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In a recent episode of the Automation and Self-Service Podcast, Kiosk Marketplace Editor Sandra Carpenter had an engaging conversation with Sassan Rahimzadeh, the president of ARYA Cleaners. They discussed how self-service has transformed the dry cleaning industry, reflecting on the challenges and opportunities that arise from these changes. Sassan provided valuable insights into the history of self-service in dry cleaning, noting how consumer expectations have shifted over the years alongside the impact of technology. This evolution not only changes the operations of dry cleaning businesses but also alters the way customers interact with the services offered. He emphasized the significance of integrating technology with excellent customer service. At ARYA Cleaners, the commitment to providing care for garments while utilizing technology to enhance efficiency proves vital, particularly in an industry where customer trust is paramount. Sassan also noted that “The best marketing always creates trust between consumers and the product.” He highlighted that when introducing new self-service options, having an actual staff member available is often essential for building that trust. This emphasizes the idea that while technology can streamline processes and improve convenience, a personal touch is still key for establishing genuine connections with customers. In an exciting addition to his professional itinerary, Sassan spoke at the Self-Service Innovation Summit, which took place from December 9-11 in Tampa, Florida. He participated in a panel discussion titled “Self-Service Retail: A Profitable Path to Growth in High-Traffic Locations.” The event was a valuable opportunity for industry professionals to learn about the implementation of self-service in busy environments. What stands out from Sassan’s insights is not just the importance of keeping pace with technological advancements, but also creating a balance between innovation and personal engagement. As self-service continues to evolve, it is interesting to observe how businesses like ARYA Cleaners navigate new challenges while reaping the benefits of technological progress. It is becoming clear that the future of dry cleaning is looking positive, and those who adapt successfully are the ones who will thrive. Watch the video “A fresh perspective on self-service dry-cleaning with Sassan Rahimzadeh” here!

This holiday season, Arya Cleaners is excited to team up with Sharia’s Closet to host a Holiday Coat Drive, bringing warmth and care to those in need. As part of their commitment to the community, Arya Cleaners is proud to support this initiative to provide essential clothing to individuals and families facing financial challenges. How You Can Get Involved Arya Cleaners invites you to join their effort by donating new or gently used coats to benefit Sharia’s Closet. This nonprofit organization focuses on providing emergency clothing to individuals in need, helping them face life’s challenges with dignity and confidence. Your contribution can make a meaningful difference during the colder months. Where to Donate: Donations can be dropped off at the following Arya Cleaners locations: 2260 Otay Lakes Rd., Suite 112, Chula Vista, CA 91915 1479 East “H” Street, Chula Vista, CA 91910 Donation Deadline: December 21, 2024 A Mission Rooted in Community Arya Cleaners takes great pride in being a part of the Chula Vista community and strives to make a positive impact beyond their cleaning services. Partnering with Sharia’s Closet reflects their dedication to giving back and supporting those in need. This coat drive is an opportunity to come together as a community to spread warmth and kindness during the holiday season. Make a Difference Today Your generosity can help someone stay warm this winter. By donating a coat, you’re not only giving clothing but also hope and care to someone who needs it most. Together, let’s make this holiday season brighter for everyone in our community. Thank you for being part of this meaningful initiative!

At GreenEarth Cleaning, we have spent the past decade immersing ourselves in sustainable fashion. This journey has led us to discover and curate a list of the top five fair trade and eco-friendly clothing brands organized by budget. As we become more conscious about our purchases, we must consider the origins and impact of the clothes we wear. Our spending choices can either support or harm the people and resources involved in making our clothing. Choosing sustainable fashion, and even better, secondhand options, can significantly reduce the detrimental effects of fast fashion on our planet. Why Wear Sustainable Clothing? If you’re new to sustainable fashion, you may be surprised by the price tags. However, it’s important to understand that these brands are not meant to be consumed at the same rate as fast fashion. Sustainable fashion brands prioritize eco-friendly practices, ethical production standards, timeless design, and high-quality essentials that last. Unlike fast fashion items that often need replacing every season, these pieces are designed to be worn for years. When it’s time to update our wardrobes, we turn to slow fashion brands. Each of the five brands listed below is committed to ethical and transparent garment production, considering both people and the planet. Many of these brands have third-party sustainable and ethical certifications. Creating a more sustainable wardrobe doesn’t require buying everything new at once. Start with what you have, mend pieces you love, and build your closet slowly and intentionally. Top Sustainable Fashion Brands tentree Best For: Cozy, casual essentials Sustainability: Fair Trade certified ethical manufacturing Size Range: XS–XXL tentree makes Earth-first essentials using sustainable materials. For every item purchased, ten trees are planted, with over 73 million trees planted to date. The brand offers lifestyle and loungewear made from Tencel, hemp, and organic cotton. Tentree’s commitment to the environment and community is evident in every piece.   Pact Best For: Fair trade organic cotton basics Sustainability: Fair Trade Certified, organic cotton, recycled & biodegradable packaging, donation program for used clothes Size Range: XS–2XL; up to US 20 Pact is dedicated to making super-soft sustainable clothes for kids and adults that also benefit the world. The brand ensures its entire supply chain, from growing organic cotton to final sewing, is responsible and clean. Pact is our go-to for basics and underwear, offering carbon-offset shipping for a more sustainable purchase. Kotn Best For: Egyptian cotton wardrobe staples Sustainability: Organic cotton, safe & fair labor standards, plastic-free packaging, nontoxic dyes, gives back to Egyptian communities Size Range: XXS–XXL; up to US 16 Kotn offers luxury basics made from Egyptian cotton. The brand creates garments in a fair and safe environment and helps suppliers transition to organic cotton. As a certified B Corp, Kotn has impacted over 100,000 lives in Egypt by building schools and funding farms. Its high-quality tees are designed to last beyond 30 wears. Fair Indigo Best For: Organic basics Sustainability: Organic cotton, safe dyes, fair wages, artisan-made, gives back via Fair Indigo Foundation Size Range: XS–XL; up to US 18 Fair Indigo focuses on creating long-lasting clothes, like the Forever Organic Tees made from organic Peruvian Pima cotton. The brand’s garments are made with sustainability and ethical practices in mind, offering affordable organic basics and artisan-made accessories. Quince Best For: Affordable silk & cashmere Sustainability: BCSI-certified ethical production, sustainable & organic materials, OEKO-TEX certified, virgin plastic-free Size Range: XS–XL; up to US 16 Quince aims to make ethical and eco-friendly clothing accessible to everyone. The brand offers versatile, effortless basics like Mulberry silk tops and cashmere cardigans, all delivered in plastic-free packaging. Quince’s mission is to make sustainability the standard, not a luxury. Making a Sustainable Choice Embracing sustainable fashion means making informed choices about what we wear. By choosing brands committed to ethical practices and environmental sustainability, we can reduce the impact of our wardrobe on the planet. To ensure your new sustainable purchases stay fresh and last longer, bring them to your nearest GreenEarth Affiliate store. Our eco-friendly cleaning methods protect your garments and extend their lifespan, allowing you to enjoy your thoughtfully chosen pieces for years to come. Visit our store locator to find the closest GreenEarth Affiliate and experience the difference our gentle, planet-friendly cleaning can make.

  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!

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.