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How much does a Sustainability strategy underpin the overall business strategy? During the financial crisis of 2008, those businesses that survived had reviewed their operational practices with a keen eye. Headcount was reduced, recruitment was frozen and discretionary spend had to be reduced to create a reasonable bottom line. At GreenEarth Cleaning, we would be talking to manufacturers and brands about promoting green dry cleaning on their care labels, and although there was no cost to this, sometimes the answer would be something along the lines of “as much as we’d love to, sustainability isn’t a priority right now, we’ve got to save our business.” Realistically, this was a sign of not being prepared for the crisis rather than not being on board with sustainability. As a result, many brands leaned from this and have taken steps towards a greener recovery, ensuring that Sustainability IS business. The signs have been there with the increase of sustainability roles, and also the integration of sustainability led objectives built into core roles. There has also been the advent of different organizations that focus on sustainability and ethics topics, performance measurement, and key initiatives. Different organizations have held conferences that have focussed purely on the topic and some events where sustainability has featured on the agenda. The topics within events have also been diverse, from sustainable garment aftercare to modern slavery to leather garment production. A survey carried out by Drapers in 2019, gave an excellent insight into the state of play in terms of the company’s actions, requirements from government, and consumer expectations. It stated that 91.6% acknowledged that their customers are showing a growing interest in environmental issues, whilst also acknowledging that to achieve a more sustainable product (and all that involves), the consumer will have to tolerate more expensive prices to achieve the common goal. Brands and manufacturers still have a way to go in terms of creating focussed sustainable ranges, but they are on the increase, with brands also including a higher proportion of recycled materials in the product and packaging. Encouragingly, over 80% of respondents believe that sustainability is important to the senior leadership team and just under 60% said that their firms are investing more into sustainability compared to the previous year. There is a focus on how the government can play its part. One of the main features is about education, with the possibility of ensuring that alterations and repairs skills feature heavily on the national curriculum. Certainly, a large amount of the skills provided to businesses who offer these services, come from other parts of Europe. How these U.K. skills gaps are filled post-Brexit, remains to be seen. Over 70% of respondents felt that there should be ‘Mandatory environmental targets for retailers with a turnover above £36m’ and over 60% agreed that the government should use the tax system to incentivize ‘re-use, repair, and recycling’. In addition, it was felt that there should be a reduction in VAT for repair services. So, how intact will sustainability strategies be, as we hopefully begin the dawn of a new era, starting the unmeasurable recovery from COVID-19? Since the new normal of the pandemic, GreenEarth has run several webinars on sustainable aftercare, which have all been well attended and the feedback suggests that there is an appetite to adopt a more sustainable way of caring for clothes. Also, brands and manufacturers are still adding style codes to the list, where GreenEarth is recommended as the preferred form of garment aftercare. And certainly, a lot of the content for other webinars has featured sustainability and ethics to some degree. And on the political spectrum, there appears to be early signs of cross-party agreement (at committee level) to see the “new normal” brought about by the pandemic, as a ‘golden opportunity’ to find sustainable solutions for certain industries. There are many angles to the sustainability of the fashion industry, and it starts with all of us. A big part is indeed aptitude, but another significant part is attitude. Let’s keep the momentum going!

If your initial thought is, “Wait, I thought dry cleaning was for clothes. You can dry clean my household?” The short answer is, yes, we absolutely can dry clean your household. And you’re not alone; we’re met with surprising intrigue often when discussing the topic. Whether it be linens, comforters, curtains, tablecloths, patio furniture—the list is endless really. If you can bring the fabric in, your local GreenEarth cleaner can professionally clean and sanitize it for you. The all-encompassing term known in the dry cleaning world is “household items.” In fact, some GreenEarth cleaners even practice on-site interior cleaning with larger furniture that is not necessarily mobile. Many of you veteran dry cleaning customers are well aware of the services your favorite GreenEarth cleaner provides. Hopefully, you’re also aware your GreenEarth cleaner is using a gentle, environmentally non-toxic, odorless cleaning system that will not only leave your fabrics clean but also fresh and rejuvenated without the concern of toxic chemicals entering your home. But did you know almost all GreenEarth cleaners are practicing social-distancing efforts to provide an extra measure of cleanliness and most importantly, comfort, which is paramount during these uncomfortable times, especially when it comes to your family? In many situations, complimentary contactless pick-up and delivery is available. Other cleaners have a drive-thru, drop-box, or locker systems that allow you to remain at a safe distance. Where these options are not available, you can typically park and call for curbside service. Cleaning household items on a regular schedule is important to prevent odors and bugs like clothes moths from entering your home. Equally as important, it also improves the air quality of the space you and your family spend the most time. And let’s be honest, fresh linens and curtains create an unmatched sense of tranquility. Regardless of “current times,” sending your household items, especially those in high traffic areas, to be professionally cleaned frequently can protect the health of you and your family. Now with concerns around germs at an all-time high, maintaining a clean and sanitary environment is more important than ever. In between cleanings at your local GreenEarth cleaner, there are some things you can do yourself at home, like fluffing your pillows daily, vacuuming your interior textiles with the handheld nozzle attachment to remove dust, and most importantly, regularly inspecting your household items for clothes moths, mildew, sun fading, etc.

If you’re like me, you have a curiosity toward food trends – and I’m not talking about whether pineapple on pizza is acceptable (that’s for another day). I’m talking about food trends when it comes to green living, sustainable seafood in particular. If you’re a follower of GreenEarth Cleaning, most likely you’re aware that there are many changes we can make in our own lives to better the environment. Saving energy, finding ways to re-use our resources, reducing waste – the list goes on and on. We can also make changes in the way we eat and doing so is actually pretty simple. Organic Isn’t the Only Label You Should Pay Attention To Yeah, adding the word “organic” before your carton of strawberries seems like the smart thing to do. While it’s definitely a good sign that your food was grown without growth hormones or possibly toxic substances, you need to focus equally on choosing locally grown organic foods. An item might be grown naturally but depending on where it shipped from, it could be coming to you from thousands of miles away. This is something known as food miles: the distance your food has traveled from the farm to the store. According to ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service, a typical meal travels 1,300 miles on average to get to our table. Transporting fruits and vegetables this way contributes heavily to pollution.  What Can You Do? So, where can you find an abundance of local, organic foods? The farmer’s market. You’ll be supporting farmers in your community, know exactly where your food came from thus reducing food miles, and most of the time the produce is cheaper because you cut out transportation costs. Local is always better! How Stuff Works busts some of the myths for us. The Need to Eat Sustainable Seafood “Sustainable Seafood” seems like a buzzword phrase lately, but what does it actually mean, and is it really that important? According to Seafood Watch, approximately one-third of fish populations are overfished. Species like halibut and yellowtail flounder populations are at an all-time low with bluefin tuna at 4% of its original size. Illegal fishing practices are also depleting fish stocks and account for one-fifth of the world’s catch. To add more, fishing gear that drags across the seafloor, to trap large amounts of seafood, can severely damage the habitat for fish and other species. So, that’s a lot of negatives. And, yes if we have any say as to where our seafood comes from, we need to reward ocean-friendly practices. What Can You Do? Seafood Watch has a downloadable guide to find good sustainable seafood options (and what to avoid) wherever you’re at. Look up your state and keep the guide in mind when you’re traveling too! When out at a restaurant, a simple “do you know where this comes from?” can let you know if the fish you’re about to eat is wild or farmed. Lastly, at the grocery store, look for eco-certification labels on the seafood. Here’s a list of tips to keep in mind.

Father’s Day is coming up on June 21! Now is the time to start thinking about eco-friendly Father’s Day gifts that let Dad know he’s always #1 in your eyes. Below, we’ve compiled six eco-friendly Father’s Day gift ideas that both he and the planet are sure to love…no ties included.  Solar-powered tech Portable chargers can certainly come in handy. One that uses the sun’s energy for power lets Dad charge all his devices while also helping him reduce his electricity consumption. If your dad is the outdoorsy type, there are more rugged options, so he can stay connected even off the grid. Reusable drinkware Whether he’s a coffee drinker, tea sipper, or water guzzler, your pop could probably get some major use out of a non-disposable travel cup. Brands make tumblers and mugs from various reusable materials, including stainless steel, glass, and ceramic. You’re guaranteed to find a style Dad will appreciate for years to come. Plus, because it’s meant to be used over and over again, he’ll always think of who it came from when he carries it in tow. All-natural grooming Dads deserve to be pampered too! Hair, shaving, and bath products made with all-natural, cruelty-free ingredients are relatively easy to find. If you can purchase these items from an area maker, that’s even better, as locally produced goods have a lower carbon footprint and help to benefit your community as well. Sustainable style We’re pretty sure it’s the classic Dad way to hang onto clothing items like tees and socks for far too long. Craft his old duds into dust rags and treat Dad to some new, quality pieces! Remember to be on the lookout for sustainable fabrics like organic cotton and bamboo when you shop. Farm-to-table meal You’ll need your chef’s hat for this gift idea! Whip up all Dad’s favorite dishes for a meal he won’t soon forget. Just make it a point to purchase as many of your ingredients as possible from local sources. From field to fork, the average dinner travels more than 1,500 miles. Foods grown locally are fresher and ultimately the greener choice.  Plant something together Making memories and doing good for the environment—that’s what we call a win-win! Take Dad out to the backyard this Father’s Day to plant something together. It can be a tree, herb box, vegetable garden—anything the two of you will both enjoy. Plants act as natural air purifiers, so Mother Nature will no doubt be pleased. The best part, though, is that you get to spend some quality time with Dad, and what better gift is there than that?

It’s no secret that, unfortunately, graduations look different this year. Class of 2020, we applaud the dedication and effort it takes to graduate. While we can’t celebrate in the typical sense, we can still find ways to cheer on the high school and college graduates who have worked so hard to finish school. This time has us connecting to people more than ever, even when we’re not physically close. There are many ways you can still celebrate this milestone and schools and businesses around the US are planning creative ways to do so. Although your high school or college might have their version of a commencement ceremony, there are also things you can do to have a party at home. Here are some ideas to make your celebration one to remember – and of course one that’s also good for the earth. Confetti When decorating, an organic alternative to plastic is making confetti out of plants. This no-waste, non-pollutant confetti offers a fun way to get outside with family as well! Balloon Alternatives Balloons are not biodegradable and often result in excessive littering. A good substitute are pinwheels. Because they are stuck in the ground, there is no chance of them floating away and up in the air. You’ll still get the same colorful atmosphere with them, too! Bonus points if you used biodegradable or recycled paper. Decorate Like it’s the Real Deal Decorate your home if you’re planning a virtual celebration. Video calling close friends and family to have a party apart is a great way to commemorate your grad in the family. Keep the lively atmosphere and dress up your living room or backyard with pinwheels, banners and all the works. Keep it Local As with any good party, have lots of snacks and desserts to enjoy. A custom cake from a local bakery is a great way to support small businesses at the same time. No Need for Paper/Plastic Plates Most party stores have paper or plastic plates and cutlery, but these are non-biodegradable and pretty harmful to our environment. Because your gathering is small anyway, there isn’t that need to stock up on lots and lots of dinnerware. Use the dishes that you already own and let your food and decor stand out in its place.

Get A Mask, Give A Mask “We want our customers and their families to feel safe, along with those on the front lines in many nursing and group homes and other non-profit agencies” is what Paul Billoni, GreenEarth Affiliate and President of Colvin Cleaners in Kenmore, NY explains to Buffalo’s Channel 7 News during a recent interview discussing their new “Get A Mask, Give A Mask” program. With essential workers in New York required to wear masks, Colvin Cleaners has heard the call and stepped up employing their seamstresses, who would typically be working on prom gowns during this time of year, to produce over 200 masks per day. These masks are being given for free to their customers, essential workers, and non-profit organizations. Chris Billoni, Vice President of Colvin Cleaners shares their expectations for more mask orders in the coming weeks and opens up the mask-making work to volunteers within their community who want to help, stating “WNY is an incredible place, people are always looking to help out, so we’re trying to do our part and if people want to help as well, they can do it online,” Paul and Chris Billoni are always finding ways to support their community and we’re proud to have them as apart of the GreenEarth Family.   Loads of Love Vice President Ken Sandy and the Dryy Garment Care team spread a bit of much-needed community cheer with their Loads of Love campaign. The Washington DC-based GreenEarth Affiliate delivered gift cards, hand sanitizers, and non-perishables to other essential retail businesses within the neighborhoods they serve. Watching their Instagram video, you can clearly see the gratitude and joy in every person’s face Sandy interacts with. It’s such a simple gesture but the kind of gesture that’s so needed right now. At the end of the video, Sandy states, “We hope that what we did today in the community—in multiple communities—had some sort of touchpoint for you that was inspiring, but most importantly, that you at all times know that we here at Dryy Garment Care are thinking of you and we’re here for you.” We’d say they definitely achieved that.     More Than Making Masks Great American Cleaners is continuing their efforts to make masks for the community. They have provided these masks as donations, like the hundred they gave to the El Cerrito Police Department, and are also selling them to customers. Customers can donate on their behalf to local hospitals, senior centers, and first responders. Making these masks is seen as a community effort – a way to spread positivity and hope as well as safety. This message continues when you visit Great American Cleaners’ website to purchase a mask, scrolling down to find meditation-videos before you make your order.

Lightening the Burden The folks at Hollyway Cleaners kept hearing all the desperate pleas by doctors and nurses for vital PPE mate.  As Los Angles, CA was heading into another critical week, the need for face masks for all had become even more acute.   Using the resources Amin Amersi and his team had, they did what they could to fill the demand and help protect the most vulnerable among us.  Guided by the simple idea that “no one is useless in the world who lightens the burdens of others in need” they joined with an organization called “Quilt From Heart” to make vitally needed masks for St Jude Hospitals, LAPD, and assisted living facilities throughout the Southland.   Dry cleaning and sanitizing in Greenearth all the fabric and materials, pressing all the materials,  and then using guidelines from the CDC for their tailors to make masks.  They’ve obtained special filters that are placed and sewn very carefully without permeating the membrane of the fabric.  These special masks are used for cancer patients who are children and are some of the most vulnerable in our population. Loads Of Hope We’re giving loads of props to Tide Cleaners for their Loads of Hope initiative. Taking place at select participating locations, the franchise group is putting first responders and their families first by providing free laundry and dry cleaning all of April and into the month of May. These are challenging days for everyone, but the healthcare workers, police officers, firefighters, etc., within our communities are experiencing this all on the front lines, risking the health and safety of both themselves and their loved ones. Tide’s gesture to “help lighten the load” for these heroes is some definite #MondayMotivation as we make our way through this unprecedented time together. We appreciate the work the folks at Tide Cleaners have put into this campaign and are excited to see the response it’s getting. Long time Affiliate, Kyle Nesbit, was able to provide us with some awesome images of smiling faces taking part in the Load of Hope initiative. We were also excited to see a GreenEarth Affiliate’s commercial on National T.V. during 60 Minutes last night. Here is that T.V. spot for your viewing pleasure.   Protecting First Responders  NextGen Cleaners & Alterations has their thoughts on first responders during this time as well. The San Jose, California-based Affiliate is now offering free dry cleaning for all emergency personnel uniforms.  The attire these folks wear is exposed to any number of things day in and day out as the COVID-19 pandemic progresses. As we’ve reported in our previous communication, the GreenEarth System’s use of higher-than-normal temperatures has proven to inactivate most bacteria and viruses. NextGen is doing an impactful job not only providing a free service but also giving front line men and women added peace of mind. Way to go, Emil and team!

We could all use a little good news in our lives right about now, wouldn’t you agree? With the airwaves being consumed with doom and gloom, we wanted to share these heartwarming stories we’ve heard over the last week of Members of the GreenEarth Network stepping up in these troubling times, bringing us that warm fuzzy feeling of hope and inspiration. Helping One Mask At A Time The folks at Door to Door Cleaner/The Wedding Gown Specialists in Los Angeles, CA have dedicated their valuable time to making face masks for medical professionals in the LA area. The masks are being donated to various local hospitals and they’re being made by repurposing the muslin/linen cloth that is used to preserve their customer’s wedding gowns. What an innovative and resourceful way for Sajid Veera and his staff to step up to the plate using supplies on hand to give back and make a positive impact on your community in a time it’s needed most!   Pay What You Can Pricing Snedicor’s Cleaners in Brighton, MI, recognizing so many of their neighbors struggling, has offered a helping hand with a “Pay What You Can” pricing concept. Jim Gilligan and his team are extending the offer to anyone affected by the current circumstance. Not only is it applicable to the hardworking healthcare professionals, first responders, and others on the front line, but Snedicor’s has taken it a step further, offering this generous payment concept to anyone who is struggling to get through these times. A real “you take care of us, so we’ll take care of you” sentiment. The community surely will remember the good deed when this is all a thing of the past.   Our U.K. Family Offering Relief   By now most of us have seen the images making their way around the social media world of nurses after working 12-hour shifts, or longer, with marks and bruises left on their faces from the masks they must wear while caring for those in need during this pandemic. It’s a sad image that leaves an impression, but also leaves most of us feeling helpless. Well, we couldn’t be more proud to see a Member of the GreenEarth Family in the U.K. working, even in a time when their doors are closed for business, to provide a solution, relieving some stress and bringing some comfort to those that need it most. Will Lankston of GreenEarth Affiliate, Jeeves of Belgravia tweeted out yesterday, “Whilst isolating, our amazing tailoring team have decided to put their skills to good use by making headbands for the NHS. The button allows the wearer to hook face-masks on without causing sores behind the ears.”

We could all use a little good news in our lives right about now, wouldn’t you agree? With the airwaves being consumed with doom and gloom, we wanted to share these heartwarming stories we’ve heard over the last week of Members of the GreenEarth Network stepping up in these troubling times, bringing us that warm fuzzy feeling of hope and inspiration. Helping One Mask At A Time The folks at Door to Door Cleaner/The Wedding Gown Specialists in Los Angeles, CA have dedicated their valuable time to making face masks for medical professionals in the LA area. The masks are being donated to various local hospitals and they’re being made by repurposing the muslin/linen cloth that is used to preserve their customer’s wedding gowns. What an innovative and resourceful way for Sajid Veera and his staff to step up to the plate using supplies on hand to give back and make a positive impact on your community in a time it’s needed most!   Pay What You Can Pricing Snedicor’s Cleaners in Brighton, MI, recognizing so many of their neighbors struggling, has offered a helping hand with a “Pay What You Can” pricing concept. Jim Gilligan and his team are extending the offer to anyone affected by the current circumstance. Not only is it applicable to the hardworking healthcare professionals, first responders, and others on the front line, but Snedicor’s has taken it a step further, offering this generous payment concept to anyone who is struggling to get through these times. A real “you take care of us, so we’ll take care of you” sentiment. The community surely will remember the good deed when this is all a thing of the past.   Our U.K. Family Offering Relief   By now most of us have seen the images making their way around the social media world of nurses after working 12-hour shifts, or longer, with marks and bruises left on their faces from the masks they must wear while caring for those in need during this pandemic. It’s a sad image that leaves an impression, but also leaves most of us feeling helpless. Well, we couldn’t be more proud to see a Member of the GreenEarth Family in the U.K. working, even in a time when their doors are closed for business, to provide a solution, relieving some stress and bringing some comfort to those that need it most. Will Lankston of GreenEarth Affiliate, Jeeves of Belgravia tweeted out yesterday, “Whilst isolating, our amazing tailoring team have decided to put their skills to good use by making headbands for the NHS. The button allows the wearer to hook face-masks on without causing sores behind the ears.”