Tips for Sustainable Wear

Written by Greg Seaman Wednesday, October 07 2009

The cost of clothing goes way beyond the price tag.

The environment is impacted by the growing of fibers for textiles, the manufacture and distribution of clothing, and even the care and maintenance of garments. Here are some tips to help reduce the environmental costs of clothing.

Alternatives to Dry Cleaning
The widely used dry cleaning solvent known as perchloroethylene has been linked to health and environmental hazards, and is classified as a "probable carcinogen" by the Environmental Protection Agency. Many in the dry cleaning industry state that a new solvent in use, DF-2000 is eco-friendly, yet the EPA lists DF-2000 as a neurotoxin and skin and eye irritant for workers; and its use can contribute to smog and global warming. These recently developed technologies now offer safer alternatives:

Wet Cleaning:
A new process has been developed which cleans many "dry clean only" garments using an environmentally friendly, water-based system called "Wet Cleaning". Garments made with 100% wools, cashmere, silk, rayon, acetate and dozens of other fabrics can now be safely treated and finished. These fabrics have a dry cleaning preference, but certain food, beverages and albuminous stains may not release in the dry cleaning process. When combined with the exact amounts of soaps, surfactants and finishing agents, wet cleaning is very effective. Most garment manufacturers are now putting their stamp of approval on this process.
The heart of the wet cleaning system is a German made "Miele" processing unit. Many dry cleaning businesses in Europe and North America are now equipped with the Miele wet cleaning unit. Ask your local dry cleaners if they have, or plan to have, the Miele unit for wet cleaning.

CO2 Cleaning:
An effective and environmentally sound dry cleaning method has been developed by Micell Technologies, based in Raleigh NC. This method uses liquid carbon dioxide to dry-clean clothes, eliminating the use of perchloroethylene. Micell's technology combines liquid carbon dioxide with recyclable cleaning agents in a traditional basket-style machine. It is similar to today’s front-load, mechanical action machines, and features gentle wash and extract cycles. A patented detergent system enhances the cleaning ability of the liquid CO2 allowing it to remove the dirt on the garments. After the cleaning cycle, the machine pulls the mixture of liquid CO2 and cleaning agents away from the clothes, then cleans and reuses the solution.
Unfortunately, CO2 cleaning systems costs are almost double that of wet cleaning systems making them a less viable financial alternative for small businesses.

Regarding performance, CO2 cleaning is said to cause less fading and wear on clothing when compared with traditional dry cleaning. Because it doesn't require heat to clean, the process is also gentler on clothes.
To find a natural CO2 cleaner in your area, click here.