Nobody has higher standards for health and environment safety than California. So when the California Air Review Board (CARB) declares GreenEarth to be a safe alternative solvent, so safe they see “no need to regulate its use,” that's good news. And that's exactly what CARB told its eleven air districts in a letter issued February 5th.

Some of you may be asking, why is that news at all? After all, GreenEarth isn't regulated in any state.

What makes CARB's endorsement important is that it comes after an exhaustive 18 month review of all the health and safety data on D5 silicone solvent. And why is that important? Because even though it has been safely used in consumer products for over 40 years and is one of the most extensively studied and widely used materials there is, back in 2003, liquid silicone underwent much scrutiny after a preliminary result in a Dow Corning study raised a concern about whether it might possibly be linked to cancer. Follow up research later demonstrated the concern to be unfounded. But that news never made headlines. It's understandable, but frustrating.

So it is nice to know that California, the gold standard of health and environmental safety, has affirmed what we have always known, GreenEarth is safe for the planet and for people.  We are gratified to see the air cleared on the health and human safety of liquid silicone in GreenEarth's dry cleaning process.  CARB's letter to the air districts puts to rest any lingering doubt: "use of D5 (liquid silicone) as an alternative dry cleaning solvent will not pose an adverse health risk to the public."

How can I get wrinkles out of a cashmere sweater? I'm afraid to use a steamer in case the moisture damages the cashmere. The washing instructions call for dry-cleaning.

Judging by the amount of cashmere in the stores and catalogs this holiday season, a lot of people will soon have cashmere-care questions. The key is to handle the delicate material with care.

Steaming is actually the best way to smooth out the wrinkles in cashmere, which tolerates moisture well. If you don't have a steamer, lay your sweater flat on the ironing board, hold the iron about a half-inch above the garment, and direct bursts of steam from the iron onto the wrinkles. Or place a thin, damp cloth on top of the sweater, then touch up the wrinkles with the iron using extremely light pressure.

If the sweater feels damp after steaming, lay it flat on a thick towel or drying rack to air-dry.

As for the cleaning instructions, keep in mind that manufacturers often recommend dry-cleaning to protect the garment from cases of careless washing. If a cashmere sweater is stained, dry-cleaning is the answer.

People who care about a cleaner, healthier environment have been celebrating Earth Day for more than 35 years. "Earth Day should be a reminder to us all to be good stewards of the environment every day," said Paul Polinsky, owner of the environmentally friendly Dry Cleaning Station franchise in Loehmann's Plaza.

There are a lot of simple, easy steps and changes people can make that will make a real difference for our environment," Polinsky noted. "Most people know about recycling and carpooling, but there are lots of other things that people can do every day, not just one day a year."

In cooperation with GreenEarth Cleaning, Dry Cleaning Station offers this list of suggestions for people who want to make positive everyday changes to benefit their environment:

No Paper, No Plastic:
Buy and use canvas or net tote bags to carry groceries and other purchases.

Let the Sun Shine On: 
Put up a clothesline and dry clothes in the open air when possible to reduce the use of an automatic dryer.

Toss Properly:
Batteries, electronic equipment, paints and household chemicals such as cleaners and pesticides are among the items that should not be put out with the regular trash for landfill disposal.  Contac your local environmental organization for information on how to dispose of these materials properly.

Support Your Local Farmer:
When you patronize your local farmer's market, you build support for local agriculture.

Get Insulted:
Reduce energy usage by adding insulation to your home.  Wrap your hot water heater and pipes with insulation to save even more energy.

Both Sides Now:
Cut paper use in half by setting all printers and copiers you use, at home and at work, to print on both sides of the paper.

Flow Lightly:
Install plumbing fixtures such as toilets, shower heads and taps that reduce water flow and usage.

Patronize Environmetnally Friendly Businesses:
These include garages that help do-it-yourselfers dispose of waste oil properly; retailers who offer a wide selection of recycled, organic and locally produced products; restaurants that wash and reuse plates and glasses instead of disposables; and businesses that use safer alternatives to hazardous chemicals, such as Dry Cleaning Station, which sources indicate is Durham's only environmentally friendly dry cleaner and launderer.

In a trend that is sweeping the country, there is now earth-friendly dry cleaning, and it's officially arrived in Pittsburgh.

It's been 18 months since the five Dry Cleaning Station stores opened in our region but they already have diehard customers who refuse to go anywhere else.

Frank Fusca owns two franchise locations and the plant, which cleans all the clothes for the local stores.

"It's eco-friendly for your clothes," said Fusca. "Your clothes come out brighter, odorless."

Where normal dry cleaning uses a petroleum-based solution, Fusca uses Green Earth, a silicone.

The solution is not only better for the planet, it's gentler on your clothes.

He only uses earth-friendly starch, an eco-wash solution, and the leftover water is sent through a filtration system. 

Most teenagers don’t like to do laundry. But Cory Perlson, 19, does about 1,000 pounds of it every day.

The communications sophomore at the University of Arizona, with three UA students as partners, started AZ Laundry two months ago. It provides laundry, folding, and dry cleaning services for the UA community. They are seeing rapid growth.

"I figured if I could get 30 people to sign up for the service, it would be like having a part-time job," Perlson said. "When we quickly climbed over 100 orders I knew we had something."

It didn’t happen by chance though; Perlson and his partners, Turner Binkley, Phil Lauterbach and Stephen Goldstein did their homework.

All wanted to start a business of their own but couldn’t think of a business they could start on campus. At the same time, Perlson’s laundry was building up in his dorm room in the Coronado residence hall.

"I didn’t like using the dorm facilities for my laundry," he said. "But I didn’t have a car to drive to a laundromat either. Then I thought about how many freshmen didn’t have cars either and we realized there was not a pick-up/delivery laundry service on campus."

Over the next few months, the group ironed out some particulars of how the business would be run. Perlson went to a dry cleaning and laundry convention in Las Vegas. Then the partners attended each of the new student orientations at the UA. They gave away T-shirts and pens. Finally, they had 30 volunteers promote the business during freshman move-in week to spread the word and begin taking orders.

Students are able to buy various plans, by the half-semester plans, whole semester, all year long or pay per-wash.

"The pay-per-wash is a way for people to see what the service is like before signing up for a plan," Perlson said.

Within two months of taking orders, Perlson bought a 14-foot box truck for pick-up and delivery and AZ Laundry had amassed more than 220 clients, averaging 1,000 pounds of laundry every day. And they have a 24-hour turnaround.

The unexpected jump in volume made Perlson realize the business needed a place of it’s own.

AZ Laundry signed an agreement with Sparkle Cleaners and now resides in the back of the local chain’s store at 2643 N. Campbell Ave.

In this spot Perlson has a 150 pound washer, a 150 pound dryer, two 35 pound commercial dryers and four employees he hired after putting an ad on craigslist.com.

"It is just amazing to me how far we’ve come in less than one year," Perlson said. "And to think that we did this ourselves is just amazing. Most people work for years to build something of their own. I’m still just 19."

Lauterbach, 19, a business accounting major at the UA helps keep the finances in order.

"I like the challenge of it, it is a good business," Lauterbach said. "It has been great to see the overlap from the classroom to the business. I can ask my professors questions and I have really been able to put what I learn to practical use."

A key to success has been keeping the customer happy.

"When it comes to laundry that means be quick, fold it nicely and don’t lose anything," Perlson said.

To keep track of everything each client is given two bags, one for dry cleaning and one for laundry. Each bag has an individual barcode. When the bags come in, they are scanned and weighed. The weight is deducted automatically from the plan the client has. Each load is separated for lights and darks and washed individually, then folded individually and put back into the washed bags and is ready for delivery that night.

"I’m enjoying it," Lauterbach said. "It is a fast, easy and convenient service to college students. They have a lot on their mind as it is, so one less thing for them to think about and spend time on is great."

"We also have many disabled clients who can’t do laundry on their own," Perlson said. "It is a great service we provide."

When it comes to the laundry business, Perlson has it in his genes. His father and grandfather were both in the business.

"My dad has a 70,000 square foot laundry and dry cleaning business back in New York," he said. "Whether or not he really wanted me to follow in his footsteps, here I go."

Perlson’s father came out to visit recently, and according to Perlson was impressed with what his son had put together.

"That means a lot to me," Perlson said.

Contact Joe Pangburn at or at (520) 295-4259.

Most traditional wedding gowns will need to be professionally cleaned and stored. Take the time to find a dry cleaner with experience in wedding gown cleaning and storage. Ask how they will clean the gown, and if they use environmentally friendly processes and chemicals. If you are wearing a vintage gown or a very high end gown, consider using a cleaner that specializes in formal wear. Make a point of interviewing the store manager, to be sure that they are well versed in formal wear storage. Get your dress to a dry cleaners ASAP. Stains and spills will set if the dress sits for too long, and may be impossible to remove. Consider asking a friend or bridesmaid to take the gown in for you, but BEFORE you do that, make arrangements with the dry cleaner. If your gown is heavily beaded, or if it is a vintage piece, you will most likely need to sign a release before it can be cleaned. Either file the release with the cleaners ahead of time, or leave it with the friend who will drop the dress at the cleaners.

Your best bet for environmentally friendly storage is to do it right, and insure that the gown can be worn again by another bride. And then, after your big day is over and your gown is clean and properly packed, either donate or sell the gown, or make sure that friends and family know that it is ready for the next bride to wear.

Find the original article HERE.

Although her job was to bag and combine orders - she didn't work directly with the chemicals used to clean clothes - she believed fumes in the shop were making her sick.

Bixler quit that job and about six months ago took a position at Dry Cleaning Station, a new plant outside Hanover. The company touts a “green” process that's healthier for the environment and people.

“Here, I'm not having a problem at all,” said Bixler, 53, a Hanover resident.

Chris Biddix hopes others like Bixler will prefer the green way to clean clothes.

He recently purchased a Dry Cleaning Station franchise in West Manchester Township, which is scheduled to open this week. Biddix also plans to open three more Dry Cleaning Station drop-stores around the county during the next 18 months, he said. The four shops will employ about 15 people, he said.

Biddix, a retired U.S. Navy cryptologist who lives in York Township, wanted to invest in a company that would allow him to spend more time at home with his teenage sons.

He said he researched about 20 various franchises before deciding on Dry Cleaning Station, which is a national franchise. He chose the company because it does not use perchloroethylene, also known as perc, to clean clothes.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, perc is the most commonly used solvent in dry cleaning shops. The chemical also may pose serious health hazards.

“There is some evidence of an association between perc and increased risk of certain cancers in dry cleaning workers exposed for many years,” according to OSHA's Web site.

Additionally, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health designated perc a potential occupational carcinogen, the site states.

“The biggest difference is we don't use perc,” Biddix said. “My wife and I have always been very environmentally conscious.”

Companies that use the chemical face costly Environmental Protection Agency regulations, he said. Because Dry Cleaning Station does not use perc, it can charge a little less for dry cleaning, Biddix said. The average cost of a laundered shirt in York County is about $1.80. Biddix plans to charge between about $1.50 and $1.60, he said.

The shops will also provide free pick-up and delivery to homes and offices, he said.

“We use a process created by GreenEarth that uses silicone,” Biddix said. “This is something that has been used for years.”

In addition to franchises in Adams County, Michael Haugh is president of Dry Cleaning Station of Central PA and owns the Dry Cleaning Station plant outside Hanover where items from York and Adams counties' stores are cleaned. He opened the 4,500-square-foot facility in February.

Haugh, who is retired from the U.S. Army, also researched the dry cleaning industry before choosing Dry Cleaning Station. Like Biddix, he felt the company offered a service more environmentally friendly than traditional dry cleaning facilities.

More info

For more information about the new Dry Cleaning Station at 2195 York Crossing Drive in West Manchester Township, call 764-2119 or visit http://www.drycleaningstationpa.com/ or email .

Feud Over 'Organic" Dry Cleaning Claim 
Chemical used is not 'green' some argue
The Arizona Republic, September 8, 2007
Jennifer Price reporting

A feud erupted in the dry-cleaning industry after an article ran in The Arizona Republic featuring a young entrepreneur and his "organic" cleaning technique.

Brad Keeling, owner of Organic Cleaners in north Phoenix and downtown, uses a solvent called DF2000, a synthetic petroleum.  Keeling advertises that his solvent is chemically inert, biodegradable and non-toxic.  And the name of his business, Organic Cleaners, implies a 'green' establishment.

Definition vs. Perception

This is where things get a little complicated, because of differing perceptions of what the word organic means.

When you go to the grocery store and buy organic foods, you're buying foods that are peticide-free and absent of any growth stimulants.  But when you buy any other product that is labeled "organic", you're getting a product that contains hydrocarbon, because by definition a chemical is organic if it contains the element carbon.

DF2000 is indeed organic, but so is gasoline and most all other dry-cleaning solvents used since the industry was created, including perchloroethylene, or perc, the solvent used by more than 85 percent of U.S. dry cleaners.  So the word "organic" doesn't translate to environmentally friendly, chemical-free and "green" when it comes to dry-cleaning.

'Organic' and Hazardous

Alan Spielvogel, chief of the Center for Garment Analysys, said some of the most hazardous materials are, in fact, organic. 

"By saying something is organic does not mean it's environmentally friendly or healthy," Spielvogel said.  "Anything that contains the element carbon is organic.  The term organic as far as a dry-cleaning solvent does not mean that the solvent does not mean that the solvent is less toxic than another type."

Spielvogel said that although it's true Keeling is using an organic solvent, he said Keeling is using the term organic as a marketing strategy.

"The dry cleaner makes an investment of $60,000-plus on a dry-cleaner machine, and if he's in a competitive market, he'll use anything he can think of to get an edge on the competition," Spielvogel said.  "This may be a crude form of marketing, but it's still marketing."

Defending Term's Use

Keeling said since DF2000 is an organic-based solvent, he's not lying by using the name Organic Cleaners.

"It's (DF2000) way better than perc dry cleaners," Keeling said. "When you come to my store, if you thought you were getting something better than your traditional dry cleaners, you are.  It's a step in the right direction."

Spielvogel said the National Cleaners Association doesn't agree with this kind of marketing, but added that it is not illegal.

Stu Bloom, owner of Rave Fabricare Master Cleaners in Scottsdale, thinks "organic cleaning" is a hoax.

"Merely saying that you are green, eco-friendly and/or organic and posting signs on your dry-cleaning machine, storefront and delivery vans does not make it true.  It's piggybacking on the public's perception of the word organic.  The dry cleaning industry unfortunately has no standard as to what organic means. So every single cleaner thinks they can hang up signs that say organic dry cleaning."

Use of Perc Stigmatized 

In January, California became the first state to phase out perc, banning the purchase of new perc machines as of 2008 and banning any use of perc by 2003.  Arizona has no such ban. 

Perc is a clear, colorless liquid that has a sharp, sweet odor and evaporates quickly.  It has been linked in studies to bladder, esophageal and other cancers.

Dave Sillimam, director of the Western States Drycleaners and Launderers Association and owner of Uptowne Dry Cleaning in Phoenix, said most perc users today are responsible operators and don't pollute anything into the groundwater.  He said the stigma surrounding perc is linked to the historical contamination 40 years ago when dry cleaners would throw out their leftover solvents.

Eco-Friendly Processes

Tim Maxwell, president of GreenEarth, said only three dry-cleaning processes are truly environmentally friendly: wet cleaning, carbon-dioxide systems and siloxane fluids.

Wet cleaning processes garments completely in water but is difficult because certain delicate garments can be ruined with water, Maxwell said.

Carbon-dioxide systems use a liquid form of carbon to clean garments, but these systems are very expensive and only a handful are in the U.S.

Siloxane fluids, such as GreenEarth, are made of silicone and oxygen.

GreenEarth Used in Valley

Since GreenEarth doesn't contain carbon, it's by definition inorganic but yet still environmentally friendly, Maxwell said.  He said that as GreenEarth degrades into the environment, it breaks down into sand, water and carbon dioxide, leaving no toxic chemicals behind.