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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!

  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.

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.  

Love languages are general ways of expressing and receiving love. While the five well-known love languages (acts of service, gift-giving, physical touch, quality time, and words of affirmation) fit most relationships, at GreenEarth Cleaning, we feel a strong connection to what we warmly call the sixth love language- sustainability. Yes, sustainability. Our hearts sing when we engage in conversation around all things sustainable. Since 1998, when we cleaned our first garment in the back of a science lab, sustainability has been our love language. It’s how we show our love for fabrics, the people who wear them, and the planet where we live. We can’t let February pass by without sharing some of our favorite environmentally friendly activities that showcase our love of caring for tomorrow.  One area in the forefront of our sustainability commitment is promoting awareness around increasing the longevity of our fabrics.  By becoming intentional about the products we purchase, how we care for them, and resources for recycling and reusing, we can significantly reduce the amount of waste in our landfills- creating better tomorrows. That is a love language we can wrap our hearts around. We invite you to join us! Create a more sustainable wardrobe. One way to ensure a more sustainable wardrobe is to shop for sustainably made products. Do a little research ahead of time to learn what fabrics have a smaller environmental footprint. You will shop better by knowing your fabrics.. Choose a kinder clean for your fabrics. Treat your garments to the gentle silicone cleaning process of GreenEarth Cleaning.  The GreenEarth system of care is designed to ensure the best possible result for fabrics and the environment. You will love your clothes longer, and they will love you right back. Shop pre-loved. Thrift shopping is a wonderful way to acquire unique items. You can find gently worn garments made from quality fabrics. For items that show their age, bring them to a GreenEarth dry cleaner near you to restore and refresh. Donate to a local non-profit. Many school organizations, or local non-profits will gladly accept clothing donations to help fund their cause. GreenEarth is honored to partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters in support of their on-going clothing drive, which accounts for 30% of their operating budget. Every item makes a difference. Together, we can be effective and set the stage for brighter tomorrows.  Let sustainability become your love language, too.

Gifting season is upon us, and it is even easier to go green this season!   When searching for gift ideas that support our love for sustainable and environmentally friendly products and best practices, we were thrilled to find so many fun and unique ideas. From clothing made from coffee to reusable paper towels, we found a little something for everyone!   Let’s jump right in!   Coalatree Eco-Minded Goods. https://coalatree.com/ A love for the great outdoors is a common thread shared by many. Whether you live in the city and are destined for weekend adventures or enjoy a lifestyle in mountainous terrain, Coalatree has gear for all outdoor enthusiasts. You will find an eco-friendly product line offering clothing for men and women, hammocks, blankets, and accessories, all with rave reviews!    However, we found one product fascinating and, quite frankly, just super cool. Clothing made from Coffee! You read that right. Not only can you enjoy a hot cup of joe each morning, but you can also sport clothing made of coffee. Sipping coffee while wearing coffee! It’s a thing!    Each year coffee consumption creates millions of tons of waste. How do we reduce that waste? One way is to recycle coffee grounds into usable fabric. Infusing yarn with coffee saves landfills from coffee waste, lowers carbon emissions, provides properties similar to synthetic performance clothing, and more. You will enjoy an odor-resistant fabric that is anti-bacterial, moisture-wicking, offers UV protection, and keeps you cool… AND is good for the environment.      Bearaby Napper https://bearaby.com/ The gift of rest is surely something everyone can appreciate. Whether it is a cozy afternoon nap or a long night’s rest, you can give the gift of relaxing slumber to everyone on your list. Your loved ones can snuggle up under a weighted blanket crafted with your choice of buttery-soft cotton, silky-smooth moisture-wicking TENCEL, or eco-friendly velvet in soothing colors like asteroid grey, evening rose, or terracotta, just to name a few. Self-care without compromise is the mission behind Bearaby products, and we think they nailed it. The products are made with eco-friendly materials, sourced ethically, manufactured responsibly, and oh so snuggly! They did not stop at blankets either. Be sure and search their sensory pillows and the cutest little stocking stuffer, the Hugget. Even your littlest of loves can have their own, youth-size, blanket and sensory pillow set.     Munjoi – The All-Dai Shoe https://munjoi.com/ The All-Dai shoe is like gifting four pairs of shoes in one! By removing the insole and collapsing down the desired toe or heel portions, you can have a sandal, a slide, a mule, or a sneaker – all in one. The All-Dai shoe is made from almost entirely plant-based materials (cotton, hemp, algae, and sugar cane). In sticking true to the mission of simplicity and less consumption, the color choices are classic neutrals – Black Sea, Sedona, or Neutral.      Homeostasis Living – REusable Collections https://www.homeostasisliving.com/ This season give the gift that keeps on giving, reusable paper towels. Replacing a one-time-use product in your home is a beautiful way to support a healthier planet. We found these adorable reusable paper towels in patterns that complement any décor. Made with organic cotton and natural eco-friendly dyes, you will enjoy their durable design and long-lasting construction. Each set of 12 or 24 comes with an organic cotton wash bag. Add a bamboo paper towel holder for a complete look.     One of the highlights of researching this article was seeing the passion and heart around creating sustainable, environmentally friendly resources that mirror our founding principle at GreenEarth Cleaning – “doing business without doing harm”. Our mission is a kinder clean. We seek to take better care of fabrics, the people who wear them, and the planet where we live.                  

As we progress through the Fall and Winter seasons, the more we’ll need to stay warm.  There’s now more of a tendency to add a layer of clothing as energy prices continue to increase. One of the best and most sustainable fabrics to help stay warm is wool. Whether it’s your clothing or blankets! There are lots of different types of wool, including Merino, Angora, Alpaca and Cashmere. All the different types of wool can be found in items such as bedspreads, coats, suits and sweaters. The great thing about wool is that it will keep you warm, but it is also a classic fibre that is very much representative of ‘Slow Fashion’.  Over the years, more manufactured and synthetic fibers have been used as an alternative to wool, but what cost to the planet in the era of ‘Fast Fashion’? Well, wool is coming back into favor, and it has many supporters from pop stars to royalty. King Charles III of the United Kingdom (who proudly boasts that he still wears a wool suit that dates back to the 1970s), is the patron of ‘Campaign for wool’ and even took part in an experiment, which involved burying both a synthetic and wool garment for 4 months. Then Alex James (member of Brit Pop Band Blur) dug up both items. The wool item had degraded significantly, where the synthetic item had not, and in fact had solidified, showing that it would never degrade. Imagine then, a landfill site full of synthetic items. Alex also conducted an experiment on the show ‘Slowing Down Fast Fashion’, setting fire to a wool item and a synthetic item with a blow torch.  The blow torch did burn a hole in the woollen item, but it did not catch fire. The synthetic item did catch fire, and in his words, “That smells really toxic, and it’s really sticky… that’s like an oil slick burning.” So, as well as environmental concerns, there are also safety concerns. Wool is also being used in innovative ways too. Armadillo Merino, create clothing made of wool for astronauts to wear on their missions, helping to reduce odour in confined spaces – something that is not considered to be an obvious requirement to us non-astronauts! And these are not heavy-duty sweaters, but t-shirts, long johns, balaclavas and socks! It’s great that they don’t have to consider after care when on a mission, but back on terra firma, GreenEarth Affiliates and their customers can rely on the gentle and effective properties of our pure liquid silicone.  Whether it’s heavy duty wool or something more delicate like cashmere, these items can be cleaned time and time again, without losing color and shape, plus they will keep their original soft feel – also, customers don’t have to worry about drying items flat, when they entrust their wool items in the experienced hands of our collective affiliate network!

Reaction to change can be unpredictable, and not all changes are the same. Some are temporary or seasonal, others are more permanent. Our reaction to change can take us by surprise, not because of the actual change itself, but what memories it may trigger, which in themselves cause us to react in a way that we may not have anticipated. Coping with change might be a slower or faster response for some, and until we get our heads around the change itself, we may not be ready to implement a coping strategy. Dry Cleaners around the world have had their fair share of changes (and their impacts) to deal with in the last 30 months. So much change in fact, and it is important to differentiate between changes we can have some control over and those we cannot. Understanding the difference, will lead to developing a coping strategy. The need for all of us to react to climate change, has led first of all for our Affiliates to make the change to our environmentally non-toxic pure liquid silicone. But more than that they look at plastic consumption, energy usage, recycling, sustainable retail products and so much more. The COVID pandemic meant that many had to completely change their business model. Whether it was introducing social media, creating a website, review staffing or implementing a delivery route. We were fortunate enough to draw on our respective experience to assist with this, but the ability of our network to adopt change should not be underestimated. That is probably why they were looking for a different dry-cleaning solution in the first place. With the current changes to energy pricing, our Affiliate network is facing a higher cost base, but many have chosen to take control of the situation, by converting to our optimised system, which reduces energy and water usage and any associated costs. According to NLP practitioner and life coach Mandy Mackenzie, “Adapting to change can be a lengthy process for example when a loved one dies, we lose our jobs, we have sustained a life changing injury or are abandoned by a spouse or long-term partner. On the other hand, if we initiate a change for example Get married, have a baby, we find a new better paid job with another company, move to a home that better meets our needs, because they are chosen changes which by and large we are in control of they seem positive.” Each GreenEarth team member has embraced change where they can by making earth pledges on Earth Day each year, trying to effect change. We started small, but we have built on those foundations and kept focus on those goals. Having goals generally can help with accepting and managing your own changes.

Trends are always coming back in style, whether bell-bottomed jeans or sheepskin boots. Beyond your current collection of hand-me-downs, vintage or second-hand shopping is a great way to source authentic variations of returning trends. Research suggests that North America is responsible for approximately 10.5 million tonnes of textile and clothing waste disposal annually. Minimize your contributions by getting thrifty with existing creations.   Shopping Second-Hand   Supporting sustainable fashion can feel financially unattainable; second-hand shops are the exception. As endorsed by American rapper Macklemore, thrift shopping is a great way to acquire unique items at an affordable rate. Inventory is supplied by a variety of donors or consignors with varying styles. With patience, you can find your closet’s next holy grail.   Where to Start    Identifying your personal style can be difficult to navigate. When in doubt, consult your favorite clothing brands and style influencers for inspiration; this will give you an idea of what items to look out for and potential ways to style your finds. Pinterest is a great platform for building your ideal wardrobe in the format of a vision board.   Online Thrift   Retailers are eager to satisfy the growing demand for second-hand and vintage clothing. Online thrifting allows you to filter your searches by brand names, size, or garment type: all convenience, no commute.   Facebook Marketplace An online marketplace occupied by individual sellers and local businesses. The platform offers a simplified e-commerce format that values convenience among buyers and sellers. All sales are made via the chat feature between the buyer and seller. Prices can typically be negotiated.   thredUP One of the largest online consignment companies that feature authenticated items for up to 90% off their estimated original cost. Receive an additional discount of up to 50% off your first purchase when you sign up with your email address. Purchasing format is as simple as regular online shopping.   The Real Real An online consignment shop that sells authenticated luxury items from your favorite designers, including Gucci, Burberry, Prada, and many more. Sign up with your email address to receive a $25 store credit. Purchasing format is as simple as regular online shopping.   OuterKnown A sustainable clothing brand that produces original garments with a second-hand section consisting of preloved Outerknown items. In efforts to keep their clothing out of landfills, the store offers store credit in exchange for preloved Outerknown items that are no longer worn. Purchasing is done on their website directly.   You can find gently worn garments made from quality fabrics. For the items that show their age, bring them to a GreenEarth dry cleaner near you to restore and refresh. Nothing beats the blueprint; clothe yourself with care by sporting second-hand.   GreenEarth dry cleaners can also be used to maintain the quality of your newly purchased items. By caring for your clothing sooner, you can extend its wear. Furthermore, you might consider reselling the garments. Allow us to assist in preserving your pieces for the next owner.  

Care for Your Clothes Better Did you know that the fashion industry has an extremely high carbon footprint? You may not know this, but water consumption and waste have become a huge issue surrounding the fast fashion industries. A pair of jeans uses 3,781 liters of water just from being made. The fashion industry consumes 79 trillion liters of water a year, and that isn’t the only negative impact that it has on our environment. If you are interested in building a more ethical and sustainable lifestyle for yourself, here is a list of ideas on how you can help to decrease the impact of fast fashion on the environment. Whether you’re spending $1,000 on an item, or $30 how you care for the garment will determine how long It will last and whether it can have a future with another owner. The company may be affiliated with fast fashion, but so is the consumer regarding how they care for their items while owning them. With GreenEarth Cleaning, you can better care for your clothes by using our environmentally non-toxic cleaning solution. Our gentle cleaning process can help to extend the life of your clothes, reduce any wear and tear associated with cleaning, and cut down on landfill waste. With this, you will be giving your items a better chance to be loved by someone else while helping the planet. Buy from Your Local Charity Store or Second-Hand Shops Another way that you can support sustainable fashion is to buy clothing pre-loved. Rather than shopping new, go searching for something unique at the thrift store for a bargain. You would be surprised at how many items you can get that are still in great condition. Shopping secondhand, you can give a used item a new lease on life. Do a Clothing Exchange with Your Friends and Family Another way to reduce clothing waste would be to trade clothes rather than purchase new items. If you’re not sure about giving them up altogether, there is always the option to borrow. Exchanging can come in handy if your clothes are no longer fitting the way they should as well, just swap with someone who wears the same size and there will be no need to buy a different size. Repair Your Items Usually, when a shirt or a pair of pants gets a hole, we immediately consider throwing them away or going to the store for a replacement. But a better way that we do not often think of is getting your items repaired, if you have the ability to do so yourself, even better. This will help to save you money and minimize waste, and if you need help, there are also plenty of online resources at your disposal to help with your repair process. It is important to have the tools to build a more eco-friendly lifestyle through sustainable fashion. Do what you can to minimize the impact of fast fashion by educating yourself further, sharing your thoughts and strategies with others, or supporting different organizations that are tackling fast fashion. All change begins with one individual, make a personal choice to benefit yourself and the planet.