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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.

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 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® 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. Detergency 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. Laundry loop is closing GreenEarth is proud to be working alongside PlanetCare and Plastic Soup Foundation in developing ‘SeaClear.’  This is a solution, a filter, to trap microfibers and microplastics, and prevent them from going into our waterways and the ocean. We’re currently in the Beta testing phase and hope to share more news on that very soon. Single-use 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. A great example of this is the Johnson Cleaners ‘Priority Club’. 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. Keep an eye out for any racks that they have for you to leave those hangers! Maximized loads There will always be cases where a garment needs to be cleaned the same day or the next day, but many customers are not in a huge rush.  Determining when they want their order ready can help a cleaner maximize their cleaning loads. Why is that important? Well, the more items in a load, the less carbon and water used per item.  The capacity of a machine establishes the maximum size of that load so that the quality of cleaning is never compromised. Let your cleaner know when you need your garments to be ready—it will help them and the planet. Make 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. A garment that becomes damaged after only a handful of cleanings ends up in a landfill. That’s not good for the customer, the fashion brand, or the planet. Find a GreenEarth cleaner nearest you. 

It seems like we’re finally finding a way to get back to some form of normalcy in our daily lives with work, school, events, and travel picking up in a big way. So this is perfect timing to take a look at how GreenEarth Affiliates can support their local school systems in protecting their students and families by keeping their school uniforms clean and sanitized. It is important to realize the quality of clean and care achieved in the GreenEarth Cleaning System—much to everyone’s satisfaction this fall. Trust that we can help to protect what matters most to you with our thorough cleaning process. Whether it’s the school band, football team, cheerleading squad, or any other uniforms requiring professional cleaning and sanitization, your local GreenEarth cleaner will provide your school with the utmost quality of cleanliness and protection. Schools may run into issues when searching for the best garment care professionals to trust with their students’ attire for a proper clean. Again, we appreciate that students need a clear mind and a fresh look to perform to their full potential. With best-in-class professionals on the job, there is nothing that cannot be repaired and/or cleaned at the highest level. Garments that take the hardest beatings are typically sporting gear, and they can build up serious odors over time, along with color fading and stains, which is to be expected after repeated use. Schools, parents, and students alike expect uniforms and equipment to be held up to a certain standard—and rightfully so. Well, GreenEarth cleaners around the world can assist you in making sure you meet those standards. GreenEarth Cleaning provides the most environmentally safe option to clean your clothes by replacing traditional dry cleaning petrochemicals with pure liquid silicone. Our cleaning system is environmentally non-toxic, gentle on fabrics, and cleans clothes at high enough temperatures to deactivate most bacteria and viruses. We can restore these items and return them to their former glory. By working with your local GreenEarth cleaner to facilitate the cleaning and sanitizing process for your students, you’re creating a better and safer environment for your athletes, musicians, and student body. Trust GreenEarth Cleaning to provide your school with peace of mind. Check out our Store Locator, and we assure you will not be disappointed. By: Joe Pasley

Acknowledging a problem is where the solving process has to begin. In our last blog, Sustainability Director, Garry Knox discussed the Climate Change Report issued by the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel. Clearly, the alarming concerns addressed by this report will require action on a large scale, but that does not negate the positive impact every small action has toward finding a solution. Don’t let the “what difference can I make?” perception deter you from making a cognizant effort in minimizing your carbon footprint. You alone, and we together can make a real difference. We’re not here to tell you we have the answer to climate change. What we have done, though, is compile a list of some easy-to-implement lifestyle changes that can ensure you’re doing your part to contribute to a better ecosystem for future generations.  10. Recycle Let’s start with the first thing that comes to everyone’s mind. Recycling is probably the easiest way we can minimize our carbon footprint. Most municipalities make it super easy to recycle nowadays. A quick Google search (recycling in *insert city*) can lead you to the specifics for your local facility. 9. Reduce Water and Energy Usage It’s much easier said than done, but by simply being conscious of our habits throughout our day-to-day routines, we can slowly start to make changes that help us achieve our goal. There are countless small things we can do that add up, like taking shorter showers, not running the water while brushing your teeth or shaving, turning off lights when you’re not in a room, shutting down computers and other electronics, and buying energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs—just to name a few. 8. Eliminate Plastic Plastic is everywhere—we get it. When we’re in public spaces, sometimes it’s out of our control. But at work and home, it’s definitely achievable. A lot of the plastic we use daily can be replaced with reusable products, like water bottles, food storage containers, grocery bags, straws, etc. Even when we’re shopping, there are usually options (sometimes they cost a bit more) packaged in paper or cardboard instead of plastic. We’ve noticed a lot of companies using bamboo as a replacement for plastic as well. Again, we understand it’s not happening overnight, but incremental changes will have you plastic-free in no time at all! 7. Go Digital A digital lifestyle admittedly is harder for some than others. In this day and age, however, if we make the effort, it turns out to be pretty easy. Bills can be paid online, documents can be shared and edited through a variety of applications, most stores allow you to choose to receive your receipts digitally—we honestly can’t come up with a situation where paper is absolutely necessary. Can you? 6. Ditch the Car (When Possible) Obviously, if you have a 30-minute commute to work in a car, biking or walking isn’t an option. Is carpooling a possibility? Is there a public transit route that will get you there in a reasonable amount of time? Maybe not, but if there is, consider it. Even if it’s not possible in your daily commute to work, when you’re attending an event, having dinner with your family, or meeting friends out for a drink, think about walking, biking, carpooling, or taking the bus. Again, simply being cognizant of these options at all times will help us all make better choices for the environment. 5. Meatless Mondays “Woah, Woah, Woah. Now they’ve gone too far!” Hear us out. We’re headquartered in Kansas City, considered by many to be the champion of BBQ, so cutting meat out of our diet isn’t taken lightly. But what if we just do it one day out of the week? The climate impact of meat, specifically industrial factory farms, is enormous—roughly equivalent to all the driving and flying of every car, truck, and plane in the world. So cutting out our meat consumption one day out of the week can have a massive impact on minimizing our carbon footprint. And to take it a step further, try purchasing locally sourced meat and produce; it tastes better too! 4. Smart Home Renovations The new craze of the last decade seems to be flipping houses. How many more home improvement shows can they come up with? We have a feeling we will find out. But if you’re buying a new home and flipping it, or maybe you’re just tackling one small project at a time as you form your house into your dream home, think sustainably. There is an endless list of smart tech that can increase your home efficiency, not to mention products like eco-friendly insulation and solar panels, which are surprisingly affordable with city rebates. Any home project you’re working on, big or small, always keep in mind, “How can we make this more sustainable?” 3. Ethical Purchasing Decisions Whether we’re talking about food, clothes, or personal care products, these days there is always an option that has the environment in mind. Of course, sometimes this takes a little due diligence on our part to confirm its legitimacy. There is no short supply of products claiming to be “green” for one reason or another when in fact many aspects of their business are not. But some simple things we can do is shop from local suppliers as often as possible. Check out antique shops and vintage clothing stores–the stuff is usually super cool too. And pass on fast fashion. Buy clothing that is quality and long-lasting or even made out of repurposed fabrics! These garments might cost a little more, but you’ll get your mileage out of them and then some.  2. Support Sustainable Causes Plastic Soup Foundation, Water.org, tentree, 4Ocean, Natural Resources Defense Council, Greenpeace, Rainforest Alliance, WildlifeDirect—just pick one. We couldn’t list them all if we tried. There are countless wonderful charity organizations out there doing great things to lower our impact on the environment and oceans and leave a better planet for our children. If you’ve got a budget, you can

On Monday, August 9th, a report by the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was issued and delivers the starkest warnings yet. The latest findings, approved by 195 member states, deal with the physical science basis of climate change and the contribution of humans to that change. Many world leaders, particularly those of the 50 countries said to be at greatest risk have reacted strongly to the report, with the U.K. Prime Minister stating that this is a “wake up call to the world.”  The UN’s Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, has labeled it a “code red for humanity.”  No region on Earth has escaped the impacts of the climate crisis. The report states that “human-induced climate change is already affecting many weather and climate extremes in every region across the globe.” It clearly expresses that in the not-too-distant future, heatwaves, heavy rainfall, and droughts will become more common and extreme.  The assessment also reveals that levels of CO2—the primary driver of global warming—were higher in 2019 than at any other time in “at least 2 million years.” It adds that levels of methane and nitrous oxide—the second and third biggest drivers, respectively—were higher in 2019 than at any time in “at least 800,000 years.” Under the Paris Agreement in 2015, over 190 governments agreed that a global warming limit should be set at 1.5°C to 2.0°C above pre-industrial levels. However, the IPCC report states that, under all scenarios, this target will not be achievable. There is a real risk that both targets will be broken this century unless huge reductions in carbon emissions can be realized. Later this year, the U.K., in partnership with Italy, will host COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland. It is considered more vital than ever that firm agreement to carbon emission reduction targets can be put in place with a matter of urgency. The new report backs up the many recent calls for a “green recovery” as a solution to the economic instability caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. U.S. climate envoy John Kerry has voiced that to achieve carbon reduction targets, all governments need to change their economies. He went on to say, “This is a critical decade for action, and COP26 in Glasgow must be a turning point in this crisis.” GreenEarth Cleaning has long made a commitment to protecting the planet, not just through the gentler and safer composition of its environmentally non-toxic solution but also through the reductions in energy and water usage achieved from using the GreenEarth System. We will continue to strive for further improvement in the technology that we are responsible for, the relationships we manage, and our own actions in terms of sustainability targets. We will also continue to share ideas and solutions that help to inform individuals to make a difference to help the world achieve the targets set out in the Paris Agreement. There are many examples of how we can make a difference, by adjusting our behavior. The actions range from finding alternatives to travel to eating less meat and dairy to using your voice to challenge your local government or parliamentary representatives to affect change on a national level. The Grantham Institute recently published a guide on “9 Things You Can Do About Climate Change.” Yes, overall there’s a lot of information to take on board from the IPCC, but every small step in the right direction has a positive impact. By: Garry Knox  

This summer has actually felt like summer. And not just because of the sweltering heat either. Last year, we were all still at home twiddling our thumbs next to the A/C (a whole new definition to “long, hot summer”). But as vaccinations have become widely available and local economies have begun to reopen, we’ve been able to enjoy the best parts of the season again, and travel and hospitality companies are trying to keep up.  Over the past few months, we’ve seen a spike in in-person events, dining out, and namely, travel. Based on data from FlightAware, an aviation tracking service, the week of the 4th of July recorded an average of roughly 23,000 flights per day. While that’s still down from more than 28,000 average daily flights in 2019, it’s a 97.32% increase from 2020, which saw only 12,000. With the surge in airport traffic, hotel bookings are also on the rise. Marriott’s Q2 results show a worldwide occupancy of 51%, already a 13-point rise from the first three months of the year, according to a report from Travel Weekly. These metrics are encouraging, to say the least, and display a road to recovery, yet it’s also important to remember that some habits we developed at the height of the pandemic are sticking around. People may be going all out on vacations after over a year stuck at home, but health and well-being remain top priorities. The cleaning and sanitization of surfaces and fabrics must go beyond the standards they were held to in 2019. Travelers expect a level of cleanliness that is both inviting and safe. GreenEarth helps achieve just that. The hotels that use our system of care can feel good about not costing the planet while providing for the needs and peace of mind of their guests. GreenEarth, which replaces traditional dry cleaning petrochemicals with pure liquid silicone, is environmentally non-toxic and gentle on fabrics but cleans items thoroughly at temperatures that inactivate most bacteria and viruses. It sounds like a bit of a paradox—a process that truly cleans and is truly green—but we assure you it’s not. You just don’t need harsh and harmful chemicals to accomplish a pure clean. In fact, many of the world’s best-known brands in quality hospitality have made the choice to partner with a local GreenEarth cleaner or install compatible machinery in their own facilities, including Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt Regency, Montage, St. Regis, and Jumeirah Emirates Tower. For more information about our work in the hospitality space and how we can help you improve your sustainability commitments, click here. Or to find a GreenEarth cleaner in your market, search our Store Locator.  By: Zarah Eads

As we get back to business post-COVID, many of us are ready to hire, and the age-old question “how do I find good people?” seems more difficult than ever to answer. It isn’t easy, it’s never been easy. But now we’re seeing an increase in job openings for the first time in years, resulting in a workforce shortage. That’s right, another shortage. So now good candidates are less likely to come to us. We have to go get them. We’ll need to be more aggressive in our search and make our offer more appealing to draw the right people. Many of us begin the search when we need to fill a position. Unfortunately, that is often too late, leading us to make poor choices to make quick hires, not necessarily good hires.  To start, we should always be hiring. It’s easy to have job listings online and simply go through the submissions weekly. Whenever a candidate really sticks out, give them a call.  The listing needs to provide details about the job, specific qualifications to do the job, and give details about pay, vacations, and benefits. This work on the front end will help both you and the potential applicant weed each other out. Linkedin and Indeed are both easy platforms to use for finding the right people. Keeping your company profiles updated lets applicants get to know you, your business, and what you stand for. Everyone on these platforms is either working, looking for work, or knows someone looking for work. Posting a job on any of these platforms is free, and for a few more dollars, you can promote your posting to attract more applicants with the qualifications you need. And the best part, these platforms can work to find candidates for you, screen based on their resume, and you can review their profiles and applications on your schedule. Another strategy we’ve been using recently that has had some success for Affiliates is posting a well-branded, creative ad on Facebook simply announcing you’re hiring, then linking that ad to a detailed job listing on Indeed or Linkedin. That user experience is easily navigated and also helps weed out some of the unqualified applicants we might receive through Facebook natively. A current campaign on Facebook has reached over 2,000 people in one week, received over 80 clicks, and 54 applications submitted. In-Person Networking When you are out and about during your day, be on the lookout. If someone impresses you, take a moment to let them know and that you are looking for people like them. Do they have a friend that is looking for work or a career change? Good people hang out with good people, and with training, they can become exceptional employees for you. I have been lucky to get a steady pipeline of new hires from a hire I made nine years ago. Each time an employee has moved on, I ask them if they can recommend filling their position. Marketing Brand awareness is essential when enticing applicants. Think of your hiring ad as an opportunity to advertise your company. When our GreenEarth marketing team creates ads for Affiliates, they talk a little about the job and a bit more about why a candidate should apply. With a competitive job market, talking about what you can do for them will get their attention. Promote your vision and help potential applicants see how they can fit in and how you fit with their goals.  The goal of your ad is to attract like-minded individuals. For example, sustainability is important to us, so we want to hire people who care about the environment. If they understand your goals, training comes easily. Mention that you use GreenEarth® because it is sustainable, odorless, and safe for people, clothes, and our planet, and you will attract even more applicants aligned with you. If you are having trouble finding suitable candidates, reach out to us for assistance. Our team can create an ad campaign and job listing for you, using GreenEarth exclusive imagery and proven copy to attract applicants to help you keep your pipeline flowing.  Reach out to us for ad content and assistance at affiliatesupport@greenearthcleaning.com By: Karen Maxwell  

Our new Full Circle service is giving pre-loved machines a new lease on life. During the latter part of the 20th Century, there was very much a disposable attitude to almost everything.  Whether it be fashion, packaging, or electronics.  Once it was finished or no longer fit for purpose, it would be thrown away. That has now changed, particularly over the last 10 years.  Components are being repurposed more, using very few finite resources, and the energy to help repurpose is renewable. Even items like office floor tiles can now be leased.  When they need replacing, they are taken away, the rubber and fibers are separated and regenerated using renewable energy. The emphasis for doing this is to protect the planet’s finite resources.  With current levels of usage, it is predicted many of those resources such as Oil, Gas, and even Tungsten (which is a component of smartphones), will become severely depleted over the next 50-100 years. GreenEarth Cleaning’s proprietary liquid silicone is in itself circular.  It is used within a closed-loop system so that any waste can be collected and disposed of in a responsible way, and much of the solvent can be reused for many loads.  In addition, because it’s mild and gentle, it contributes to garments lasting longer and having a continued life through donating or passing on to friends and family. But it doesn’t end there, the GreenEarth Technical team has started applying these principles to machine restoration.   With many used machines becoming available in the past couple of years, we have taken advantage of our technical knowledge and are actively refurbishing good quality machines through our “Full Circle” service. The process is extensive and worth doing in order to provide value to Affiliates that are investing in their business, and want to lower the capital cost of doing so with a reliable pre-loved machine. It goes to show that what is one person’s trash could be another person’s treasure.  So, think twice before disposing of any item, it could have a second life somewhere you may not expect! By: Garry Knox  

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