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	December 1, 2008

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Green Is No Dream in Dry Cleaning Scene
October 10, 2000

All across the country, local dry cleaners are changing the conversation about one of the most surprisingly toxic daily routines that most of us take for granted. There are over 30,000 dry cleaning businesses in the United States, most of which use a chemical solvent called perchloroethylene (perc, for short). Perc has been linked to human health problems, including renal and liver cancers among both customers and workers, as well as environmental degradation.

Little by little, though, some dry cleaners are realizing that they can grow their businesses sustainably. Many are trying new technologies that use benign liquid carbon dioxide (that’s what makes your soda fizz) in place of perc with the same high performance. With the shift away from perc and twoard reuse and recycling of cardboard, hangers, and plastics, you've got an industry that is cleaning up its act along with our clothes.

LEARN MORE ABOUT IT
An Oregon dry cleaner that thinks green is the cutting edge.

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National Waste Prevention Coalition: Model Cleaners Project

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Dry Cleaning with Liquid Carbon Dioxide

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