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Sustainable Ways to Refresh Your Garments Between Dry Cleaning Visits

With a few simple, sustainable habits, you can extend the life of your clothing, reduce unnecessary cleaning, and keep your wardrobe fresh between professional care. Not only does this help your clothes last longer, but it also supports a more environmentally conscious approach to garment care. Here are a few easy ways to refresh your clothing between dry cleaning visits: Let Your Clothes Breathe One of the easiest ways to freshen garments is simply to air them out. After wearing a blazer, dress, sweater, or pair of trousers, hang the item in a well-ventilated area for several hours before putting it back in your closet. Fresh air helps release trapped moisture and odors while allowing fabrics to recover from daily wear. Avoid placing recently worn clothing directly into a crowded closet, where moisture and odors can become trapped. Steam Away Wrinkles and Odors A handheld garment steamer is a great investment for maintaining your wardrobe. Steam helps relax wrinkles, remove light odors, and revive the appearance of fabrics without the wear that can come from frequent washing. Always check the garment’s care label before steaming, and use the appropriate setting for delicate materials. Brush Away Dust and Lint Natural fiber garments such as wool coats, blazers, and suits benefit from occasional brushing with a clothing brush. Brushing removes surface dust, lint, and debris while helping maintain the fabric’s texture and appearance. Using a lint roller between wears is another quick way to keep clothing looking polished. Store Garments Properly Proper storage plays a major role in keeping clothes fresh. Use sturdy, appropriately sized hangers for jackets, dresses, and blouses to help garments maintain their shape. Fold heavier knitwear rather than hanging it to prevent stretching. Keeping your closet organized with enough space between garments also improves airflow and helps prevent unwanted odors. Rotate Your Wardrobe Giving garments a day or two of rest between wears allows fibers to recover and helps reduce wear over time. Rotating your wardrobe not only extends the life of your clothing but also reduces the frequency of cleaning. This is especially important for structured garments like suits, sport coats, and dresses. Trust Professional Care When Needed While these simple habits help maintain your clothing between cleanings, professional garment care is still essential for removing embedded soils, oils, and stains that home care can’t address. We use GreenEarth Cleaning, a gentle cleaning process that’s designed to care for a wide variety of fabrics while helping garments maintain their color, shape, and softness. By combining thoughtful at-home care with professional cleaning when needed, you can enjoy a wardrobe that stays looking newer for longer. Small changes in your clothing care routine can make a meaningful difference. Airing out garments, steaming away wrinkles, brushing away dust, and storing clothing correctly all help reduce unnecessary cleaning while preserving the quality of your favorite pieces. When it’s time for a deeper clean, we’re ready to provide expert care that helps extend the life of the garments you love.

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Dressing Sustainably This Wedding Season

Wedding season is a joyous time filled with celebrations, love, and countless opportunities to dress up. However, with the growing awareness of environmental sustainability, many of us are rethinking our wardrobe choices for such events. The good news is that there are several sustainable ways to dress for weddings that not only look great but also minimize our ecological footprint. Rent A Look For The Night Renting a dress is one of the most sustainable options for wedding guests. Instead of purchasing a new outfit that you might only wear once, renting allows you to enjoy high-quality, designer attire without the associated environmental impact. Companies like Rent the Runway offer a vast selection of dresses suitable for weddings, from elegant evening gowns to chic cocktail dresses. The benefits of renting are numerous. It reduces the demand for fast fashion, cuts down on textile waste, and saves money. Renting also provides the opportunity to wear a variety of styles and brands that you might’ve otherwise never tried. The process is straightforward: browse online, choose your dress, and have it delivered to your door. After the event, you simply return it, often with dry cleaning included. Shop Your Secondhand Style Thrifting, or shopping secondhand, is another excellent way to find a unique and sustainable wedding outfit. Vintage and thrift stores are treasure troves of stylish and affordable clothing. By choosing to thrift, you give a second life to garments that might otherwise end up in landfills, contributing to a circular fashion economy. When thrifting for a wedding, look for dresses in good condition made from high-quality materials. Consider classic styles that can be accessorized to suit the wedding’s theme and formality. If you don’t have any thrift stores near you, try browsing online at stores like Thread Up. Not only does finding a dress secondhand reduce waste, but it also offers the chance to find a truly unique piece that stands out from the typical retail selections. Revisit Your Closet and Alter Altering an old dress is a fantastic way to refresh your wardrobe sustainably. Whether it’s a dress you’ve worn to previous events or one that’s been sitting in your closet for years, alterations can give it a new lease on life. Tailoring can transform an outdated dress into a fashionable piece that fits perfectly and suits your current style. Consider adding new elements to an old dress, such as changing the hemline, adding embellishments, or adjusting the fit. A skilled tailor can help you make these modifications, ensuring that the dress feels new and unique. This approach not only saves money but also reduces the demand for new clothing production. After The Wedding For those concerned about the environmental impact of dry cleaning their wedding attire, utilizing our GreenEarth Cleaning process is a sustainable choice. Traditional dry cleaning methods often use harsh chemicals that can harm the environment. In contrast, GreenEarth Cleaning uses a silicone-based solvent that is gentle on fabrics and the planet. By choosing an eco-friendly cleaner, you ensure that your dress is professionally cleaned without contributing to pollution. This method is particularly useful for delicate fabrics and intricate designs that require special care. Stop by our location today to begin your sustainable journey. Dressing sustainably for the wedding season is not only possible but also enjoyable and rewarding. By renting a dress, thrifting, altering an old dress, and using GreenEarth Cleaning powered services, you can make eco-friendly choices that benefit both your wardrobe and the environment. By integrating these practices into your wedding season preparations, you not only look fabulous but also participate in a broader movement towards a more sustainable and conscious lifestyle. Happy wedding season!

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Summertime Clothing Care Checklist

With summer kicking off, you’re likely gearing up for that much-anticipated trip. Whether you’re embarking on a solo adventure or taking the whole family along, there’s no better time to ensure your fabulous summer wardrobe is in pristine condition. We use GreenEarth Cleaning, a gentle, eco-friendly cleaning process to help you keep your summer clothes looking their best. Preserve Delicate Fabrics Summer clothes are often made from delicate fabrics designed to showcase bright colors that capture the season’s vibrant spirit. Since these garments may have been tucked away since last year, they require gentle, expert cleaning. Our gentle, eco-friendly cleaning process ensures these delicate items are handled with care, preserving their beauty and extending their lifespan. Combat Summer Sweat The summer heat can lead to a lot of sweating, especially if you’re frequently wearing your favorite summertime outfits. Sweat can cause permanent damage to clothing, but our gentle, eco-friendly cleaning process can help prevent this. We use advanced techniques to remove sweat stains and odors, ensuring your clothes remain fresh and ready to wear. Remove Stubborn Stains Summer fun often leads to accidental stains, whether it’s from a chocolate ice cream cone or a splash of wine at a backyard barbecue. If you have stains that seem impossible to remove on your own, leave it to the pros! Our gentle, eco-friendly cleaning process excels at tackling tough stains, restoring your garments to their original glory. Prevent Shrinkage One common mistake people make when trying to clean delicate summer clothes at home is accidentally causing shrinkage. Our professional dry cleaners know how to handle each fabric type correctly, ensuring your clothes retain their original size and fit. By trusting us with your garments, you can avoid the heartbreak of shrunken clothes. Extend the Life of Your Clothes Our dry cleaners and staff have the expertise to make your clothes last longer. We use the right techniques and materials to maintain the integrity of your garments, allowing you to enjoy them for many summers to come. Investing in professional cleaning can save you money in the long run by reducing the need to replace your favorite pieces. Save Time and Stress Why spend your valuable time and energy trying to clean your summer wardrobe yourself? Let us handle the hard work for you. While we expertly care for your clothes, you can use that time to relax, enjoy a meal, or catch up on your favorite Netflix series. It’s a win-win situation! As you prepare for your summer adventures, remember that our gentle, eco-friendly cleaning process is here to ensure your clothes are vacation-ready. From preserving delicate fabrics to removing stubborn stains and preventing shrinkage, our professional dry cleaning services are designed to keep your summer wardrobe looking its best. Enjoy your summer stress-free, knowing that your clothes are in expert hands.

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Reviving Your Fur Coat with GreenEarth Cleaning: A Kinder Clean for a Luxurious Look

Fur coats have long been synonymous with elegance and luxury. They are not just garments but investments in timeless style and warmth. However, owning a fur coat comes with a responsibility to care for it and ensure it retains its luxurious appearance for years to come. One essential part of fur coat care is cleaning, and when it comes to cleaning, the GreenEarth Cleaning process stands out as a kinder, more eco-friendly option that can revitalize your fur coat and help you love it longer. Why GreenEarth Cleaning? The GreenEarth Cleaning process differs from traditional dry cleaning methods. Instead of harsh chemicals, GreenEarth relies on a silicone-based solvent that is gentler on fabrics, including delicate fur. GreenEarth is not only safe for your fur coat but also for the environment and the people who handle the garments. Reviving Fur’s Natural Beauty Over time, fur coats can lose their luster and become flat or matted. Exposure to pollutants, dirt, and even body oils can dull the natural shine and softness of fur. This is where GreenEarth Cleaning shines, as it can breathe new life into your fur coat. GreenEarth is exceptionally gentle on fur, preventing any damage that might occur with traditional dry cleaning methods. It cleans deeply, removing dirt, dust, and oils that accumulate on the fur’s surface. Our GreenEarth system suspends dirt and lifts stains away without damaging the fur. As a result, your fur coat emerges from the cleaning process not only cleaner but also fluffier and softer, restoring its natural beauty. Proper and timely cleaning is the secret to keeping your fur coat looking and feeling fabulous. Spills, stains, or dirt may seem daunting, but a quick trip to the dry cleaner can work wonders. It’s like giving your fur a spa day! With their expert care and specialized techniques, they’ll have your coat back to its pristine, luxurious self in no time. So, embrace the power of prompt cleaning and let your fur coat shine through every adventure, spill, and sparkle of life! Seasonal Care: Cleaning Before and After Storage Proper care of your fur coat is essential, especially when you’re transitioning between seasons. Before storing your fur coat away for the warmer months, it’s important to have it cleaned. Cleaning before storage removes any dirt or oils that may attract pests and keeps your coat looking its best for the next season. When fall and winter roll around, it’s time to bring your fur coat out of hibernation. Before donning it again, take it for another round of GreenEarth Cleaning. This step ensures that your coat is fresh and fluffy, ready to keep you warm and stylish throughout the cold months. Get Your Fur Coat Ready For The Season Whether you’re thrifting a fur coat, getting a stain removed, preparing it for storage, or getting ready for the fall and winter season, GreenEarth Cleaning is the ideal choice. It not only cleans your fur coat effectively but also takes better care of the fabric so you can continue to enjoy the luxurious look and feel of your investment. With our dry cleaning process, your fur coat can be clean, fluffy, and ready to turn heads for many winters. So, don’t just own a fur coat; cherish and care for it, and let us help you do just that.

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Something Old to Something New

Whether you are eco-conscious or eco-curious, implementing sustainable practices into your life might be easier than you think! It is estimated that America contributes approximately 11.3 million tons to landfills each year. Reimagining and repairing the fabrics in your life rather than buying new can help reduce your contributions. Consider opting for secondhand fashion when you’re looking to revamp your wardrobe. At GreenEarth, we believe in the importance of sustainable fashion and garment care, that’s why we helped sponsor this year’s ReMode event in Toronto!  ReMode is an event held under the organization Fashion Takes Action (FTA), a Canadian non-profit founded in 2007 with a mission to advance sustainability, ethics and circularity in the fashion industry. This year’s event was presented by Value Village and the Value Village Boutique. Summarized in 3 R’s, attendees were invited to the ReStore marketplace, the ReFashion clothing swap, and the ReThink seminars. I shopped around the ReStore market and had the pleasure to speak with a few vendors about sustainable products or services for sale. Worth Mending Worth Mending was founded by Elysha Schuhbauer and Scott Calway in 2019 with the mission to mend existing garments to keep them out of landfills. The two mainly use a method called darning, this technique uses thread and needle to repair holes or worn areas on a garment. You can purchase a Swift Darning Loom from their website and begin your journey creating “wearable art.” The looms sold are made out of repurposed materials including damaged or broken hardwood furniture and hooks made from bicycle spokes. Attend a workshop or sign-up for a private mentorship session to continue sustainable garment care. Zero Waste Bridal Weddings can be expensive, help the environment and your budget with Zero Waste Bridal. This division of The Brides’ Project aims to combat the pollution associated with textile production by providing a sustainable option for bridalwear. Gowns are donated by brides, salons, or designers themselves; they are then cleaned and upcycled (if necessary) before sale. On the flip side, rather than hoarding bridesmaid dresses or a wedding gown that you’ve worn once, consider donating to Zero Waste Bridal! Diana Coatsworth Design Diana Coatsworth Design creates unique pieces from vintage or existing textiles. Using natural fabrics including cashmere, linen, wool, cotton, silk, etc. Diana repairs and reworks something old into something new. Diana also provides a service called, Create Your Own Vivianne Jacket, where she repurposes your old blankets, curtains, tablecloths, etc. into a custom jacket! These beautiful creations are guaranteed to add a splash of character to your closet. Champagne and Lollipops Trends are always returning, we’ve seen it with the comeback of bell bottoms and Croc clogs. Champagne and Lollipops Vintage focuses on curated secondhand and deadstock fashion from the 1950s to the 1990s. Founder, Holly Roy, is motivated to keep beautifully designed pieces in rotation for new owners to love and appreciate. Nothing beats the blueprint, shop vintage and keep clothes out of landfills! The GreenEarth Difference A great way to ensure the longevity of your garments is to prioritize aftercare. GreenEarth Cleaning offers the world’s finest sustainable fabric care through licensed partners/ Affiliates, who share our values and commitment to operational and environmental excellence. With over 6000+ points of service, our mission is to provide a kinder clean in the world of dry cleaning. Utilizing our environmentally friendly patented process, even garments labeled “do not dry clean” are safe with GreenEarth. 

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GreenEarth Cleaning Awarded U.S. Patent for Anti-Viral Drycleaning Process: Cleaning method designed to provide protection from lipid-layer viruses

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — GreenEarth Cleaning, a company specializing in environmentally friendly drycleaning processes, was recently awarded a U.S. Patent for the development of an anti-viral cleaning methodology which has been incorporated into the GreenEarth Cleaning System. The patent enables GreenEarth affiliates to integrate vaporization into the drycleaning cycle to deliver the highest level of protection from current and future lipid-layer viruses. “In the spring of 2020, after the World Health Organization (WHO) had declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic, we contracted with MRI Global, an independent laboratory approved for testing with Sars-CoV-2,” says Tim Maxwell, president of GreenEarth Cleaning. “Our intent was to determine the effectiveness of our system in penetrating the lipid layer of the coronavirus using a high drying temperature of 158 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius) for 30 minutes. We were surprised when the initial reports showed only a 14.28 percent deactivation efficacy with heat alone. So, we went back to the drawing board.” Initially, through manipulation of the washing, extraction, and drying steps, GreenEarth was able to achieve deactivation levels of 75 percent. In response to that result, GreenEarth created a silicone vapor program component that achieved a deactivation level greater than 98 percent on SARS-CoV-2 contaminated wool fabrics. “Once we solidified the vaporization and process and attained this result on a consistent basis, we added the anti-viral cleaning methodology to our suite of offerings available to GreenEarth affiliates,” says Maxwell. “We continue to achieve extremely high viral eradication without adding aggressive chemistry. With this innovation, we are providing an expanded level of care without doing harm to the environment, people, or their garments.” Early in 2023, GreenEarth technical support began incorporating the necessary program modifications into all GreenEarth affiliate machines. “With this advancement, we feel that our affiliates are better prepared for the potential arrival of any possible new variant of COVID or the next virus,” adds Maxwell.

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Every Day is EarthDay at GreenEarth Cleaning

On Saturday April 22 2023, many members of the GreenEarth Cleaning team gathered to run their clothes drive in support of the Earth Day campaign. Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22nd to raise awareness and promote action for environmental protection. It is considered the world’s largest environmental movement and is celebrated in over 190 countries. The origins of Earth Day date back to the 1960s when a growing concern for the environment and its protection led to the establishment of various environmental organizations in the United States. In 1969, a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California, further increased public awareness about the need for environmental protection. Gathered at the Kansas City Bier Company, many of the team worked with Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City to collect clothes that the people in the local community no longer wanted, preventing them from going to landfill, while at the same time, providing support for an excellent cause. The team collected suitcases (literally) full of clothes, trash bags of textiles and even a vacuum cleaner, all of which were very useful. In addition, many of our GreenEarth affiliate participated by arranging clothes drives at their very own stores, primarily donating to Big Brothers, Big Sisters but also to The Salvation army in some territories. On the first Earth Day in 1970, more than 20 million Americans participated in demonstrations, rallies, and teach-ins across the country, and the event sparked the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of landmark environmental legislation such as the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Endangered Species Act. While the day itself and the global reach may have changed and grown over the years, it’s safe to say that the awareness to combat climate change and its effects are still very much present. Also, it looks likely that we beat our collective donated amount of 200lbs. GreenEarth run this Clothes Drive every year, with the exception of the Covid-19 restricted periods, but we hope to run it again in 2024, our 25th year as a corporation – if you’d like to participate, please get in touch!

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Earth Day: Celebrating our Planet by Improving our Habits.

  As you might expect, at GreenEarth Cleaning, we consider Earth Day to be a big deal!  Earth Day is a reminder that we all have a responsibility to protect our planet and find sustainable solutions for a better future. At GreenEarth Cleaning, we don’t take that responsibility lightly. While our focus is primarily on dry cleaning, we use our platform to inform, educate, and collaborate with our Affiliates and customers worldwide to facilitate additional opportunities for more sustainable living and a smaller carbon footprint. As we celebrate Earth Day this month, we wanted to share a few simple tips and ideas we hope you find valuable and easy to implement.    Small changes in our daily habits make a big difference in reducing our negative impact on the environment. Simple steps such as conserving energy and reducing waste are key to restoring and protecting our planet. One of our favorite lists of quick tips for conserving energy at home is from Cornell University as part of their campus sustainability efforts. The list provides practical action items that can be applied quickly and easily.  The fashion industry is another avenue where even slight changes garner positive results. Are the terms “sustainable fashion” and “fast fashion” familiar?  These terms describe the ecological impact each one has based on the amount of waste each one produces. Sustainable fashion decreases waste, while fast fashion tends to carry a more harmful impact. In her article, How Do We Avoid Fast Fashion?, GreenEarth Social Media Specialist, Erin Horne, offers a few simple steps to avoid fast fashion and reduce your carbon footprint.  As we work to shift our daily practices and effect long-term change, it is essential to set goals and create an engaged community effort. Each year, the team at GreenEarth Cleaning sets individual sustainability goals.  We look forward to each other’s ideas and appreciate each other’s support as we extend our sustainability efforts beyond that of our professional endeavors. We invite you to join us! Visit our Facebook page to read about our team’s goals, share your goals, and learn more about GreenEarth Cleaning and our GreenEarth Affiliates, all over the world using our sustainable dry cleaning process. This Earth Day, we encourage you to not only act on improving your sustainability efforts, but to also take time to appreciate and absorb the beauty and wonder of our planet. Take a moment to reflect on the impact we have, and the steps we can take to protect and restore it.  By working together, we can ensure that future generations inherit a healthy and vibrant planet to call home.

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Planting Seeds of Sustainability This Spring

Planting Seeds of Sustainability This Spring. Spring is upon us! As the warm weather of spring arrives, along with it comes a renewed spirit, brighter days, and of course, spring projects. It’s a time for affecting change, looking ahead, and spending more time outdoors, each of which offers an excellent opportunity to plant seeds of sustainability all around us. We’ve collected a few of our favorite springtime sustainability projects to share with you. Plant Flowers Spring flowers simply make us smile!  From wildly colorful landscapes to softly muted hanging baskets, spring flowers bring an element of cheer to all surroundings. Pansies, marigolds, petunias, tulips, and sunflowers; the choices, and color arrangements, are endless. However, the benefits certainly don’t stop there. In addition to beautifying your surroundings, planting flowers will also help lower your carbon footprint.  Flowering plants help replenish the oxygen supply, filter toxins and provide a food source for bees and other insects and animals. Now is the perfect time to order seed packets or visit your local greenhouse. Let your imagination run wild!  The environment will thank you for it.   Install Rain Barrels April showers bring May flowers. As you gear up for spring planting, consider adding rain barrels to your landscape. Rain Barrels come in many colors, styles, and sizes to fit any garden décor. By collecting and reusing one of nature’s most precious commodities, you will play a big role in conserving a rapidly depleting resource.   Set One New Sustainability Goal Consider setting a sustainability goal for yourself or your family this spring. One small change can have a profound impact. Here is an idea from our GreenEarth teammate Scott Steele. Scott is the Licensing Manager at GreenEarth. His sustainability goal for 2023 is to replace all of the light bulbs in his home with LED bulbs to conserve energy.   Repair, Recycle, or Donate Ahh yes, springtime begets spring cleaning- a time to purge closets, put away winter linens, and open windows. Spring is a wonderful time to let fresh air in and move old things out.  When you jump into your spring projects, remember that most items in your home can be repaired, recycled, or donated. A local GreenEarth Affiliate can help by refreshing or repairing your older, favorite garments.  For garments you no longer wish to keep, check with local civic groups or non-profit centers, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, for opportunities to recycle or donate clothing items.   Prepare Items for Storage For items you plan to store during the summer months, it is important to make sure they are free of any body oils or dirt before putting them away. Storing items that have not been properly cleaned may lead to discoloration, attract unwanted odors and bugs, or even provide a potential breeding ground for mold and mildew. At GreenEarth, our cleaning process is silicone-based, environmentally safe, and provides a thorough clean that is gentle on fabrics. It is completely odor free and will prepare your items for a long summer’s rest. Top off your spring-cleaning goals by having your winter items cleaned at a GreenEarth Dry Cleaner near you.   This spring, we invite you to join us in planting seeds of sustainability.  

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