessions with Jim Barry, Ron Benjamin, Jim Douglas, Tim Maxwell and Stacy Sopcich. We are also pleased to have guest presenters Mark Jones from Spot and Liz Davies from Liz Davies Drycleaning Consulting Services.

Once you have registered, here are few details to help you finalize your plans. If you are flying to Savannah, the closest airport is Savannah (SAV) and it is a 20 minute cab ride to the hotel. If you would like to carpool please contact Joe Blaha at 303-810-3508. We have reserved a block of rooms at the Historic River Street Inn until March 30th at a group rate of $179 for Thursday and $200 Friday.

To register at the hotel please call Regina Graham directly at the River Street Inn for the GreenEarth rate at (912) 790-9698 or email regina@riverstreetinn.com. There are also other hotels for you to choose from. The meetings and Friday's continental breakfast and lunch will take place at Vic's on the River in their second floor meeting room, which is next door to the Riverstreet Inn.
We are looking forward to seeing you! Please feel free to contact Karen if you have any questions.

GreenEarth at SDA's Show in San Antonio Texas March 30- April 1st

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:41:36 GMT

Look for GreenEarth at the Southwest Drycleaner Association Expo in San Antonio, Texas March 30 - April 1st. 2012. See GreenEarth running LIVE at the Columbia/Ilsa Booth #709!

Please stop by our booth #707. If you have any questions or would like to set up a time to meet please contact Joe Blaha

Joe Blaha GreenEarth Representative

GreenEarth at Clean Canada 2012

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:57:23 GMT

Look for Tim Maxwell GreenEarth President and Robert Kuenzlen, our Master Licensor for GreenEarth Canada at the upcoming Clean Canada April 13-15, 2012 at the Toronto Congress Center. This show is organized by CLATA and is Canada's largest Drycleaner and Launders Expo of the Year.

Stop by the GreenEarth Canada booth# 703. We look forward to seeing you there!

For more information about registration, accomodations and events click here.

Best of: Lexington Dry Cleaning Voted Best Dry Cleaner

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 19:53:49 GMT

Lexington Dry Cleaning takes dry cleaning honors

By Shireese Bell - Patch.com
February 17, 2012

Where's the best place to get that spot out of your favorite shirt or to get your laundry cleaned and pressed?

Patch readers who voted in our "Best of Patch: Dry Cleaning" say Lexington Dry Cleaning and Laundry Services is the best place in the Irmo-Seven Oaks area.

Lexington Dry Cleaning received 50 percent of the votes.

"We would like to thank everyone that voted us best dry cleaners in the Irmo - Seven Oaks area, Mary Medina, office manager for Lexington Dry Cleaning said. "We appreciate your business!"

In addition to dry cleaning and laundry services, Lexington Dry Cleaning offers alterations, shoe repair, leather and fur services, fabric and fire restoration, and GreenEarth cleaning.

Lexington Dry Cleaning has 16 locations with four in the Irmo-Seven Oaks area.

Next week, Patch is looking for the "Best Cup of Coffee." The voting begins at 9 a.m. on Monday.

For more information or to read the entire article: http://irmo.patch.com/articles/best-of-lexington-dry-cleaning-voted-best-in-dry-cleaning

Dirty Laundry.....? By Barbara Geens

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:19:29 GMT

Check out Barbara Geens recent blog January 2012

By Barbara Geens

Since my arrival in Australia in 2006 I had to refocus my career on quality assurance – the Australian way. I had worked throughout Asia following garment production on behalf of German and American clients, and care instructions generally consisted of five little symbols.

These little symbols are a mystery to most Australians, and when not sure what to do hand wash appears to be the care solution for garments produced for the Australian market. Confounded and asked to review my employer’s QA manual, I embarked on a search for answers. This journey has taken me to different places, I read a lot of interesting books and pamphlets and met industry peers that are on a similar quest to find answers and help Australian consumers to better understand garment care.

With a wave of delicate embroidered and highly embellished styles that our manufacturers claimed could neither be washed nor dry cleaned, my team and I were faced with a new challenge. A garment that could not be laundered would not only sell poorly, but also not meet Australian standard requirements. With wash trials failing, we decided to investigate dry clean options. And I discovered a professional group that I essentially had not considered as a customer of my professional work up to then.

We sent samples to different dry cleaners and took a tour through RMIT’s dry cleaning facility to better understand what options we could offer our customers. Through Nick Bancroft we discovered Russel Waddy and the team at GreenEarth® Cleaning. With GreenEarth, a solvent based on liquid silicone, we found a viable cleaning solution for our customers.

For me personally the encounter opened my eyes to an industry that is reliant on how well we at retail or manufacturing level do our work. As a result of the encounters, GreenEarth invited me as a guest speaker to their Australia & New Zealand Annual Affiliates' Conference held in Adelaide in October ’11, to give dry cleaners an insight into the work of manufacturers and retailers. My presentation focussed on how a care label ends up in a garment, from product development, fabric, component and garment testing through to production. It gave me an understanding on how little dry cleaners understand production processes, but also how well they can deal with garments from their own experience. They can achieve amazing results, especially if a garment is well labelled. At the same time they can ruin a garment if the labelling is poor or misguiding – even with best intentions and years of experience up their sleeves.

With the ACLs in place, more emphasis is now being placed on product liability as well as avoiding misleading labelling or understating washability or dry clean ability of garments. The dry cleaners are calling for a closer cooperation with manufacturers and retailers, to ensure consumer satisfaction.

Working closely with a variety of stakeholders around the clothing and related industries some day we may help our customers to decipher the mystery of those 5 little symbols.

For more about Barbara Geens http://www.tfiaclusters.com

For more information on ALC see: www.consumerlaw.gov.au - Businesses and the ACL