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Over the course of the past 20 years of my involvement with GreenEarth Cleaning I have seen and heard a lot of cool things from a wide variety of sources. But just when I thought I had heard it all, I got a text Monday morning that caused me to drop what I was doing and call a longtime Member of the GreenEarth Family. Let me provide some context to why calling an Affiliate (something I do every day) was a little different that day. Rewind to June of 1999. I was at the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto, Canada, when Jim Barry, Ron Benjamin, and Jim Douglas attended the International Drycleaners Congress and gave a sneak preview of their new offering that was being rolled out later that month at the ’99 Clean Show in New Orleans. I jumped on board after that Clean Show and assisted with the first 29 GreenEarth Affiliates in our “Affirmation Site” program, which involved testing over 26,000 waste stream samples before we officially began selling to the dry cleaning industry. Just think about that for a moment—those first 29 Affiliates paid their license fee and then became the guinea pigs for testing of their still bottoms, cartridge filters, and wastewater for us to openly report to government regulators and other constituent groups. That’s quite a leap of faith. We were told by industry salespeople that our first “customers” were actually more like missionaries preaching to the industry about their experiences as they began their journey as a GreenEarth Affiliate. Pretty cool. Our list of “missionaries” is too large to introduce here without doing an injustice to those that aren’t mentioned—top-notch operators from all the way up north in Minnesota to southernmost Alabama, from East Hartford, Connecticut, to Fresno, California, and almost every town in between. They were the kind of people that would welcome other dry cleaners into their plants to spend a morning watching them run loads and pre-spot. They would allow other cleaners to bring in garments from their own shops in order to see, feel, and smell the difference after cleaning in GreenEarth. Pretty cool. When the International Fabricare Institute awarded GreenEarth Cleaning the Technology Trailblazer Meritorious Service Award in 2007, we were honored to accept it on behalf of the more than 1,000 GreenEarth Affiliated Members around the world at that time. Many of those members had become comfortable being interviewed by local and national media surrounding their commitment to the environment in garment care. They told us that GreenEarth had given them a platform to become “disciples” for the cause of sustainable garment care. Along the way, we heard from garment technologists employed by major retail brands that requested our assistance in getting trim components as abstract as alligator skin, LED lights, glass crystals, electronic diodes, and UV-proof coated textiles tested in order to expand their offerings to the ever-evolving needs of the consumer. Some of those technologists remain raving fans of GreenEarth as they moved from various companies within the fashion industry and bring their experiences with gentle aftercare to the boardrooms and quality assurance labs of their new employers. We have received calls from landlords informing us that their bankers had “championed” that their dry cleaning tenant needed to convert to the GreenEarth Cleaning System in order to insure their property financing long into the future. Pretty cool. I have viewed garments worn by celebrities at award shows, such as the Grammys and the Oscars, that were cleaned by GreenEarth Affiliates after the big event. And I know of a couple princesses that entrusted GreenEarth Members to preserve a couple of the most iconic wedding gowns ever created. Very cool! So when I received that text Monday morning that GreenEarth had just got a shout-out on The Howard Stern Show, I needed a little more explanation of the scenario for me to feel comfortable. I was told that after a discussion on a previous show about how to care for expensive jeans, Howard read a letter that he had just received from a fan that recommended GreenEarth as the best way to care for denim—or any fabric that needs to be cleaned, for that matter. Somebody took the time to write Howard Stern about GreenEarth Cleaning—why was I not surprised?

As a new member to the GreenEarth team, it’s still quite exciting to think about the fact that I work for one of the most successful environmental leaders in this industry. As we all know, dry cleaning hasn’t necessarily always had the reputation of being good for the environment, so I’m proud to be a part of a company that is pioneering the way toward sustainable garment after care and a healthier planet as a whole. As an employee working out of Toronto, one of my favorite memories would have to be when we hosted an Affiliate Workshop up North! Not only did it strengthen connections but it was exciting to hear about all the ways that we provide an amazing service while focusing on having a positive impact on the environment. My first experience within the GreenEarth Network at the 2018 Fall Affiliate Workshop in Toronto, Canada really displayed the collaboration that is integral to being a part of the GreenEarth Family.

It’s been my good fortune over the course of my 45 year business career to have been involved as a founder/owner with seven different businesses in seven different industries. And one of the lessons I’ve learned is that a business is not about tables and chairs and buildings and computers, rather it’s all about its people. And in the service business, this is even more true than in manufacturing or technology companies. It doesn’t matter what the CEO says should happen. What matters is what happens when the customer interfaces with the company at the point of service. We’ve been blessed over our 20 years at GreenEarth to have had people who care about our mission of providing our industry with better tools to serve the retail customer. And to provide a dry cleaning system that is safer and gentler for people, their clothes, and our planet. I am so proud of the people who have joined our team and the very real commitment each has to serving our GreenEarth Members and, in turn, the customers our Members serve every day. Combined, GreenEarth is a Network of those who are committed to doing the right thing – something that’s becoming more and more rare in our society of “me first” rather than serving others. I trust the next 20 years allow us to remain in the same place of service!

I’m usually stuffing my face with turkey and mashed potatoes, then watching football while I lie on the couch in a food coma during Thanksgiving, but this year I had the pleasure of experiencing a bit of Portuguese culture over the extended break. And what an interesting and thought-provoking culture it is! The city of Lisbon is riddled with artists and storytellers, all sharing the tragic memories of their past and warning of future catastrophes we can all see slowly occurring right before our eyes. A cry to save the ocean was loud and clear at the Museum of Art, Architecture, & Technology (MAAT). As attendees to MAAT enter the breathtaking, futuristic building, the installation that immediately grabs their undivided attention is titled “Over Flow,” a work created by Japanese artist Tadashi Kawamata. Most spectators’ initial thought is undoubtedly “Why is there a pile of garbage in the art museum?” But as those onlookers continue to gaze upon the installation, they start to recognize its intricate placement and repetitive nuances. Rounding the corner, down the ramp, beneath the net of garbage, the shadows create an underwater-like environment; sunken boats rest on the lower level, below a net of rubbish and unacceptable truth. One immediately realizes the powerful message behind the work. Kawamata worked in collaboration for over a year with a large network of local organizations and volunteers, gathering trash from around the beaches of Lisbon and assembling the piece of art square by square in a strategically thought-out pattern, to help create this awe-inspiring, truly immersive installation. “Over Flow” raises awareness to an ongoing problem, which could result in catastrophe. The only thing I could think while standing engulfed in the artist-created seascape of garbage was “We can do better; we have to do better.” I think Kawamata accomplished his mission. The post Save the Ocean Through Art appeared first on GreenEarth Cleaning.

Thanks to Instagram, the blogging world is booming and bigger than ever. As an image-reliant platform, fashion bloggers, especially, are reaching social media stardom for their wardrobe choices and styling tips. And within just fashion, there’s so much variety. Want that cool mom closet? There’s a blog all about it. You’re more the outdoorsy type? There’s one for that too. How about a blog on achieving that trendy street style? I guarantee it’s out there. Here at GreenEarth Cleaning, we see ourselves as part of the sustainable fashion industry. While the manufacturing process is what most people associate with the movement, how a garment is cared for after it has been purchased has just as much of an effect on the planet. Most exciting to us is that there are bloggers who are speaking up about sustainability in the industry and sharing their ideas for improvement. Below, we’ve highlighted a few we’re following along with when it comes to environmentally conscious fashion. Conscious Life & Style Chicago-based Elizabeth brings a broader scope to her writing, incorporating mindful living practices with her ethical brand finds. She often shares points for more responsible travel as well. The fact that her subject matter is so diverse is actually what drew me to the blog in the first place. There’s always a new aspect of sustainability you probably hadn’t thought about before. And her holistic thinking inspires you to apply the same outlook to maybe some aspects of your life that aren’t as green as they could be. View this post on Instagram It’s #SlowFashionOctober and I’m celebrating by wearing and supporting incredible slow fashion brand and Conscious Style partner, @sunday.west ~ . . Ensuring that the piece was ethically made (unless it was thrifted) is an absolute must now for me before I bring in a new piece to my closet. And working with @sunday.west, I know that it’s Kim ~ the owner, designer, and jack of all trades ~ making every piece herself! How cool is that? . . I know that she’s carefully constructing each piece (I can tell by the fantastic quality of this dress!) and that each piece is made with intention and passion (I can tell because she shared her story on the Conscious Life & Style blog!). There are no questions about who made the piece or how it was made. . . THIS is fashion I can feel good about. ♥️ Now I’d love for you to tell us: why do you support slow fashion? . . #ConsciousStyle #Partner #SlowFashion A post shared by Ethical Fashion + Lifestyle (@consciousstyle) on Oct 2, 2018 at 4:08pm PDT Ethically Kate Kate Hall lives, breathes, and probably dreams sustainability. Currently residing in Auckland, New Zealand, she and her husband live a zero-waste lifestyle. You can tell her passion for the environment started with fashion, though. Her enthusiasm about the subject leaves you just as enthusiastic, even if you’re entirely new to the world of ethical style. It has to be one of the most refreshing things to see someone’s love for their work carry over into an end result. Reading “Ethically Kate,” it honestly can be somewhat difficult to remember that living consciously isn’t our society’s norm…yet. View this post on Instagram ETHICAL BAGS I’m off jet-setting to Queenstown this morning: and my @duffleandco Rhodes Duffle is in the overhead locker (literally typing this on the plane!)✈️ The Jodie Crossbody Bag is another favourite and I can’t count how many messages I’ve had about how much you all adore this bag! @duffleandco tick all my boxes when I comes to sustainability, and I can 100% vouch for their quality and durability: key for everyday bags ❤️ Use code ETHICALLYKATE for 10% off if you were disappointed in missing last week’s giveaway! See ya guys I’m off to Queenstown @itsisaaccraig A post shared by Kate Hall Eco Lifestyle Blog (@ethicallykate) on Oct 3, 2018 at 1:36pm PDT The Un-Material Girl From fast fashion addict to slow fashion activist, Leah’s volunteer trip to Brazil inspired her now minimalist lifestyle. While the Brisbane local does write well-informed on the topic, probably my favorite part of this blog is that she’s also still learning. A soon-to-be Branded Fashion Design graduate from the Billy Blue College of Design, her own upcycled creations using scrap fabrics are the entries that keep me coming back for more. She talks the talk and walks the walk. And who can’t appreciate that?    View this post on Instagram Sample completed! I made this sweet top from pattern to actual wearable garment, totally out of remnant fabric. It’s lined, adjustable and built for those hot Brisbane days that are on their way… A post shared by The Unmaterial Girl (@unmaterialgirl) on Oct 6, 2018 at 12:50am PDT The post Sustainable Fashion Bloggers appeared first on GreenEarth Cleaning.

Tailgating is one of America’s favorite pastimes and rightfully so! Tailgating brings communities together, encourages outdoor activity, and it’s just plain fun. There is one draw back, however; some of our tailgating traditions are simply horrible for the environment. Not to fret, there are steps tailgaters can take which will allow for full enjoyment of those weekend parking lot shenanigans, yet still honor dedication to a minimal carbon footprint. Follow these simple steps and achieve the ever so coveted Green Star Tailgater status. Be like Aaron Rodgers, produce zero garbage After every game, several thousand plastic cups, plates, utensils, etc., create a sea of trash.  Ditch the disposable products; it’s really not that hard. No one is asking anyone to pull out his or her finest china. Go and get some cheap, reusable, unbreakable dishes from literally ANY department store. Designate the set “tailgating supplies” and continue to use them every time a tailgating shindig comes up. It’ll save a lot of money in the long run too. Recycle beer cans, like the Patriots recycle players Of course it’s tough to avoid beer cans and/or bottles while tailgating. There will be beer; yes, there will be lots of beer. Save what must be thrown away in a trash bag and drop them off at the local recycling plant, or for most cities in the U.S., just leave it out near the sidewalk. Tailgaters can successfully party garbage free by using reusable products and recycling the rest. Challenge accepted? Pick food choices carefully, like Richard Sherman picks passes! Tailgaters have more sustainable food options than Kansas City Chiefs’ QB, Patrick Mahomes, has on Sunday. Purchase food in bulk to reduce the amount of packaging. Chip in with those tailgating accomplices–buy food in large quantities to save some green while going green. Make food from home, again using reusable containers for transporting–NO GARBAGE! Only buy food from stores sold in packaging that can be recycled, like paper. Root for the home team and buy local! Buying local supports the local economy and reduces emissions and packaging needed for transporting products from a greater distance. Lastly, propane is SO MUCH better than charcoal for grilling, is this really still a debate? Seriously, use propane. Take Jerome Bettis Take the bus! Reducing the number of vehicles on the road reduces congestion and air pollution, optimizing lung capacity, so fans can cheer on their team for all 4 quarters. Realizing, some tailgaters have a lot to carry with them, in which case, carpooling is another environmentally conscious option. Certainly the crew can optimize car space and minimize the number of cars. Now go earn that Green Star Tailgater status! The post It’s tailgating time! But can we keep it green? appeared first on GreenEarth Cleaning.

The U.K. introduced a 5 pence Plastic Bag Tax in 2015 to reduce the amount of plastic waste generated from the country’s consumers. Since then, there has been a reduction in the number of bags issues by 85 percent. This has led to government plans to not only increase the tax to 10 pence but to apply to ALL Retail brands. Previously, all brands with less than 250 employees and those who were service only, such as take-aways and dry cleaners had been exempt. It remains to be seen the full extents of the increase, but it is already been described a “profiteering”. But when you consider the implications of plastic waste contaminating the oceans and recent reports of a Whale’s stomach containing 30 plastic bags, an additional 5 pence and a change in human behaviour by taking ‘bags for life’ to the supermarket, perhaps it’s a small price to pay. U.K. dry cleaners take note… Check out this video from SkyNews The post Plans for an increase in the UK Plastic Bag Tax appeared first on GreenEarth Cleaning.