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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.

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. 

It’s officially fall, and that means it’s time to get your Halloween costume ready! At GreenEarth Cleaning, we understand parents want to protect their children against unwanted germs. New and/or old costumes should be properly cleaned before the big night of trick or treating. With our state-of-the-art, environmentally non-toxic system, you need not worry. Your costumes this year will come back clean, fresh, and germ-free. With these resources, we can provide you with the utmost quality of cleanliness and protection. Sometimes children get dirty, and you want your children to look their best in their Halloween costume, and “wow” or scare anyone who sees them at their front door asking for candy. It does not go unnoticed that reused costumes can get a bit worn out over time, so if you’re repeating a costume, let us get it ready for you. And new ones may have been tainted by other children or adults trying them on; people touch everything and that passes around germs—we can take care of that too. GreenEarth and our Affiliates value our customers and our cleaning process overall. You should not have to worry when you bring your costumes to your local GreenEarth cleaner. Our product and processes can remove germs, clean your costumes, and return them in that “like-new” condition, while also being kind to the earth. Weather can be harsh on costumes too, candy and juices can leave stains, and unwanted odors can build up from running around all night. For these things, we have the best quality, environmentally non-toxic solution. Our system is non-toxic to the environment, gentle on all fabrics, and can clean at high enough temperatures to deactivate most bacteria and viruses. GreenEarth replaces traditional dry cleaning petrochemicals with pure liquid silicone, which is what makes it safe for the environment. With this, your old costumes can be restored, or new ones can be properly sanitized. The dirt, the germs, the candy stains—GreenEarth cleaners can help to erase the damage of time. You can expect a gentle, chemical-free clean if you choose a cleaner using the GreenEarth system, and rest assured, you will not be disappointed. Find a GreenEarth cleaner near you at our store locator.

Your big day has come and gone—what do you do with your wedding gown now? Brides have a number of options they can choose from regarding what to do with their dresses. Some donate or sell their gown so it can be loved a second time around by a new bride-to-be. Others re-envision what they wore down the aisle into new cocktail attire. And still, others decide to “trash” their bridal wear through a once-in-a-lifetime photoshoot. However, most popularly, brides look to clean and preserve their dress for future generations.  We’re big fans of that last option. What is wedding gown cleaning and preservation? Wedding gown cleaning and preservation is a more specialized approach in comparison to standard dry cleaning. The process is laborious and requires even more astute attention to detail. A dress is first inspected for both visible and invisible stains. You may be asking, “Wait—there are stains you can’t see?” And the short answer is yes. Spills from light-colored, sugary substances like champagne will oxidize over time if left untreated, resulting in yellow or brown stains that aren’t easily removed.  Following an inspection, a gown undergoes careful cleaning and is then folded with acid-free tissue, wrapped in muslin, and placed in an archival preservation chest. When should I have my gown cleaned and preserved? Time is of the essence here. The sooner you can get your dress in for cleaning and preservation, the better. You don’t want to give stains time to settle in, which will make them that much more difficult to fully remove. If you’ll be honeymooning right after your wedding, consider entrusting your gown to your mom or a member of the bridal party, so they can take it to your chosen dry cleaner the very next day. Who should clean and preserve my gown? The answer to this one is a giveaway—a GreenEarth cleaner, of course! Our Network of garment care professionals clean to a higher standard, making them the obvious choice for preserving your most precious memento. The GreenEarth system itself also provides a much gentler clean than traditional dry cleaning methods. Petroleum solvents are abrasive and aggressive, wearing away surface fibers, but GreenEarth is chemically inert, or in other words, it doesn’t chemically react with fabric fibers. It just carries the detergent to garments and gently carries away soils. That makes it safe for even the most delicate fabrics and trims, like lace, sequins, beads, and silk, many of which are included in bridal wear. Tips for after you’ve taken your cleaned and preserved gown home Your gown should be stored in a cool and dry place. Attics and basements are no good, as textiles are sensitive to changes in heat and humidity. Open your preservation box and inspect your gown every two to three years to make sure nothing has happened to it while in storage. Always wash your hands before handling the garment. There are special gloves you can use as well to ensure the oils from your hands aren’t transferred to your gown. Refold your gown differently than it was folded before so that permanent creases don’t develop. Locate a GreenEarth cleaner So now you’re ready to have your wedding gown cleaned and preserved. First things first: Find your nearest GreenEarth cleaner by searching our Store Locator.