Many successful green technologies replace existing ones with little to no transition. This includes cost, appearance (in the case of building materials and other consumer goods), and ease of use. While dry cleaning is ripe for a more eco-friendly approach, it is expensive. In order for a new product to be sustainable it must be economically viable. At $100,000 per machine some models of green dry cleaners have not reached the economic break even point. Green Earth Cleaning, which licenses the technology for more environmentally conscientious dry cleaning, sells machines at the aforementioned price that use CO2, instead of hazardous cleaning solutions.

According to a Time magazine article from last year, there are two main alternatives for greener dry cleaning. The first isn’t dry, but rather involves “cold water, mild soaps and a computer-controlled washing machine that spins very slowly [thereby reducing] wear and tear on fabric.” The second option uses liquid CO2. “[C]lothes are put in a vacuum chamber with gaseous and liquid CO2, which dissolves dirt and oil.” A dry cleaner in New York City that uses the technology charges $6.16 for laundering shirts. The premium may work for those looking to avoid the chemicals – namely perchloroethylene – found in most dry cleaners. The chemical is toxic after prolonged exposure with those who work in the industry being at greatest risk.

Time goes on to report that “government action from the top may make the shift [to greener methods] inevitable — California is phasing out the use of perc, and other states will probably follow.” There is a local green dry cleaner in the Highlands neighborhood of Denver (near the farmer’s market that started there last year). I’ll check back and let you know how it is. To find a green cleaner near you, check Green Earth Cleaning.

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