Recent Press/News
Dry Cleaning's Dirty Trick
LiveScience — Jan. 30, 2007
In most big cities you will see drycleaners attempting to go green. For many, though, green refers to money, not environmental consciousness. There's a curious sign in the storefronts of many drycleaners boasting of a new "organic" cleaning technique that is non-toxic and environmentally benign. Clearly they are trying to capitalize on the consumers' pursuit of all things wholesome. Download as PDF
What Is Green Dry Cleaning?
The Associated Press — July 24, 2007
Dry cleaners looking for a chemical-free method have learned something from the domestic goddesses who run for the club soda to prevent a stain from setting. Simply put, carbonated water is related to what many are calling the most environmentally friendly way to get your clothes dry cleaned. Download as PDF
Do Green Dry Cleaners Exist?
UNION OF CONCERNED SCIENTISTS: ucsusa.org — August 2007
Contrary to what its name implies, dry cleaning involves washing clothes in a liquid solvent to remove stains. In about 85 percent of dry cleaning shops this solvent is perchloroethylene (or "perc"), a chemical that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers both a health and environmental hazard. Download as PDF
Coming clean on 'organic' solution
GLOBE AND MAIL: globeandmail.com — Aug. 10, 2007
Dry cleaners are touting a petroleum-based process as an alternative to harsh chemicals, but does that make it green? Download as PDF
Over 11,000 Americans Tell EPA to Clean Up Toxic Dry Cleaners
EarthJustice — March 23, 2006
Over 11,000 Americans have petitioned EPA to adopt stronger protections from toxic chemicals released by dry cleaners nationwide. Environmental groups, pollution experts and dry cleaners themselves agree that a phase out of the harmful chemical perchloroethylene (PCE, or "perc"), a solvent used primarily by the dry cleaning industry, is feasible and vital to reducing serious health and environmental threats. Download as PDF
What's IN, What's OUT: A Rating of Dry Cleaning Methods Currently in Use in the U.S.
Most of the nearly 40,000 dry cleaners nationwide are still using the toxic and environmentally dangerous solvent perchloroethylene (also known as perc) to clean clothes. However, safer proven alternatives are now available at as many as 3,000 cleaners across the country. It’s time for cleaners to eliminate perc, which it has depended upon for 40 years, and switch to safer methods of cleaning clothes. Download as PDF
Cancer Risk Seen in 'Green Earth' Dry Cleaning
Morning Edition — Jan. 10, 2005
Green Earth dry cleaning is a process billed as a nontoxic and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cleaning methods. But preliminary studies suggest D-5, the silicone-based solvent used in the process, causes cancer in rats and may also be toxic to the liver. NPR's Allison Aubrey reports. More Info