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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.

Spring is the perfect time to renew our commitment to sustainability, and GreenEarth Cleaning makes it easy to embrace eco-friendly practices for your spring-cleaning routine. Here are nine simple ways to green up your cleanup:   Choose Reusable Cleaning Tools Swap single-use products for reusable alternatives like microfiber cloths or bar mops. Consider DIY disinfectant wipes using clean rags, rubbing alcohol, and essential oils. Opt for Clean, Green Products Look for environmentally friendly cleaning products with eco-friendly packaging made from recycled or biodegradable materials. Air Dry Your Clothes Reduce your carbon footprint by air drying clothes outdoors or using wooden drying racks indoors. DIY Cleaning Solutions Create natural cleaning solutions with ingredients like lemon, vinegar, and essential oils. Store them in glass bottles for a greener cleaning routine. Recycle Properly Educate yourself on proper recycling practices and follow guidelines from your municipal waste treatment facility to minimize waste. Repurpose Old Clothing Turn old clothes into cloth rags for cleaning projects or purchase bulk rags from thrift stores to reduce waste. Implement a Compost System Start composting food scraps to divert organic matter from landfills and create free fertilizer for plants. Reduce Junk Mail Say no to junk mail and opt for paperless billing. Remove your name from mailing lists and choose digital receipts to minimize paper waste. Improve Energy Efficiency Make small changes like fixing leaky faucets, checking appliance filters, and washing laundry in cold water to increase energy efficiency.   By incorporating these eco-friendly practices into your spring-cleaning routine with GreenEarth Cleaning, you create a healthier home environment and contribute to a more sustainable future. Let’s make this spring a season of renewal for both our homes and the planet.   Author: Sara Prince, Graphic Designer

From candy to cards, Valentine’s Day can quickly become a holiday driven by throwaway gifts, rather than focusing on the celebration of love. With the season of love quickly approaching, what better way to express your affection than by embracing sustainability? From the outfit you wear to the gifts you exchange, here’s a guide on how to point Cupid’s arrow towards an eco-conscious Valentine’s Day. Thrift The Fit It makes sense to want to look your best for that special someone, start with a striking outfit. Avoid over-consumption and take advantage of second-hand treasures by partaking in a bit of thrift shopping. Sift through the racks at your local thrift store for unique and pre-loved pieces allowing you to express your personal style. Not only does second-hand shopping contribute to the circular fashion economy, but makes a statement against the fast-fashion movement. You’ll look fabulous with your new sustainable style while proving that love can be both timeless and eco-conscious. Shop For Hidden Treasures In Your Closet If you don’t have the time to thrift, revisiting what you already own and exploring creative ways to refresh your wardrobe can be both sustainable and satisfying. Rather than hitting the racks, take a moment to rediscover the gems in your closet. It’s a simple yet impactful way to make sustainable choices. Mix and match to create a new look perfect for any date. Take a look at this creative tutorial on how to turn a dress into a skirt. The internet is full of inventive fashion ideas! Add A Green Twist To Your Outfit Aside from partners, friends and family; your garments deserve love too. Once you find the perfect outfit, ensure your garment receives some self-care. Opt for our dry cleaning services, as we’re proud to be a GreenEarth Affiliate! The GreenEarth Cleaning process uses a silicone-based solvent instead of harsh chemicals. This odor-less solution revives fabrics to feel supple and is guaranteed safe for even the finest fabrics. Take better care of your clothes for a lifetime of love and drop your garments off today. Giving From The Heart Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a meaningful touch by supporting local shops and artisans. Choose gifts crafted with care, extending your love to both your special someone and the community. Explore local boutiques, flea markets, or online platforms like Etsy to discover the talents within your community. Opting for a crafted gift not only provides a unique element to a thoughtful gesture but also supports the livelihoods of those in your area. It’s a gift that keeps on giving. D.I.Y. A Valentine’s Day Card While Hallmark cards are lovely, a homemade card adds a sentimental flair unmatched by store-bought. Tap into your creative side this Valentine’s Day and craft a card of your own. You likely already have the materials necessary, recycled paper paired with a message from the heart should do the trick. If you’re in need of inspiration, check out this tutorial. Reduce the demand for mass-produced cards and opt for a more sustainable expression of affection. Show Your Love For Local Restaurants If gifts aren’t the way to your special someone’s heart, appeal to their appetite. A farm-to-table dinner allows for an eco-conscious dining experience this Valentine’s Day. Choose a restaurant that sources its ingredients locally, reducing the carbon footprint associated with food transportation. A swift Google search of “farm-to-table restaurants near me” should pull a variety of establishments to choose from. Here are a few stellar farm-to-table choices highlighted to gain some inspiration. A Date With Mother Nature Together, we can make every gesture count—for our loved ones and the planet. By incorporating sustainable practices into our celebrations, we show that love knows no bounds! As we exchange tokens of affection, let’s be mindful of the environmental impact our choices can have, without compromising the romance. Follow this guide to ensure your Valentine’s Day is filled with love and joy, both for your special someone and the Earth.

Challenging industry standards across the globe, GreenEarth Cleaning delivers an exemplary and sustainable clean. We take pride in being gentle on your skin and the environment while taking better care of your fabrics. Colors remain vibrant, and fabrics are returned feeling soft and supple, making all of your garments safe with us! However, in between visits to your dry cleaning visits, consider revising your laundry routine with these tips to keep your garments looking and feeling their best. Cleaning your clothes without compromising the quality should be a standard at home as well.  In our busy lives, it’s easy to overlook the environmental impact of our routine activities- especially the mundane tasks. One activity that silently contributes to our carbon footprint is laundry. From energy-intensive washing machines to chemical full detergents, our laundry practices often take a toll on the environment. But fear not! Embracing eco-conscious laundry habits can make a significant difference. In this blog, we’ll explore simple yet effective upgrades that will not only make your laundry routine more sustainable but also contribute to a healthier planet and healthier you. Save The Hot Water For Your Showers Let’s begin with a simple yet impactful adjustment to your laundry routine – using cold water. Heating water for washing accounts for a substantial portion of energy consumption. By opting for cold water, not only do you reduce energy consumption, but you also preserve the vibrant colors of your clothes and extend their lifespan. This small shift not only benefits the environment but also your wallet, as it trims down your energy bills while maintaining the quality of your garments. D.I.Y. Your Laundry Detergent With greenwashing labels on the rise, it can be difficult to make an educated choice. Greenwashing involves a company or business providing misleading information in regards to how environmentally sound a product is. The detergent aisle at the store can be overwhelming, with countless options promising dazzling results. However, many commercial detergents contain harmful chemicals that not only affect your skin but also pollute water sources.  A wonderful alternative is crafting your own eco-friendly laundry detergent. A simple mixture of Castile soap, essential oils, and baking or washing soda can be surprisingly effective. Check out this quick and easy-to-follow tutorial! Not only does this DIY option reduce plastic waste from packaging, but it’s also gentle on your clothes, ensuring a longer life for your garments in between dry cleaning visits. Ditch The Static Cling It’s time to leave single-use dryer sheets in 2023 and welcome eco-friendly wool dryer balls. These easy to find, reusable balls not only decrease drying time by creating better airflow but also softens your clothes without the need for fabric softeners with harmful and irritating chemicals. The natural properties of wool help reduce static cling and wrinkles, leaving your garments fresh and soft. Additionally, wool dryer balls are a sustainable choice, as they can be used for hundreds of loads before needing replacement. Making this switch not only contributes to a greener planet but also saves you money in the long run. Lessen The Loads Another small change with a big impact is to rethink the frequency of washing your garments. Although the topic may be controversial, it does bring many benefits including; conserving water, reducing energy consumption and significantly extending the lifespan of your clothes. Many fabrics benefit from less washing, as washing too often can fade colors and distort the shape of your garments. Embrace the idea of giving your clothes a breather in between wears to live a more eco-conscious lifestyle and enjoy longer-lasting clothing!   In a world where every small action counts, upgrading your laundry routine to be more eco-conscious is a first step to make a positive impact. By using cold water, creating your own gentle DIY detergent, embracing wool dryer balls, and less frequent washing, you’re not just transforming your laundry habits – you’re becoming a part of a movement towards a more sustainable future. With these tips you can ensure your clothing remains refreshed and rejuvenated in between dry cleaning visits with us.  Let’s remember that every load of laundry is an opportunity to care for our clothes and the environment simultaneously. So, as you toss your next load into the machine, consider the small changes that can collectively create a big difference in the health of our planet. Upgrade your laundry routine, and let’s wash our way to a greener, cleaner world.

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.