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Now that we’re into May, we almost leave Earth Day and Earth Month behind, but not quite.  Whilst Earth Day is a big celebration for us, when we reflect, re-evaluate and refocus. By setting new company and individual objectives, we try to ensure that every day is Earth Day. GreenEarth Cleaning’s objectives for the next 12 months include continuing to reduce our own carbon footprint and also the footprint of our affiliates. We achieve this by converting more of them to our optimized GreenEarth® system.  And the team’s individual objectives range from reducing travel related carbon, to reducing use of disposable plastic, to community litter picking. We also ensure that we share the latest in sustainability related news and initiatives with our many GreenEarth Cleaning affiliates, helping them navigate their way through that content, so that they can continue to make a significant difference. The GreenEarth® Cleaning system consists of 3 main product components in addition to our proprietary pure liquid silicone.  They are: 1)      Activated Clay 2)      Prime pre-spotter 3)      Sustain Detergent When using this system, we no longer use (or need to dispose of) cartridges or all-carbon filters. The amount of detergent used can be reduced, as well as reducing utility usage and associated costs by up to 60%.  And a result of bypassing the distillation part of the process, cycle times are reduced, and productivity is increased. To celebrate Earth Day 2022, we combined sustainability and giving back to society. Alongside many of our USA affiliates, GreenEarth Cleaning organized a clothes drive, something that we have done for several years.  Many of the stores collected clothes from customers to benefit charities.  The GreenEarth team in Kansas City, hosted a clothes drive at the Bierstation, and over 1,000 lbs of unwanted clothes were collected, preventing them from going to landfill and at the same time, benefiting the charity Big Brother Big Sister, which is a non-profit organization whose mission is to “create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships, that ignite the power and promise of youth”. Adult volunteers are matched with children from age 5 to young adulthood. We’d love to hear your Earth Day stories – share them with us at info@greenearthcleaning.com

As the weather warms and flowers bloom, it’s a fantastic time to clean and freshen up your home for spring. If your sights are set on green living this year, here are some great tips on how to clean sustainably.  During the winter, clothes start to pile up and overburden you with clutter and there is nothing worse than clutter to make a space feel messy. Clutter can be a source of stress but there are ways to manage it. If you are looking to cut down on landfill waste, consider donating your items to your local Salvation Army or nearest clothing drive. For items you want to keep like new, we have many affiliates who can help you clean them properly, without harsh or harmful chemicals. If you have a trusted dry cleaner in your area, you may know that they offer dry cleaning services that will help gently remove any dust or grime that may have accumulated over the winter season. If your local cleaner uses the GreenEarth Cleaning process, then you are really in luck. With the GreenEarth process, you can expect a friendly clean that is fresh and crisp, and you can trust that the process is sustainable.  The GreenEarth Cleaning process is made up of one basic ingredient, pure liquid silicone. This ingredient is non-toxic and non-hazardous. You can find liquid silicone in many of your daily use items, including cosmetics and body lotions. Since it is unlike traditional solvents, it can be used on delicate fabrics without causing damage, with its gentle but effective clean. Since it is non-toxic, it can clear away oils and dirt, making your items feel softer. Your items will be returned to you looking brighter than ever. When bringing your items in to be cleaned for spring to any GreenEarth cleaner, you can also expect your items returned to you with satisfaction guaranteed. You will be amazed at what our process can do to not only clean your clothes the right way but to renew them just in time so you can enjoy sunny spring days, worry-free. With our Affiliates, you can expect nothing less. So, the next time you are looking for a trusted local dry cleaner, check our store locator! Meanwhile, if you are feeling overwhelmed with your spring cleaning, here are some great sustainable tips to start with: Organize, organize, organize! If you feel like you are drowning in clothes, try to sort out each item by color, fabric, or season. When you do this, you can figure out which items to store, and which items you plan to use the most this season. When storing your winter items, do your best to keep them in a cool and dry environment. You may also want to consider buying a few easy-to-access storage bins to place under your bed or on the shelf in order to minimize dust accumulation.  Fold your clothes neatly, that way, when you go to pull them out again they will not be wrinkled or bunched up which will reduce the amount of effort you will need to put into unpacking these items for next season. Consider donating clothes rather than throwing them away. Bring your items to a local clothes drive, sell them on social media, or drop them off at Salvation Army. This will lessen the burden of having too many clothes while also helping to minimize landfill waste and perhaps help others in need as well.

With 2022 finally in full swing, it’s a fantastic time to start thinking about the tone we will be setting for this new year, specifically when it comes to sustainable fashion! The pandemic gave many of us a chance to examine our relationship with fast fashion, providing an opportunity to ‘reset’ and rethink how we value newness, comfort, and quality. This past year, we have noticed more influencers and designers who promote longer-lasting garments, instead of buying more new pieces. This is a trend that not only benefits our environment, but it also sets a new tone and expectation for the fashion industry. Secondhand clothing also looks to make big waves this year. As people hunt for their favorite labels at bargain prices on sites like Facebook Marketplace, Vinted, and Depop. Giving clothes a new lease on life by up-cycling and promoting a more sustainable, yet trendy, way to shop your favorite style. A few studies by Mashable show that the 90s are back. Loose denim, vintage suits, and bucket hats are coming back strong. With celebrities sporting more vintage sustainable fashion, it is quickly becoming the latest trend for the masses. Every brand has a unique approach to sustainable fashion, for instance, ReCircled allows for clothing and accessories to be put back to use.  Rather than going to a landfill or shredded for scrap, the ReCircled process keeps these items at their highest value, which is a core value of sustainability. Another brand that goes above and beyond with sustainability is Sorona which manufactures ethically sourced materials. Apparel made with Sorona Fabric enables people to look good and feel good while doing good for our planet. Sustainable fashion is crucial, especially now. Our team at Cameo By Copeland wants to emphasize that we love longevity in fashion and we are proud that we use the environmentally non-toxic GreenEarth® dry cleaning process because not only is it safe for the environment, it’s gentler on fabrics as well so your clothes look newer longer. By replacing petrochemicals with pure liquid silicone, GreenEarth delivers an impeccable clean without exposing your clothes or the environment to harmful chemicals. So while you’re thrifting, or buying reused clothing, it’s important to get them cleaned professionally. We can ensure that our team will make your sustainable clothing look brand new and more comfortable than ever! Take your new wardrobe to Cameo By Copeland today, and let us get you ready for 2022 in a sustainable way!

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, so naturally, couples everywhere are planning their perfect date night. Imagine yourself getting ready and putting on that perfect outfit, knowing you look and feel beautiful, so you can start your evening stress-free! Your local GreenEarth cleaner is there to help. If you have a dress in the closet you have saved for that special night, and you might notice it doesn’t fit quite right anymore, their expert tailors will find you that perfect fit. With all the time and money spent on Valentine’s Day, see if your local GreenEarth cleaner offers pickup and delivery. It’s just one more way they can make your life easier. It works on your time and will make your perfect night less stressful. GreenEarth cleaners are the best in the business and take incredible care in keeping your fine garments including dress shirts, bespoke and designer suits, gowns—even bridal finery, looking new yet scrupulously cleaned. Romance and dry cleaning go more hand in hand than you probably thought, right? Rather than handbag or shoe cleaning, restorations, or even fur upkeep, our Affiliates excel in creating the cleanest clothing possible, all while maintaining their commitment to the environemtn. First, it has very low surface tension and is very light in weight. Surface tension is what causes water to “bead up” on fabric. GreenEarth’s low surface tension allows it to more effectively penetrate the fabric fibers and lubricate away the dirt particles. Silicone cleans and rinses more gently, reducing wear and tear on fabrics. Second, liquid silicone is chemically inert, meaning it does not chemically react with textile fabric or dyes during the cleaning process. This minimizes abrasion to and/or swelling of fabric fibers, eliminates traditional issues with dye removal and dye bleed, helps maintain the soft hand of garments, and prevents shrinkage. A wider variety of clothes can be safely cleaned with GreenEarth. What used to be “problem” items is no problem at all. Liquid silicone is odorless, so there is no lingering chemical “dry cleaned” smell on your clothes. GreenEarth cleaning kills most viruses and microbes that survive on garments, bedding, and upholstery. Lastly, we want to wish everyone an amazing holiday and hope that you have the most magical night possible, whomever it is spent with.

Name a more timeless wardrobe staple than a leather jacket. We’ll wait… Some of the first modern leather jackets were worn by members of the military in the early 1900s for protection against the elements. In the latter half of the 20th century, the garment was popularized by Hollywood stars and quickly became the very essence of “cool.” While long appreciated for their practicality, leather jackets have been a cornerstone of fashion for decades—and they’re not going anywhere. To ensure your leather jacket remains forever in style, it needs meticulous cleaning and care. Unlike everyday garments, leather pieces shouldn’t just be cleaned when they get dirty. Caring for these investments is a matter of maintenance. With a quick Google search, you’ll find all sorts of tips and tricks for DIY leather cleaning. Regularly conditioning your leather on your own is beneficial, but for a deeper clean, it’s best left to the professionals. There’s a higher risk of doing more harm than good with an at-home approach. GreenEarth cleaners should be your go-to source when it comes to looking after your leather garments. As you’ve read from us before, our environmentally non-toxic system of care is not only better for the planet, but it’s also just better for fabrics—and that includes leather. Unlike traditional dry cleaning methods, GreenEarth cleans gently, returning items fresh and rejuvenated. For your beloved leather jacket, that translates to restoring the natural skin’s soft and supple feel. And if your piece has additional embellishments like fringe, embroidery, painted designs, etc.? That’s no problem either! Because GreenEarth isn’t abrasive or aggressive, there’s no worry of leaching dyes or damaging trims. Aside from cleaning, many of our Affiliates also include restoration, alterations, and repairs as part of their leather services, providing you with comprehensive care so you can continue to enjoy and cherish your leathers for years to come. GreenEarth cleaners are truly the best in the business—and a treasured garment like a leather jacket only deserves the best. With a combination of knowledge, expertise, and state-of-the-art care, you can have peace of mind that your investment is being left in the most skilled and capable hands. To find a cleaner near you, head to our Store Locator. A few tips to consider in between professional cleanings: Leather conditioner keeps leather soft and pliable as well as helps it repel water. Condition your leather at least four times a year, or more if it’s regularly exposed to rain or sun. Avoid spraying hairspray, perfume, or cologne while wearing your leather. Always hang leather garments on padded hangers to help retain their shape. Keep leather items stored out of direct sunlight. Natural skins will fade over time, but sunlight will speed up that process substantially. Never store leather in plastic or non-breathable covers. It could cause the leather to dry out and lose its integrity. Instead, use a fabric garment bag or even cover the item with an old sheet for long-term storage.

Celebrating a new beginning, a turning of the page, the next chapter in life—who doesn’t get excited about New Year’s celebrations? The champagne, the party blowers, the little hats, and the fashion. Oh, the fashion! Dressing to the nine for the big ball drop is a long-lasting tradition for many folks, and we are here for it. We love seeing all of the fresh, couture, high fashion looks. So while everyone everywhere is either planning a party or preparing to attend one, do we dare ask you to keep the planet top of mind this year? We do—a sustainable New Year is music to our ears. The Guest List If you’re sending out formal invitations, think about doing it digitally. There is something to be said about the classiness that comes with a printed invitation, but with the environment top of mind, your guests should understand. There are some really cool e-vite cards these days too, and you can even frame your message around the planet and all of your friends will know how forward-thinking and planet-conscious you are. A True Dining Experience Forget the plastic. It’s so easy to just throw away, your hungover self will thank you the next day. But let’s stop letting our hungover selves call the shots. Put your foot down and rent some fine glassware. This way you can simply return it the next day and be done with it, almost as easy as throwing it in the trash. Now, mother nature can thank you for a sustainable New Year celebration. Floor To Ceiling Most traditional New Year’s Eve party decorations are not kind to the environment. But just take a look around, check out some local party shops, they will almost always have some more eco-friendly options for you. And don’t get the paper tablecloths—use fabric. It’s much classier. And if it gets wine or champagne spilled on it, no worries, your local GreenEarth cleaner will get that right out for you. Razzle Dazzle ‘Em You can’t do New Year’s Eve without your best, drop-dead gorgeous fit. Avoid all things fast fashion, go for glitz—the real deal. Even think about shopping some vintage boutiques for that super trendy retro look everyone’s going for these days. Nothing is more sustainable than that. And you guessed it, GreenEarth cleaners around the world will be there waiting to take care of any alterations pre-party, and of course, cleaning and stain removal post-party. Find your local GreenEarth cleaner on our store locator—they’ll be your one-stop shop for all your fabric care needs.

Christmas is all about giving, spending time with family, and spreading cheer. Let’s try incorporating sustainability in your Christmas list and go green for the holidays! Buy less Holiday gifts can provide a practical need, the need to buy something new every year. But keep in mind that although many new gifts are generally gestures of kindness or thoughtfulness, you can still give more while spending less money this year. Sustainable giving Not all gifts need to be store-bought. Although it may be a habit to buy a brand new gift at your local department store or online, there are many ways that you can give a thoughtful present and go green for the holidays. Consider a DIY gift or maybe something special to you that you think might be special to someone else. There are so many options to choose from that are just as thoughtful as a store-bought gift. Shorten your list to simplify your gift-giving Many people get stressed this time of year with the long lists of gifts for each person during the ‘gift-go-around’ season. It is important, as said previously, to remember that gifts are thoughtful gestures, not shiny ones. Consider doing a Secret Santa this year! This way, you can shorten your list to just one person, not a dozen, and focus on really making your gift special for them. Think green and buy smart For example, locally made gifts from marketplaces and local artists. Local craft fairs and artisan shops are a good way to start. This way, you can find gifts made by anyone with a special skill from all over the world. This can save you the cost of travel and reduce gas emissions that are huge contributors to global warming. Keep in mind as well that you are also helping to support local artists and their businesses. What’s better than a gift that is unique to give to your loved one and going green for the holidays in the process?! Consider donating your old toys or clothing If you would like to help teach your children the spirit of giving during the holidays, ask them to go through their toys and decide which ones they do not play with anymore and donate them to a homeless shelter/domestic violence shelter or your local Salvation Army or Goodwill. This way, your children can learn about the importance of giving back to other children and families and spread some Christmas cheer to those who may be less fortunate this year. Go on an outing with the family The best gift during the holidays is spending precious time with your family. Consider going on an outdoor excursion rather than giving gifts this season. Presents do not have to be an object; one of the best gifts of all is having a family to enjoy it with. Care for your fabrics sustainably  When we get ready for Christmas, we usually think about what sweater we are going to wear, what tablecloth we will use for dinner, and what type of stockings will be hung up. But what most do not consider is the importance of sustainability during the holidays. When we pull out our decorations, they may be dusty or have that storage odor. No one wants smelly décor, stained dresses, or anything to make the holidays less than perfect. Your local GreenEarth cleaner can save your traditions by renewing all of your favorite textiles. Using our environmentally non-toxic GreenEarth Cleaning system, they can properly clean your Christmas items and clothing without any harsh chemicals. Find the GreenEarth cleaner nearest you on our store locator. There are many ways to be sustainable and thoughtful. Traditions can change, which is okay! Sometimes we outgrow old traditions, create new ones, and with that, we can create some new memories that will last a lifetime. GreenEarth Cleaning is all about sustainability and protecting the environment. We can spread Christmas cheer by minimizing our carbon footprint. Open your hearts this season, and enjoy the holidays with your family all the while protecting our planet.

In August of this year, GreenEarth Cleaning published a blog regarding the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel, following the publication of its Climate Change report. The report delivered the starkest warnings yet. The latest findings, approved by 195 member states, dealt with the physical science basis of climate change and how humans are changing the planet. We also discussed COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland, and how it was considered more vital than ever that firm agreement to carbon emission reduction targets be put in place and actions to support this take place as a matter of urgency. So, what were the main takeaways from COP26, and what can everyone do to play their part?  Phase Down Fossil Fuels but Not Phase Out—At the beginning of negotiations, there were discussions around moving away from coal and fossil fuel subsidies.  By the time of the second draft of the deal, the language had changed to urging countries to move away from “unabated coal” and “inefficient subsidies for fossil fuels.” On the final Saturday of COP26, China and India successfully pushed for another last-minute change to the crucial phrase, saying they would agree only to “phase-down unabated coal,” rather than “phase-out.” Whilst many were disappointed about the phasing down of fossil fuels rather than out, the text did represent the first-ever mention of coal and fossil fuel subsidies in such a deal. Focus on 1.5 degrees centigrade—This was the target set in Paris in 2016. Whilst it is believed that there is a small chance to achieve this, drastic changes would need to be made and promises kept. Most thinking would suggest achieving somewhere between 2 and 2.5 degrees, depending on the commitment of all nations. Timeline Acceleration—The deal “requests” that world leaders “revisit and strengthen” their 2030 targets under the Paris agreement, known as “nationally determined contributions” (NDCs), by the end of 2022. This compares to a typical five-year timeline for countries to submit new or updated NDCs.  The hope is that this will keep commitments in the front of governments’ and citizens’ minds when it comes to combatting climate change. Funding Future Loss and Damage—whilst almost every part of the globe will see the negative impacts of climate change (if not already), there are said to be around 50 countries that are at a greater risk. Even if greenhouse gas emissions were to stop today, a lot of the damage has already been caused.  Therefore, the 50 or so countries will need additional financial support to combat the effects.   However, delegates agreed to start a “dialogue” about the idea, angering those who say such reparations are long overdue. Voices of the Young—There was a large presence of young people in Glasgow voicing their passionate opinions on how climate change will impact theirs and future generations’ lives the most. The presence was felt more outside the venue, where more than 100,000 people marched to demand climate action. It even struck a chord with former US President Barack Obama telling the youth of today to “stay angry” about inaction on global warming. So, what next? Well, the deal is an important development, but many would say that it’s not enough. However, it is something that can be built on, and it saw some firsts and requests that countries review their commitments more regularly. It’s easy to blame a government (whatever your political persuasions might be) for what they do and don’t do. Equally, we don’t necessarily need policy change for us to make a change—it can start with our personal goals, actions, and statements.

The definition of bliss is reaching a state of perfect happiness, typically so as to be oblivious of everything else. And that’s exactly how we feel putting on our favorite cashmere sweater and cuddling up next to the fireplace with a hot beverage and a good book. It’s that time of the year when some of us are excited to rotate the wardrobe and get out our favorite wool sweaters. It’s possible to find some unpleasant surprises though, due to the natural fibers that are used in manufacturing these garments. Caring for sweaters or other natural textiles can be tricky. That’s why we’re here.  It’s important you’re properly caring for sweaters—and all natural fiber garments, for that matter—to prevent things like clothes moths but to also maintain that soft, delicate feeling we all love so much when we first purchase one of these items. And don’t fall victim to “clear spillage.” Oftentimes, we may spill on one of these garments, but as it’s not visible, we figure it’s not necessary to clean. That’s wrong with any article of clothing, but especially when dealing with natural fibers like wool. It’s important we clean these items at the beginning of the season, after each wear, and again at the end of the season, prior to storing.  Trust the professionals. These are delicate fabrics and typically not cheap, so spend the money to ensure they’re cared for by the folks who know what they’re doing—your local GreenEarth cleaner. Some other dry cleaning solvents are aggressive and can actually damage your more delicate garments. Some store clerks will even warn you not to dry clean them because of horror stories they’ve heard or maybe their own experiences dealing with wool sweaters ruined by a dry cleaner. GreenEarth is different. It’s so gentle, the most delicate textiles can be cleaned by any of our Affiliate dry cleaners around the world. Not only is it safe for natural fibers, but the silicone solvent can also have a rejuvenating effect, resulting in clean, fresh, and softer-than-ever sweaters—just imagine it.  In summary, it’s important you’re properly caring for sweaters. Clean your natural fiber textiles regularly, and leave them to the professionals, more specifically a GreenEarth Cleaning professional. It will extend the lifetime of your favorite garments, reducing your contribution to landfill waste and allowing you the pleasure of cherishing them for many winters to come. Find your nearest GreenEarth cleaner at our store locator.