Aaron Newport

Garment aftercare is essential when it comes to fabric lasting longer or even just smelling nice, but somehow, it’s almost become a dirty word. Let’s unpack that… Almost every industry or sector has a previous bad news story that hangs around for far longer than the good news stories, and no matter how hard you try to shake it off, the mud sticks. There are lots of good things to be said about the garment aftercare sector. Closed-loop system A dry cleaning machine is a closed-loop system, which means that all the waste stays in the machine—anything from lint to microfibers and microplastics.  The removal of waste will tend to be regulated depending on the geographic location of the dry cleaner.  A closed-loop system ensures that the waste will not end up in our waterways. GreenEarth Cleaning® process Of course, we believe that there is no better way to clean than with GreenEarth Cleaning. Not only is it a closed-loop system, but it is also much gentler and milder than other solvents.  It has a lower Kauri Butanol (KB) value which means that it is less aggressive and its impact on clothing, and indeed the planet, represents quality and environmentally non-toxic garment aftercare. The GreenEarth Cleaning system also uses far less energy and water—our studies have shown a saving of at least 50% per load. Sustain detergent GreenEarth’s Sustain detergent, which forms part of the Optimized GreenEarth Cleaning System, is gentle yet most effective.  To that end, the necessary dosage levels are far lower than other detergent recommendations.  And best of all, it is so safe that hazardous warning symbols are not required. Single-use bags garment bags Single-use plastic is a well-known “no-no” when it comes to the environment.  Many dry cleaners have been offering customers a garment bag for many years, either to buy or as part of a loyalty program.  Most bags are breathable, so they can be hung in the closet straight away, retaining their freshness, while also avoiding tons of plastic going to landfills. Hanger recycling Plastic and metal hangers do form an important part in ensuring that a garment stays in good shape after it’s pressed and until it gets hung up in the closet. Now, some customers will keep them on those hangers, but others discard them to place them on their own hangers.  It doesn’t have to be that way.  Dry cleaners will be delighted to receive them back, either when you’re passing or just when you bring in your next order. It keeps the demand down, which means that finite resources are being protected, plus they do not end up in landfill sites.  You’ll also be saving your local independent dry cleaner some money too. clothes last longer And of course, gentle and effective care can lead to clothes lasting longer. This is why it’s so important that the information on the care label is correct.  Fabric testing forms a large part of that—usually retaining a control sample and cleaning other fabric samples in any garment aftercare solution.  The results will determine what is put on the care label and be supported by customer communications. Visit our services page to learn more on caring for your cherished garments!

With a few simple, sustainable habits, you can extend the life of your clothing, reduce unnecessary cleaning, and keep your wardrobe fresh between professional care. Not only does this help your clothes last longer, but it also supports a more environmentally conscious approach to garment care. Here are a few easy ways to refresh your clothing between dry cleaning visits: Let Your Clothes Breathe One of the easiest ways to freshen garments is simply to air them out. After wearing a blazer, dress, sweater, or pair of trousers, hang the item in a well-ventilated area for several hours before putting it back in your closet. Fresh air helps release trapped moisture and odors while allowing fabrics to recover from daily wear. Avoid placing recently worn clothing directly into a crowded closet, where moisture and odors can become trapped. Steam Away Wrinkles and Odors A handheld garment steamer is a great investment for maintaining your wardrobe. Steam helps relax wrinkles, remove light odors, and revive the appearance of fabrics without the wear that can come from frequent washing. Always check the garment’s care label before steaming, and use the appropriate setting for delicate materials. Brush Away Dust and Lint Natural fiber garments such as wool coats, blazers, and suits benefit from occasional brushing with a clothing brush. Brushing removes surface dust, lint, and debris while helping maintain the fabric’s texture and appearance. Using a lint roller between wears is another quick way to keep clothing looking polished. Store Garments Properly Proper storage plays a major role in keeping clothes fresh. Use sturdy, appropriately sized hangers for jackets, dresses, and blouses to help garments maintain their shape. Fold heavier knitwear rather than hanging it to prevent stretching. Keeping your closet organized with enough space between garments also improves airflow and helps prevent unwanted odors. Rotate Your Wardrobe Giving garments a day or two of rest between wears allows fibers to recover and helps reduce wear over time. Rotating your wardrobe not only extends the life of your clothing but also reduces the frequency of cleaning. This is especially important for structured garments like suits, sport coats, and dresses. Trust Professional Care When Needed While these simple habits help maintain your clothing between cleanings, professional garment care is still essential for removing embedded soils, oils, and stains that home care can’t address. We use GreenEarth Cleaning, a gentle cleaning process that’s designed to care for a wide variety of fabrics while helping garments maintain their color, shape, and softness. By combining thoughtful at-home care with professional cleaning when needed, you can enjoy a wardrobe that stays looking newer for longer. Small changes in your clothing care routine can make a meaningful difference. Airing out garments, steaming away wrinkles, brushing away dust, and storing clothing correctly all help reduce unnecessary cleaning while preserving the quality of your favorite pieces. When it’s time for a deeper clean, we’re ready to provide expert care that helps extend the life of the garments you love.

Wedding season is a joyous time filled with celebrations, love, and countless opportunities to dress up. However, with the growing awareness of environmental sustainability, many of us are rethinking our wardrobe choices for such events. The good news is that there are several sustainable ways to dress for weddings that not only look great but also minimize our ecological footprint. Rent A Look For The Night Renting a dress is one of the most sustainable options for wedding guests. Instead of purchasing a new outfit that you might only wear once, renting allows you to enjoy high-quality, designer attire without the associated environmental impact. Companies like Rent the Runway offer a vast selection of dresses suitable for weddings, from elegant evening gowns to chic cocktail dresses. The benefits of renting are numerous. It reduces the demand for fast fashion, cuts down on textile waste, and saves money. Renting also provides the opportunity to wear a variety of styles and brands that you might’ve otherwise never tried. The process is straightforward: browse online, choose your dress, and have it delivered to your door. After the event, you simply return it, often with dry cleaning included. Shop Your Secondhand Style Thrifting, or shopping secondhand, is another excellent way to find a unique and sustainable wedding outfit. Vintage and thrift stores are treasure troves of stylish and affordable clothing. By choosing to thrift, you give a second life to garments that might otherwise end up in landfills, contributing to a circular fashion economy. When thrifting for a wedding, look for dresses in good condition made from high-quality materials. Consider classic styles that can be accessorized to suit the wedding’s theme and formality. If you don’t have any thrift stores near you, try browsing online at stores like Thread Up. Not only does finding a dress secondhand reduce waste, but it also offers the chance to find a truly unique piece that stands out from the typical retail selections. Revisit Your Closet and Alter Altering an old dress is a fantastic way to refresh your wardrobe sustainably. Whether it’s a dress you’ve worn to previous events or one that’s been sitting in your closet for years, alterations can give it a new lease on life. Tailoring can transform an outdated dress into a fashionable piece that fits perfectly and suits your current style. Consider adding new elements to an old dress, such as changing the hemline, adding embellishments, or adjusting the fit. A skilled tailor can help you make these modifications, ensuring that the dress feels new and unique. This approach not only saves money but also reduces the demand for new clothing production. After The Wedding For those concerned about the environmental impact of dry cleaning their wedding attire, utilizing our GreenEarth Cleaning process is a sustainable choice. Traditional dry cleaning methods often use harsh chemicals that can harm the environment. In contrast, GreenEarth Cleaning uses a silicone-based solvent that is gentle on fabrics and the planet. By choosing an eco-friendly cleaner, you ensure that your dress is professionally cleaned without contributing to pollution. This method is particularly useful for delicate fabrics and intricate designs that require special care. Stop by our location today to begin your sustainable journey. Dressing sustainably for the wedding season is not only possible but also enjoyable and rewarding. By renting a dress, thrifting, altering an old dress, and using GreenEarth Cleaning powered services, you can make eco-friendly choices that benefit both your wardrobe and the environment. By integrating these practices into your wedding season preparations, you not only look fabulous but also participate in a broader movement towards a more sustainable and conscious lifestyle. Happy wedding season!

With summer kicking off, you’re likely gearing up for that much-anticipated trip. Whether you’re embarking on a solo adventure or taking the whole family along, there’s no better time to ensure your fabulous summer wardrobe is in pristine condition. We use GreenEarth Cleaning, a gentle, eco-friendly cleaning process to help you keep your summer clothes looking their best. Preserve Delicate Fabrics Summer clothes are often made from delicate fabrics designed to showcase bright colors that capture the season’s vibrant spirit. Since these garments may have been tucked away since last year, they require gentle, expert cleaning. Our gentle, eco-friendly cleaning process ensures these delicate items are handled with care, preserving their beauty and extending their lifespan. Combat Summer Sweat The summer heat can lead to a lot of sweating, especially if you’re frequently wearing your favorite summertime outfits. Sweat can cause permanent damage to clothing, but our gentle, eco-friendly cleaning process can help prevent this. We use advanced techniques to remove sweat stains and odors, ensuring your clothes remain fresh and ready to wear. Remove Stubborn Stains Summer fun often leads to accidental stains, whether it’s from a chocolate ice cream cone or a splash of wine at a backyard barbecue. If you have stains that seem impossible to remove on your own, leave it to the pros! Our gentle, eco-friendly cleaning process excels at tackling tough stains, restoring your garments to their original glory. Prevent Shrinkage One common mistake people make when trying to clean delicate summer clothes at home is accidentally causing shrinkage. Our professional dry cleaners know how to handle each fabric type correctly, ensuring your clothes retain their original size and fit. By trusting us with your garments, you can avoid the heartbreak of shrunken clothes. Extend the Life of Your Clothes Our dry cleaners and staff have the expertise to make your clothes last longer. We use the right techniques and materials to maintain the integrity of your garments, allowing you to enjoy them for many summers to come. Investing in professional cleaning can save you money in the long run by reducing the need to replace your favorite pieces. Save Time and Stress Why spend your valuable time and energy trying to clean your summer wardrobe yourself? Let us handle the hard work for you. While we expertly care for your clothes, you can use that time to relax, enjoy a meal, or catch up on your favorite Netflix series. It’s a win-win situation! As you prepare for your summer adventures, remember that our gentle, eco-friendly cleaning process is here to ensure your clothes are vacation-ready. From preserving delicate fabrics to removing stubborn stains and preventing shrinkage, our professional dry cleaning services are designed to keep your summer wardrobe looking its best. Enjoy your summer stress-free, knowing that your clothes are in expert hands.

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.

The pandemic has had a massive effect on all of us. Whether you’ve been working from home while simultaneously running your own daycare, forced to change career paths and adjusting to a new lifestyle, or simply feeling isolated and missing friends and family, it’s beginning to feel like maybe our “new normal” isn’t going to be so different than life was eighteen months ago. People are finally starting to head back to work, go to formal events, and actually have in-person business meetings—handshakes and everything! We find oftentimes, folks simply aren’t aware of all of the services their dry cleaner offers. Alterations and tailoring is a service almost all dry cleaners offer and it’s not uncommon to find the best tailor in your market within a GreenEarth Affiliate location. Their tailors and seamstresses can make sure you’re looking your absolute best with the perfect fit. If you need to impress at a new job, have your work clothes slightly altered due to a pandemic routine shift, or dress to the nines for a formal event or wedding—no matter your need, the GreenEarth Network is here for you. In addition to simply providing tailoring services, GreenEarth has partnered with 9tofive, a suit retailer out of Brooklyn, NY selling tailored suits online with a focus on sustainability and first-class professional service across the country. Making the customer’s experience luxurious AND convenient. “We partnered with GreenEarth, a leader in sustainable dry cleaning, because their affiliates, like Bridgestone Cleaners in Brooklyn, are top professionals in garment care, tailoring, and alterations. They have some of the most knowledgable and talented tailors around and their service is unmatched. It just makes sense. People who buy suits use GreenEarth” Aaron Clanton (CEO at 9tofive). So you can now order a suit from 9tofive through your local GreenEarth cleaner, then when the suit arrives, have it fitted and tailored, all included in the cost of the suit. It’s a match made in heaven. “The pandemic has been rough for us and our dry cleaning partners. As businesses reopen and events are being held again, there has been an uptick in suiting needs. Weddings are slowly coming back and people are returning to normal life. Through our revolutionary partnership with GreenEarth, 9tofive has created an easier way of shopping. We have combined local, in-person connection with online retail, fostering a stress-free and accessible shopping experience. Along with these exciting initiatives, we are elated to roll out our new suit rental program. Getting fitted for a suit or tux rental has never been easier! We’ve used our local tailor partnerships to create a nearly effortless rental experience that practically brings designer suits to your doorstep.” Aaron Clanton (CEO at 9tofive). The moral of the story, don’t show up to your new job, the first day back at the office, of a black-tie event looking anything less than your best. We’ve got you. Find the GreenEarth cleaner nearest you on our online store and get fitted right. By: Aaron Newport