Natural Alternatives to Dry Cleaning

Why choose natural alternatives to dry cleaning?  The answer is because the toxin perc, which is used by dry cleaners, is polluting the air, water, and can cause innumerable health conditions if one is exposed to it.  To this end, here are a number of natural alternatives you can utilize:

*  Wet cleaning.  Wet cleaning is the process by which water and detergents (which are non-toxic) are used.  It is also a viable solution and one that has been approved by the EPA.

*  Dryell cleaning.  Using a product called Dryell, which is available in sheets much like fabric softeners, you place your clothes in a dryer and add the Dryell.  It also comes with spot treatments for stains.

*  Home washing.  Believe it or not, there are clothes which, while the label says “dry clean only” can be washed at home.  Whether you use cold water, gentle cycle, or slightly warm water, simply lay the items out on a towel to dry.  This is especially true if you think shrinkage may occur.  For example, sweaters can be reshaped just after you take them out of the wash and lay them on a towel.  In addition, rayon and silk clothing has successfully been washed as well.  Note: For items that absolutely need to be dry cleaned, find a store that uses CO2.

*  Avoid buying clothes that need to be dry cleaned.  This is probably the safest and most practical way to avoid toxins.  Moreover, look at the money you will save on dry cleaning bills.

*  Check online listings of dry cleaners that utilize safe methods.  You can go online and check the list of dry cleaners that do not use perc, as well as check with your state EPA to obtain the laws applicable to dry cleaners.

*  Take care of your clothing. Experts suggest that in order to avoid having to dry clean your clothes, clean up spills immediately, brush those of your clothes that contain lint, and wear an undergarment that will prevent the underarm stains that sometimes appear on clothes.

*  Use steam cleaning.  Another suggestion by experts is to hang your garments in the bathroom and turn on the shower, or to hang them up while showering.

*  Teach by example.  How many times do you tell your kids to hang up their clothes as soon as they undress?  Well, this is great advice for keeping clothes fresh.  Experts suggest you air out the clothes before hanging them in the closet.  Good advice.

As the world community continues its commitment to saving our eco-system and our environment, we as citizens of this earth can help in this regard by finding natural alternatives to dry cleaning.  It is a small price to pay for the greater good, don’t you agree?

Is your office green?

You’ve been making efforts to reduce your environmental impact at home, but what about the office?

If you work outside the home, your efforts may be more challenging but even still there are many things you can do to practice the “Three R’s” while earning a living. Here are some tips on greening your work day.

- Let’s start with the commute. If possible, use mass transit or carpool. Some cities are even paying their citizens to do so. It’s worth looking into.

- Use your travel mug for your morning cup of java. Try Bento for a fun “brown bag” lunch that your co-workers will envy!

- If you can convince your supervisors, try to telecommute a couple of days a week. You might have to sell them on the benefits so be prepared. Arm yourself with information on how telecommuting benefits everyone involved.

- Go digital. Do you really need to print that document or receipt? Or would a digital copy of it suffice? Use an email faxing service instead of the fax machine to save on paper.

- Don’t upgrade. Do you really need the latest whiz-bang computer equipment, or will your old computer do just fine? Upgrading your system by repairing it instead of chucking it an buying new is smart and may save you money too. If you must throw out old office equipment, recycle it. Some retailers are getting hip to the green consumer and may offer you a rebate for doing so. At the very least, freecycle it or find an online auctioner seller who can part it out for you on eBay.

- Think quality. Paying more for nicer office supplies and equipment may pay off in the short term. Planned obsolescense is a reality of our modern marketplace. Buying quality keeps stuff out of the trash.

- If you must print, do it on both sides of your paper, and reduce your margins (which are likely set far wider than you need them for comfortable reading). You can easily print 4 to 6 sheets on one piece of paper this way.

- Take extra paper home to the kids for art projects.

- Turn down the heat and put on a cardigan and socks.

- Make your meetings virtual with telephone conferencing and webinars instead of driving to location.

- Recycle your printer cartridges (Staples offers $3 coupons for your old cartridges) or refill them.

- Set your computer to sleep mode if you’ll be away for a few minutes, and turn it off completely for lunch and when you go home. Contrary to popular belief, powering down your computer does NOT shorten its life.

- Buy used office furniture. Antiques are beautiful and hold their value. If you’re more the modern type, buy from retailers who offer sustainable products.

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