- What is GreenEarth Cleaning?GreenEarth Cleaning is an innovative and eco-friendly dry cleaning process designed to provide a safe and sustainable alternative to traditional dry cleaning methods. Unlike conventional methods that use harsh chemicals like PERC, GreenEarth Cleaning employs a silicone-based solvent which is non-toxic and environmentally friendly. This unique approach is not only gentle on your clothing but also reduces the environmental impact associated with dry cleaning. Your garments will come out cleaner, odor-free, and with no risk of shrinkage or damage to delicate fabrics. Plus, you'll have peace of mind knowing that you're choosing a cleaning solution that's safer for our planet and the people who use it.
- Is liquid silicone safe for dry cleaning?Liquid silicone, specifically the type used in the GreenEarth Cleaning process, is considered safe for dry cleaning. GreenEarth Cleaning utilizes a silicone-based solvent known as D5, which is commonly referred to as "liquid silicone." Here are some reasons why silicone is safe for dry cleaning:
Non-Toxic: Silicone is non-toxic, meaning it does not pose health risks to dry cleaning workers or customers. Unlike traditional dry cleaning solvents like perchloroethylene (PERC), which can be harmful when inhaled or absorbed through the skin, D5 is a safer alternative.
Low Environmental Impact: Silicone is less harmful to the environment compared to many other dry cleaning solvents. It breaks down into benign byproducts, including sand, water, and carbon dioxide, when released into the environment. This reduces its impact on air and water quality.
Gentle on Fabrics: Liquid silicone is known for being gentle on fabrics. It is less likely to cause damage, shrinkage, or color fading in clothing items, making it suitable for a wide range of garments, including delicate and valuable pieces.
No Residual Odor: Clothes cleaned with silicone have no residual chemical odor, ensuring a pleasant and odor-free wearing experience.
- What is a GreenEarth Affiliate?
A GreenEarth Cleaning affiliate is any dry cleaning business that licenses and uses GreenEarth's proprietary products to build a sustainable and eco-friendly dry cleaning operation. Here's what makes being a GreenEarth Cleaning affiliate so advantageous:
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Environmentally Friendly Practices: GreenEarth Cleaning affiliates embrace the GreenEarth cleaning system, known for its non-toxic nature and natural breakdown in the environment. This ensures that no harmful residues are left behind, contributing to a cleaner planet.
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Improved Garment Care: The GreenEarth Cleaning process, powered by a silicone-based solvent, is celebrated for its fabric-friendly approach. It not only extends the lifespan of clothing items but also excels in tackling stubborn stains while preserving the integrity of the fabric.
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Marketing and Branding Support: GreenEarth Cleaning goes the extra mile by providing its affiliates with marketing materials and branding support. This includes leveraging the GreenEarth logo and materials to promote the environmentally sustainable cleaning process. Additionally, services such as website development and social media management are offered to help build and promote your business effectively.
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Training and Support: Affiliates benefit from comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure they correctly and efficiently implement the GreenEarth Cleaning process. This support helps maintain the highest quality standards in garment care.
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Environmental Responsibility: By choosing to become a GreenEarth Cleaning affiliate, dry cleaners align themselves with environmentally responsible practices. This commitment to sustainability becomes a valuable selling point that can attract environmentally conscious customers, fostering both business growth and environmental protection.
Becoming a GreenEarth Cleaning affiliate not only elevates the quality of dry cleaning services but also champions a greener future, benefiting both business owners and the planet.
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- How many GreenEarth Affiliates are there?There are over 1800 GreenEarth affiliates worldwide, collectively operating more than 6000 retail points of location. This extensive network of eco-conscious dry cleaning professionals is a testament to the growing demand for environmentally responsible garment care and the positive impact GreenEarth affiliates are making in preserving our planet.
- Has GreenEarth Cleaning been scientifically tested?GreenEarth Cleaning has undertaken extensive scientific testing and research to ensure the safety and environmental profile of its cleaning system. Over $30 million worth of independent testing and research has been conducted on D5 liquid silicone, the key component of the GreenEarth Cleaning system. These tests were specifically designed to confirm that there are no risks to public safety resulting from its use in various applications, including dry cleaning. One significant study, the 2002 IFI Fellowship Study, compared the GreenEarth system to the industry-standard perc (perchloroethylene) system. The Independent Fabricare Institute (IFI) declared that the GreenEarth system was "as effective as perc with no environmental concerns." Independent waste stream and air exposure testing further validated that liquid silicone, as used in daily dry cleaning operations, exceeded all federal, state, and local requirements for water and air safety. Regulatory agencies, such as the California Air Resources Board (CARB), have also conducted extensive reviews of the scientific data on D5 silicone. CARB affirmed that GreenEarth's D5 silicone is an acceptable dry cleaning solvent alternative and concluded that its use in GreenEarth's patented dry cleaning process does not pose a risk to the public living near businesses using D5. Additionally, Environment Canada and Environment Australia conducted risk assessments, determining that the GreenEarth Cleaning process is not harmful to human health (2008) and that D5 is not considered harmful to the environment (2012). Ongoing testing and evaluation continue in Europe as part of GreenEarth's commitment to safety and environmental responsibility.
- How is the cleaning power of GreenEarth Cleaning?GreenEarth Cleaning is renowned for its effective cleaning power, which is comparable to traditional dry cleaning methods. Here's how the cleaning power of GreenEarth Cleaning stands out:
- Gentle Yet Effective: GreenEarth Cleaning uses a silicone-based solvent that is both gentle on fabrics and highly effective in removing dirt, stains, and odors. It's tough on stains while being kind to your clothing items.
- Preserves Fabric Quality: One of the key advantages of GreenEarth Cleaning is its fabric-friendly approach. It helps extend the lifespan of your garments by reducing wear and tear that can occur with other cleaning methods.
- Versatile Cleaning: GreenEarth Cleaning can handle a wide range of fabrics, from delicate silks and lace to heavy coats and linens. This versatility ensures that all types of clothing and textiles can be effectively cleaned.
- Stain Removal: The GreenEarth Cleaning process is particularly effective in removing tough stains, including oil-based stains, which can be challenging for traditional dry cleaning methods.
- Hypoallergenic & Odorless: GreenEarth Cleaning leaves your clothes fresh and odor-free. It effectively removes common odors like smoke and food smells, ensuring your garments come back smelling clean and pleasant.
- Will I still have to pay for waste disposal?With GreenEarth's innovative Activated Clay filtration process, you can expect a different approach to waste disposal. Unlike traditional cartridge filtration methods that produce liquid waste or cartridges containing liquid solvent, our Activated Clay Filtration generates solid waste. This distinction is significant because it allows many of our GreenEarth Members to apply for and qualify for disposing of their non-hazardous waste as regular trash. Furthermore, we are committed to assisting our members in the disposal process. We provide documentation that demonstrates the non-toxic nature of the waste generated, which can be invaluable in establishing the non-toxicity of the waste to your municipal disposal authority. This documentation can help leverage your efforts to dispose of the waste through your municipality's regular waste disposal channels, representing a substantial cost-saving compared to disposing of liquid waste or cartridge filters. So, in many cases, you may not have to bear the additional expenses associated with traditional waste disposal when using GreenEarth's Activated Clay filtration, thanks to our support in documenting its non-toxicity.
- How do I convert to GreenEarth Cleaning?To make the switch to GreenEarth Cleaning and enjoy the benefits of our eco-friendly cleaning system, here's a simplified guide: Step 1: Get in Touch
- Start by filling out our request form to express your interest.
- Our team will promptly reach out to discuss your specific needs and how GreenEarth can enhance your business.
- We'll assess your existing equipment to determine compatibility. Most Class IIIA machines are compatible with GreenEarth.
- If necessary, we can assist you in sourcing a G-Series or Class IIIA Dry Cleaning machine.
- We'll create a tailored transition plan that includes comprehensive training to ensure a smooth switch to GreenEarth.
- Finalize the agreement details, covering financial terms and the support you'll receive as a GreenEarth Affiliate.
- Receive GreenEarth-approved detergents, solvents, and training materials.
- Launch your affiliation with GreenEarth using the provided marketing materials to promote your new eco-friendly approach.
- Explore customized digital and field marketing services to effectively reach your target audience.
- Tailor your marketing strategy to attract environmentally conscious customers, emphasizing the GreenEarth difference.
- Officially begin operating as a GreenEarth Affiliate, implementing our eco-friendly cleaning methods.
- Promote your GreenEarth affiliation to showcase your commitment to sustainability.
- Stay in touch with GreenEarth for continuous support and guidance.
- Utilize the provided resources to enhance your business operations and maintain GreenEarth's high standards for quality and environmental responsibility.
- What machines are compatible with The GreenEarth Cleaning System?GreenEarth Cleaning is compatible with a wide range of dry cleaning machines, particularly those classified as Class IIIA machines. Class IIIA machines are typically designed to work with alternative solvents like GreenEarth's silicone-based cleaning solvent. Here are some types of machines that are commonly compatible:
- Class IIIA Machines: These machines are explicitly designed to work with alternative solvents like silicone-based solvents. Many Class IIIA machines are inherently compatible with the GreenEarth Cleaning system.
- G-Series Machines: GreenEarth has developed its own G-Series machines, specifically designed for use with the GreenEarth Cleaning system. These machines are optimized for efficiency and quality when using GreenEarth's eco-friendly solvent.
- Hydrocarbon Machines: Some hydrocarbon machines, which use a different type of solvent, can be converted or retrofitted to be compatible with the GreenEarth Cleaning system.
- Multi-Solvent Machines: Some modern dry cleaning machines are designed to work with multiple solvents, including silicone-based solvents like GreenEarth.
It's important to note that the compatibility of a specific dry cleaning machine may depend on its age, design, and manufacturer. GreenEarth Cleaning can provide guidance and support to assess your existing equipment's compatibility or help you source a suitable machine if needed. Additionally, regular maintenance and proper machine care are essential to ensure optimal performance when using the GreenEarth Cleaning system. - How does Greenearth compare to C02, Wet Cleaning and Hydrocarbon?GreenEarth Cleaning offers a unique and environmentally responsible dry cleaning solution when compared to CO2, wet cleaning, and hydrocarbon systems. Here's a breakdown of the differences:
CO2 Cleaning: CO2 and 100% wet cleaning are recognized as excellent environmentally friendly choices but have limited adoption among dry cleaners. CO2 machines are expensive to operate, to the extent that they are no longer in production.
Professional Wet Cleaning: while environmentally non-toxic, requires more labor and resources, making it challenging for dry cleaners to rely on exclusively. GreenEarth considers professional wet cleaning to be a complementary, eco-friendly method that can enhance the GreenEarth dry cleaning process in any shop, encouraging operators to utilize both methods for optimal results.
Hydrocarbon Cleaning: Hydrocarbon solvent has been a popular alternative due to its familiarity in the industry. However, concerns have arisen regarding its environmental impact. Hydrocarbon is classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC) and can contribute to smog formation. It's not approved as a Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) material and may require cleanup if spilled. Like perc, hydrocarbon is also listed by the EPA as a neurotoxin and a skin and eye irritant for workers. Additionally, many hydrocarbon-based solvents on the market are blends, introducing the challenges of chemical blends, such as the need for stabilizers and deodorizers. GreenEarth's 100% pure D5 siloxane offers a stable, environmentally friendly alternative with a higher flash point.
One notable advantage is that many machines designed for hydrocarbon solvents can also use GreenEarth's solution, allowing operators to transition to GreenEarth without the need to purchase new machines. GreenEarth Cleaning provides an environmentally responsible alternative that balances effectiveness with sustainability in the dry cleaning industry. - What are the initial costs involved in becoming a GreenEarth Affiliate?The initial costs vary based on the size of your operation and the equipment needed. We provide detailed cost breakdowns to interested prospects. Contact us for more details.
- Can existing dry cleaning businesses convert to GreenEarth Cleaning easily?Yes, we offer comprehensive support and guidance to help existing businesses transition smoothly to the GreenEarth Cleaning system. Contact us for more information.
- What training and support does GreenEarth offer to new Affiliates?GreenEarth Cleaning provides extensive training in the use of our cleaning system, as well as ongoing technical and marketing support to ensure our Affiliates' success.
- What are the long-term benefits of becoming a GreenEarth Affiliate?As a GreenEarth Affiliate, you benefit from association with a globally recognized, eco-friendly brand and access to innovative technology. This includes our GreenEarth Optimized system, which offers the lowest utility and supply costs in the industry. Additionally, our environmentally-friendly process generates no hazardous waste, eliminating the need for hazardous waste disposal fees. This not only reduces operating costs but also appeals to a growing customer base that values sustainability. Thus, Affiliating with GreenEarth positions you as a leader in eco-friendly dry cleaning, catering to an increasingly environmentally conscious market.
- How does GreenEarth support Affiliates in marketing and customer acquisition?GreenEarth Marketing Launch Kit:
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- Initial Support: Affiliates receive a launch kit with essential marketing materials, including flyers, to immediately begin promoting the GreenEarth difference.
- Trademarked Logo: Authorization to use the GreenEarth trademarked logo.
- Store Locator Listing: Inclusion in our locator with over 5000 monthly visits.
- Asset Library: Access to a library of customizable marketing images.
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- Specialized Services: Services include website design, social media management, email marketing, graphic design, ad management, and print design.
- Industry-Focused: Specifically tailored for the dry cleaning industry.
- Efficient Customer Targeting:
- Expert Guidance: Our team of marketers will assist in precisely targeting your audience and business services, ensuring the right customers are reached without excess spending.
- Value for Money: While an additional cost, these services are competitively priced to provide quality marketing support affordably.
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- How can one establish access to the service or account?To access GreenEarth, please complete the membership application form link here https://greenearthcleaning.com/dry-cleaners/.
- What is GreenEarth Cleaning?GreenEarth Cleaning is the world’s largest brand of environmentally non-toxic dry cleaning. The GreenEarth brand name refers to an exclusive dry cleaning process that replaces the petrochemical solvents traditionally used in dry cleaning with liquid silicone. Liquid silicone is an odorless, colorless solution that is an excellent carrier for detergents, has ideal properties for fabric care and is better for the environment. The liquid silicone cleaning process has been perfected over the past 25 years by GreenEarth Cleaning. It is defined by a broad set of Intellectual Property, including patents, trademarks, copyrighted training and instruction materials, and operational know how that is made available to all Member GreenEarth dry cleaners who participate in the GreenEarth network.
- Why is it better for Dry CleanersThe cost of a dry cleaning machine capable of running GreenEarth is the same or less than that of a hydrocarbon machine today, so capital equipment costs are not more expensive. Most dry cleaners operating with hydrocarbon can actually convert to GreenEarth without having to buy a new machine. For operators looking to replace their current machines, new, optimized GreenEarth machines are available at a cost savings over traditional class IIIA machines. This is because GreenEarth’s unique cleaning properties and safety profile make many of the “bells and whistles” machine add-ons unnecessary. Last, it is easier for dry cleaners to operate profitably with GreenEarth. Why? Because it produces a noticeable difference that is highly marketable. Items cleaned in GreenEarth require less labor to process and finish. Costs for utilities, damage claims, permitting fees and waste disposal make operating with GreenEarth significantly less expensive than hydrocarbon. And unlike many other dry cleaning solvents that contain a blend of various solvents, the GreenEarth Cleaning process uses 100% pure siloxane D5 thereby eliminating the need to add various stabilizers, deodorizers, and the hazard associated with fluctuating flash points due to the blended solvents becoming out of balance.
- I've Heard That GreenEarth Doesn't Clean As Well As Perc, Is That True?No. GreenEarth solution has different chemical properties than perc, so it interacts differently with detergents, additives and fabrics. When GreenEarth was first introduced, the process was unfamiliar, detergency had not yet been optimized to work with it, and cleaning results did vary. Water-soluble stains were a particular problem. With proper training on how to process garments in GreenEarth, and the advent of second, third and even fourth generation detergent additives developed with the help of industry partners, cleaning results, including removal of water-soluble stains, are consistently excellent. An independent evaluation of alternative solvents by the IFI in 2007 rated GreenEarth as “excellent” in the categories of cleaning and ability to handle a variety of fabrics and trims.