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The first thing you notice when you walk into the dry cleaners is the smell of toxic chemicals.  Why is it that so few people even question what it is they are spending their money to have their clothes saturated with.  Why is it that so few of those who use reusable shopping bags bother to question the effects these chemicals have on the environment?  

The Environmental Protection Agency has shown that the chemical used by most dry cleaners (perchlorethylene) has negative effects on people employed by dry cleaners and people who live near them, ranging from chronic headaches to kidney damage.  It is time to start doing something about the careless use of this toxic chemical.  

Dry cleaners' facilities are traditionally set up in such a way that the exhaust coming from the drier pollutes the air, water, and soil with toxic vapors.  Considering the chemicals they use, there is no way to avoid this pollution.  

Things You Can Do to Help Fix the Problem

Ultimately your best option is to seek out dry cleaners that use the new, ironic-sounding wet-cleaning system, which is much better for the environment.  If there are no dry cleaners in your area that use this system, it is best to ask dry cleaners about their cleaning techniques and what chemicals they use.  Environmentally conscious cleaners should catch on to what you are asking and explain what they are doing to protect the environment.  

Another trademark of environmentally conscious dry cleaners is the use of reusable bags.  Generally speaking though, if you smell anything unnatural when you enter the facility, you can almost always be sure that the chemical you are smelling is polluting the environment.  

What To Expect from a Responsible Dry Cleaner

There are many dry cleaners in the United States that are concerned by the environmental hazards presented by traditional dry cleaning solvents and methods.  The most common action being taken is the replacement of old equipment with newer, more efficient equipment that requires less solvent to do the same job.  It is a good idea to ask how old your cleaner's equipment is.  

Also, you might want to ask how often your dry cleaners clean and maintain their equipment, as this can greatly affect its effectiveness and the toxicity of the vapors being released into the air, soil, and water.  Inquiring about whether they have a vapor barrier is also a good idea, as these can prevent vapors from escaping.  

Your Responsibility

If an environmentally safe dry cleaning facility is not available in your area it is best to avoid using one.  Many articles of clothing are marked for dry cleaning only, but hand-washing them will not hurt them and will reduce the pollution in your area.  

Another way of getting around using the dry cleaners if you have to is to avoid buying clothing that requires dry cleaning.  If this is absolutely impossible for you, then remember that many fabrics do not need to be cleaned every time they are used; a simple airing out will do.  This is especially true for non-synthetic fabrics like wool.  And always remember, unless you are using reusable dry cleaning bags, you are not doing your part, no matter how eco-friendly your dry cleaners are.

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About the Author:
Eliza Reeder writes articles that deal with environmental concerns and eco-friendly living. She encourages everyone to help protect our planet's future by doing things like using reusable grocery bags. You can find more eco-friendly living tips on her reusable bags site.
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