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At GreenEarth Cleaning, we have spent the past decade immersing ourselves in sustainable fashion. This journey has led us to discover and curate a list of the top five fair trade and eco-friendly clothing brands organized by budget. As we become more conscious about our purchases, we must consider the origins and impact of the clothes we wear. Our spending choices can either support or harm the people and resources involved in making our clothing. Choosing sustainable fashion, and even better, secondhand options, can significantly reduce the detrimental effects of fast fashion on our planet. Why Wear Sustainable Clothing? If you’re new to sustainable fashion, you may be surprised by the price tags. However, it’s important to understand that these brands are not meant to be consumed at the same rate as fast fashion. Sustainable fashion brands prioritize eco-friendly practices, ethical production standards, timeless design, and high-quality essentials that last. Unlike fast fashion items that often need replacing every season, these pieces are designed to be worn for years. When it’s time to update our wardrobes, we turn to slow fashion brands. Each of the five brands listed below is committed to ethical and transparent garment production, considering both people and the planet. Many of these brands have third-party sustainable and ethical certifications. Creating a more sustainable wardrobe doesn’t require buying everything new at once. Start with what you have, mend pieces you love, and build your closet slowly and intentionally. Top Sustainable Fashion Brands tentree Best For: Cozy, casual essentials Sustainability: Fair Trade certified ethical manufacturing Size Range: XS–XXL tentree makes Earth-first essentials using sustainable materials. For every item purchased, ten trees are planted, with over 73 million trees planted to date. The brand offers lifestyle and loungewear made from Tencel, hemp, and organic cotton. Tentree’s commitment to the environment and community is evident in every piece.   Pact Best For: Fair trade organic cotton basics Sustainability: Fair Trade Certified, organic cotton, recycled & biodegradable packaging, donation program for used clothes Size Range: XS–2XL; up to US 20 Pact is dedicated to making super-soft sustainable clothes for kids and adults that also benefit the world. The brand ensures its entire supply chain, from growing organic cotton to final sewing, is responsible and clean. Pact is our go-to for basics and underwear, offering carbon-offset shipping for a more sustainable purchase. Kotn Best For: Egyptian cotton wardrobe staples Sustainability: Organic cotton, safe & fair labor standards, plastic-free packaging, nontoxic dyes, gives back to Egyptian communities Size Range: XXS–XXL; up to US 16 Kotn offers luxury basics made from Egyptian cotton. The brand creates garments in a fair and safe environment and helps suppliers transition to organic cotton. As a certified B Corp, Kotn has impacted over 100,000 lives in Egypt by building schools and funding farms. Its high-quality tees are designed to last beyond 30 wears. Fair Indigo Best For: Organic basics Sustainability: Organic cotton, safe dyes, fair wages, artisan-made, gives back via Fair Indigo Foundation Size Range: XS–XL; up to US 18 Fair Indigo focuses on creating long-lasting clothes, like the Forever Organic Tees made from organic Peruvian Pima cotton. The brand’s garments are made with sustainability and ethical practices in mind, offering affordable organic basics and artisan-made accessories. Quince Best For: Affordable silk & cashmere Sustainability: BCSI-certified ethical production, sustainable & organic materials, OEKO-TEX certified, virgin plastic-free Size Range: XS–XL; up to US 16 Quince aims to make ethical and eco-friendly clothing accessible to everyone. The brand offers versatile, effortless basics like Mulberry silk tops and cashmere cardigans, all delivered in plastic-free packaging. Quince’s mission is to make sustainability the standard, not a luxury. Making a Sustainable Choice Embracing sustainable fashion means making informed choices about what we wear. By choosing brands committed to ethical practices and environmental sustainability, we can reduce the impact of our wardrobe on the planet. To ensure your new sustainable purchases stay fresh and last longer, bring them to your nearest GreenEarth Affiliate store. Our eco-friendly cleaning methods protect your garments and extend their lifespan, allowing you to enjoy your thoughtfully chosen pieces for years to come. Visit our store locator to find the closest GreenEarth Affiliate and experience the difference our gentle, planet-friendly cleaning can make.

Fur coats have long been synonymous with elegance and luxury. They are not just garments but investments in timeless style and warmth. However, owning a fur coat comes with a responsibility to care for it and ensure it retains its luxurious appearance for years to come. One essential part of fur coat care is cleaning, and when it comes to cleaning, the GreenEarth Cleaning process stands out as a kinder, more eco-friendly option that can revitalize your fur coat and help you love it longer. Why GreenEarth Cleaning? The GreenEarth Cleaning process differs from traditional dry cleaning methods. Instead of harsh chemicals, GreenEarth relies on a silicone-based solvent that is gentler on fabrics, including delicate fur. GreenEarth is not only safe for your fur coat but also for the environment and the people who handle the garments. Reviving Fur’s Natural Beauty Over time, fur coats can lose their luster and become flat or matted. Exposure to pollutants, dirt, and even body oils can dull the natural shine and softness of fur. This is where GreenEarth Cleaning shines, as it can breathe new life into your fur coat. GreenEarth is exceptionally gentle on fur, preventing any damage that might occur with traditional dry cleaning methods. It cleans deeply, removing dirt, dust, and oils that accumulate on the fur’s surface. Our GreenEarth system suspends dirt and lifts stains away without damaging the fur. As a result, your fur coat emerges from the cleaning process not only cleaner but also fluffier and softer, restoring its natural beauty. Proper and timely cleaning is the secret to keeping your fur coat looking and feeling fabulous. Spills, stains, or dirt may seem daunting, but a quick trip to the dry cleaner can work wonders. It’s like giving your fur a spa day! With their expert care and specialized techniques, they’ll have your coat back to its pristine, luxurious self in no time. So, embrace the power of prompt cleaning and let your fur coat shine through every adventure, spill, and sparkle of life! Seasonal Care: Cleaning Before and After Storage Proper care of your fur coat is essential, especially when you’re transitioning between seasons. Before storing your fur coat away for the warmer months, it’s important to have it cleaned. Cleaning before storage removes any dirt or oils that may attract pests and keeps your coat looking its best for the next season. When fall and winter roll around, it’s time to bring your fur coat out of hibernation. Before donning it again, take it for another round of GreenEarth Cleaning. This step ensures that your coat is fresh and fluffy, ready to keep you warm and stylish throughout the cold months. Get Your Fur Coat Ready For The Season Whether you’re thrifting a fur coat, getting a stain removed, preparing it for storage, or getting ready for the fall and winter season, GreenEarth Cleaning is the ideal choice. It not only cleans your fur coat effectively but also takes better care of the fabric so you can continue to enjoy the luxurious look and feel of your investment. With our dry cleaning process, your fur coat can be clean, fluffy, and ready to turn heads for many winters. So, don’t just own a fur coat; cherish and care for it, and let us help you do just that.

Whether you are eco-conscious or eco-curious, implementing sustainable practices into your life might be easier than you think! It is estimated that America contributes approximately 11.3 million tons to landfills each year. Reimagining and repairing the fabrics in your life rather than buying new can help reduce your contributions. Consider opting for secondhand fashion when you’re looking to revamp your wardrobe. At GreenEarth, we believe in the importance of sustainable fashion and garment care, that’s why we helped sponsor this year’s ReMode event in Toronto!  ReMode is an event held under the organization Fashion Takes Action (FTA), a Canadian non-profit founded in 2007 with a mission to advance sustainability, ethics and circularity in the fashion industry. This year’s event was presented by Value Village and the Value Village Boutique. Summarized in 3 R’s, attendees were invited to the ReStore marketplace, the ReFashion clothing swap, and the ReThink seminars. I shopped around the ReStore market and had the pleasure to speak with a few vendors about sustainable products or services for sale. Worth Mending Worth Mending was founded by Elysha Schuhbauer and Scott Calway in 2019 with the mission to mend existing garments to keep them out of landfills. The two mainly use a method called darning, this technique uses thread and needle to repair holes or worn areas on a garment. You can purchase a Swift Darning Loom from their website and begin your journey creating “wearable art.” The looms sold are made out of repurposed materials including damaged or broken hardwood furniture and hooks made from bicycle spokes. Attend a workshop or sign-up for a private mentorship session to continue sustainable garment care. Zero Waste Bridal Weddings can be expensive, help the environment and your budget with Zero Waste Bridal. This division of The Brides’ Project aims to combat the pollution associated with textile production by providing a sustainable option for bridalwear. Gowns are donated by brides, salons, or designers themselves; they are then cleaned and upcycled (if necessary) before sale. On the flip side, rather than hoarding bridesmaid dresses or a wedding gown that you’ve worn once, consider donating to Zero Waste Bridal! Diana Coatsworth Design Diana Coatsworth Design creates unique pieces from vintage or existing textiles. Using natural fabrics including cashmere, linen, wool, cotton, silk, etc. Diana repairs and reworks something old into something new. Diana also provides a service called, Create Your Own Vivianne Jacket, where she repurposes your old blankets, curtains, tablecloths, etc. into a custom jacket! These beautiful creations are guaranteed to add a splash of character to your closet. Champagne and Lollipops Trends are always returning, we’ve seen it with the comeback of bell bottoms and Croc clogs. Champagne and Lollipops Vintage focuses on curated secondhand and deadstock fashion from the 1950s to the 1990s. Founder, Holly Roy, is motivated to keep beautifully designed pieces in rotation for new owners to love and appreciate. Nothing beats the blueprint, shop vintage and keep clothes out of landfills! The GreenEarth Difference A great way to ensure the longevity of your garments is to prioritize aftercare. GreenEarth Cleaning offers the world’s finest sustainable fabric care through licensed partners/ Affiliates, who share our values and commitment to operational and environmental excellence. With over 6000+ points of service, our mission is to provide a kinder clean in the world of dry cleaning. Utilizing our environmentally friendly patented process, even garments labeled “do not dry clean” are safe with GreenEarth. 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — GreenEarth Cleaning, a company specializing in environmentally friendly drycleaning processes, was recently awarded a U.S. Patent for the development of an anti-viral cleaning methodology which has been incorporated into the GreenEarth Cleaning System. The patent enables GreenEarth affiliates to integrate vaporization into the drycleaning cycle to deliver the highest level of protection from current and future lipid-layer viruses. “In the spring of 2020, after the World Health Organization (WHO) had declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic, we contracted with MRI Global, an independent laboratory approved for testing with Sars-CoV-2,” says Tim Maxwell, president of GreenEarth Cleaning. “Our intent was to determine the effectiveness of our system in penetrating the lipid layer of the coronavirus using a high drying temperature of 158 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius) for 30 minutes. We were surprised when the initial reports showed only a 14.28 percent deactivation efficacy with heat alone. So, we went back to the drawing board.” Initially, through manipulation of the washing, extraction, and drying steps, GreenEarth was able to achieve deactivation levels of 75 percent. In response to that result, GreenEarth created a silicone vapor program component that achieved a deactivation level greater than 98 percent on SARS-CoV-2 contaminated wool fabrics. “Once we solidified the vaporization and process and attained this result on a consistent basis, we added the anti-viral cleaning methodology to our suite of offerings available to GreenEarth affiliates,” says Maxwell. “We continue to achieve extremely high viral eradication without adding aggressive chemistry. With this innovation, we are providing an expanded level of care without doing harm to the environment, people, or their garments.” Early in 2023, GreenEarth technical support began incorporating the necessary program modifications into all GreenEarth affiliate machines. “With this advancement, we feel that our affiliates are better prepared for the potential arrival of any possible new variant of COVID or the next virus,” adds Maxwell.

On Saturday April 22 2023, many members of the GreenEarth Cleaning team gathered to run their clothes drive in support of the Earth Day campaign. Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22nd to raise awareness and promote action for environmental protection. It is considered the world’s largest environmental movement and is celebrated in over 190 countries. The origins of Earth Day date back to the 1960s when a growing concern for the environment and its protection led to the establishment of various environmental organizations in the United States. In 1969, a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California, further increased public awareness about the need for environmental protection. Gathered at the Kansas City Bier Company, many of the team worked with Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City to collect clothes that the people in the local community no longer wanted, preventing them from going to landfill, while at the same time, providing support for an excellent cause. The team collected suitcases (literally) full of clothes, trash bags of textiles and even a vacuum cleaner, all of which were very useful. In addition, many of our GreenEarth affiliate participated by arranging clothes drives at their very own stores, primarily donating to Big Brothers, Big Sisters but also to The Salvation army in some territories. On the first Earth Day in 1970, more than 20 million Americans participated in demonstrations, rallies, and teach-ins across the country, and the event sparked the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of landmark environmental legislation such as the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Endangered Species Act. While the day itself and the global reach may have changed and grown over the years, it’s safe to say that the awareness to combat climate change and its effects are still very much present. Also, it looks likely that we beat our collective donated amount of 200lbs. GreenEarth run this Clothes Drive every year, with the exception of the Covid-19 restricted periods, but we hope to run it again in 2024, our 25th year as a corporation – if you’d like to participate, please get in touch!

  As you might expect, at GreenEarth Cleaning, we consider Earth Day to be a big deal!  Earth Day is a reminder that we all have a responsibility to protect our planet and find sustainable solutions for a better future. At GreenEarth Cleaning, we don’t take that responsibility lightly. While our focus is primarily on dry cleaning, we use our platform to inform, educate, and collaborate with our Affiliates and customers worldwide to facilitate additional opportunities for more sustainable living and a smaller carbon footprint. As we celebrate Earth Day this month, we wanted to share a few simple tips and ideas we hope you find valuable and easy to implement.    Small changes in our daily habits make a big difference in reducing our negative impact on the environment. Simple steps such as conserving energy and reducing waste are key to restoring and protecting our planet. One of our favorite lists of quick tips for conserving energy at home is from Cornell University as part of their campus sustainability efforts. The list provides practical action items that can be applied quickly and easily.  The fashion industry is another avenue where even slight changes garner positive results. Are the terms “sustainable fashion” and “fast fashion” familiar?  These terms describe the ecological impact each one has based on the amount of waste each one produces. Sustainable fashion decreases waste, while fast fashion tends to carry a more harmful impact. In her article, How Do We Avoid Fast Fashion?, GreenEarth Social Media Specialist, Erin Horne, offers a few simple steps to avoid fast fashion and reduce your carbon footprint.  As we work to shift our daily practices and effect long-term change, it is essential to set goals and create an engaged community effort. Each year, the team at GreenEarth Cleaning sets individual sustainability goals.  We look forward to each other’s ideas and appreciate each other’s support as we extend our sustainability efforts beyond that of our professional endeavors. We invite you to join us! Visit our Facebook page to read about our team’s goals, share your goals, and learn more about GreenEarth Cleaning and our GreenEarth Affiliates, all over the world using our sustainable dry cleaning process. This Earth Day, we encourage you to not only act on improving your sustainability efforts, but to also take time to appreciate and absorb the beauty and wonder of our planet. Take a moment to reflect on the impact we have, and the steps we can take to protect and restore it.  By working together, we can ensure that future generations inherit a healthy and vibrant planet to call home.

Planting Seeds of Sustainability This Spring. Spring is upon us! As the warm weather of spring arrives, along with it comes a renewed spirit, brighter days, and of course, spring projects. It’s a time for affecting change, looking ahead, and spending more time outdoors, each of which offers an excellent opportunity to plant seeds of sustainability all around us. We’ve collected a few of our favorite springtime sustainability projects to share with you. Plant Flowers Spring flowers simply make us smile!  From wildly colorful landscapes to softly muted hanging baskets, spring flowers bring an element of cheer to all surroundings. Pansies, marigolds, petunias, tulips, and sunflowers; the choices, and color arrangements, are endless. However, the benefits certainly don’t stop there. In addition to beautifying your surroundings, planting flowers will also help lower your carbon footprint.  Flowering plants help replenish the oxygen supply, filter toxins and provide a food source for bees and other insects and animals. Now is the perfect time to order seed packets or visit your local greenhouse. Let your imagination run wild!  The environment will thank you for it.   Install Rain Barrels April showers bring May flowers. As you gear up for spring planting, consider adding rain barrels to your landscape. Rain Barrels come in many colors, styles, and sizes to fit any garden décor. By collecting and reusing one of nature’s most precious commodities, you will play a big role in conserving a rapidly depleting resource.   Set One New Sustainability Goal Consider setting a sustainability goal for yourself or your family this spring. One small change can have a profound impact. Here is an idea from our GreenEarth teammate Scott Steele. Scott is the Licensing Manager at GreenEarth. His sustainability goal for 2023 is to replace all of the light bulbs in his home with LED bulbs to conserve energy.   Repair, Recycle, or Donate Ahh yes, springtime begets spring cleaning- a time to purge closets, put away winter linens, and open windows. Spring is a wonderful time to let fresh air in and move old things out.  When you jump into your spring projects, remember that most items in your home can be repaired, recycled, or donated. A local GreenEarth Affiliate can help by refreshing or repairing your older, favorite garments.  For garments you no longer wish to keep, check with local civic groups or non-profit centers, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, for opportunities to recycle or donate clothing items.   Prepare Items for Storage For items you plan to store during the summer months, it is important to make sure they are free of any body oils or dirt before putting them away. Storing items that have not been properly cleaned may lead to discoloration, attract unwanted odors and bugs, or even provide a potential breeding ground for mold and mildew. At GreenEarth, our cleaning process is silicone-based, environmentally safe, and provides a thorough clean that is gentle on fabrics. It is completely odor free and will prepare your items for a long summer’s rest. Top off your spring-cleaning goals by having your winter items cleaned at a GreenEarth Dry Cleaner near you.   This spring, we invite you to join us in planting seeds of sustainability.  

Love languages are general ways of expressing and receiving love. While the five well-known love languages (acts of service, gift-giving, physical touch, quality time, and words of affirmation) fit most relationships, at GreenEarth Cleaning, we feel a strong connection to what we warmly call the sixth love language- sustainability. Yes, sustainability. Our hearts sing when we engage in conversation around all things sustainable. Since 1998, when we cleaned our first garment in the back of a science lab, sustainability has been our love language. It’s how we show our love for fabrics, the people who wear them, and the planet where we live. We can’t let February pass by without sharing some of our favorite environmentally friendly activities that showcase our love of caring for tomorrow.  One area in the forefront of our sustainability commitment is promoting awareness around increasing the longevity of our fabrics.  By becoming intentional about the products we purchase, how we care for them, and resources for recycling and reusing, we can significantly reduce the amount of waste in our landfills- creating better tomorrows. That is a love language we can wrap our hearts around. We invite you to join us! Create a more sustainable wardrobe. One way to ensure a more sustainable wardrobe is to shop for sustainably made products. Do a little research ahead of time to learn what fabrics have a smaller environmental footprint. You will shop better by knowing your fabrics.. Choose a kinder clean for your fabrics. Treat your garments to the gentle silicone cleaning process of GreenEarth Cleaning.  The GreenEarth system of care is designed to ensure the best possible result for fabrics and the environment. You will love your clothes longer, and they will love you right back. Shop pre-loved. Thrift shopping is a wonderful way to acquire unique items. You can find gently worn garments made from quality fabrics. For items that show their age, bring them to a GreenEarth dry cleaner near you to restore and refresh. Donate to a local non-profit. Many school organizations, or local non-profits will gladly accept clothing donations to help fund their cause. GreenEarth is honored to partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters in support of their on-going clothing drive, which accounts for 30% of their operating budget. Every item makes a difference. Together, we can be effective and set the stage for brighter tomorrows.  Let sustainability become your love language, too.

Gifting season is upon us, and it is even easier to go green this season!   When searching for gift ideas that support our love for sustainable and environmentally friendly products and best practices, we were thrilled to find so many fun and unique ideas. From clothing made from coffee to reusable paper towels, we found a little something for everyone!   Let’s jump right in!   Coalatree Eco-Minded Goods. https://coalatree.com/ A love for the great outdoors is a common thread shared by many. Whether you live in the city and are destined for weekend adventures or enjoy a lifestyle in mountainous terrain, Coalatree has gear for all outdoor enthusiasts. You will find an eco-friendly product line offering clothing for men and women, hammocks, blankets, and accessories, all with rave reviews!    However, we found one product fascinating and, quite frankly, just super cool. Clothing made from Coffee! You read that right. Not only can you enjoy a hot cup of joe each morning, but you can also sport clothing made of coffee. Sipping coffee while wearing coffee! It’s a thing!    Each year coffee consumption creates millions of tons of waste. How do we reduce that waste? One way is to recycle coffee grounds into usable fabric. Infusing yarn with coffee saves landfills from coffee waste, lowers carbon emissions, provides properties similar to synthetic performance clothing, and more. You will enjoy an odor-resistant fabric that is anti-bacterial, moisture-wicking, offers UV protection, and keeps you cool… AND is good for the environment.      Bearaby Napper https://bearaby.com/ The gift of rest is surely something everyone can appreciate. Whether it is a cozy afternoon nap or a long night’s rest, you can give the gift of relaxing slumber to everyone on your list. Your loved ones can snuggle up under a weighted blanket crafted with your choice of buttery-soft cotton, silky-smooth moisture-wicking TENCEL, or eco-friendly velvet in soothing colors like asteroid grey, evening rose, or terracotta, just to name a few. Self-care without compromise is the mission behind Bearaby products, and we think they nailed it. The products are made with eco-friendly materials, sourced ethically, manufactured responsibly, and oh so snuggly! They did not stop at blankets either. Be sure and search their sensory pillows and the cutest little stocking stuffer, the Hugget. Even your littlest of loves can have their own, youth-size, blanket and sensory pillow set.     Munjoi – The All-Dai Shoe https://munjoi.com/ The All-Dai shoe is like gifting four pairs of shoes in one! By removing the insole and collapsing down the desired toe or heel portions, you can have a sandal, a slide, a mule, or a sneaker – all in one. The All-Dai shoe is made from almost entirely plant-based materials (cotton, hemp, algae, and sugar cane). In sticking true to the mission of simplicity and less consumption, the color choices are classic neutrals – Black Sea, Sedona, or Neutral.      Homeostasis Living – REusable Collections https://www.homeostasisliving.com/ This season give the gift that keeps on giving, reusable paper towels. Replacing a one-time-use product in your home is a beautiful way to support a healthier planet. We found these adorable reusable paper towels in patterns that complement any décor. Made with organic cotton and natural eco-friendly dyes, you will enjoy their durable design and long-lasting construction. Each set of 12 or 24 comes with an organic cotton wash bag. Add a bamboo paper towel holder for a complete look.     One of the highlights of researching this article was seeing the passion and heart around creating sustainable, environmentally friendly resources that mirror our founding principle at GreenEarth Cleaning – “doing business without doing harm”. Our mission is a kinder clean. We seek to take better care of fabrics, the people who wear them, and the planet where we live.