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Acknowledging a problem is where the solving process has to begin. In our last blog, Sustainability Director, Garry Knox discussed the Climate Change Report issued by the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel. Clearly, the alarming concerns addressed by this report will require action on a large scale, but that does not negate the positive impact every small action has toward finding a solution. Don’t let the “what difference can I make?” perception deter you from making a cognizant effort in minimizing your carbon footprint. You alone, and we together can make a real difference. We’re not here to tell you we have the answer to climate change. What we have done, though, is compile a list of some easy-to-implement lifestyle changes that can ensure you’re doing your part to contribute to a better ecosystem for future generations.  10. Recycle Let’s start with the first thing that comes to everyone’s mind. Recycling is probably the easiest way we can minimize our carbon footprint. Most municipalities make it super easy to recycle nowadays. A quick Google search (recycling in *insert city*) can lead you to the specifics for your local facility. 9. Reduce Water and Energy Usage It’s much easier said than done, but by simply being conscious of our habits throughout our day-to-day routines, we can slowly start to make changes that help us achieve our goal. There are countless small things we can do that add up, like taking shorter showers, not running the water while brushing your teeth or shaving, turning off lights when you’re not in a room, shutting down computers and other electronics, and buying energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs—just to name a few. 8. Eliminate Plastic Plastic is everywhere—we get it. When we’re in public spaces, sometimes it’s out of our control. But at work and home, it’s definitely achievable. A lot of the plastic we use daily can be replaced with reusable products, like water bottles, food storage containers, grocery bags, straws, etc. Even when we’re shopping, there are usually options (sometimes they cost a bit more) packaged in paper or cardboard instead of plastic. We’ve noticed a lot of companies using bamboo as a replacement for plastic as well. Again, we understand it’s not happening overnight, but incremental changes will have you plastic-free in no time at all! 7. Go Digital A digital lifestyle admittedly is harder for some than others. In this day and age, however, if we make the effort, it turns out to be pretty easy. Bills can be paid online, documents can be shared and edited through a variety of applications, most stores allow you to choose to receive your receipts digitally—we honestly can’t come up with a situation where paper is absolutely necessary. Can you? 6. Ditch the Car (When Possible) Obviously, if you have a 30-minute commute to work in a car, biking or walking isn’t an option. Is carpooling a possibility? Is there a public transit route that will get you there in a reasonable amount of time? Maybe not, but if there is, consider it. Even if it’s not possible in your daily commute to work, when you’re attending an event, having dinner with your family, or meeting friends out for a drink, think about walking, biking, carpooling, or taking the bus. Again, simply being cognizant of these options at all times will help us all make better choices for the environment. 5. Meatless Mondays “Woah, Woah, Woah. Now they’ve gone too far!” Hear us out. We’re headquartered in Kansas City, considered by many to be the champion of BBQ, so cutting meat out of our diet isn’t taken lightly. But what if we just do it one day out of the week? The climate impact of meat, specifically industrial factory farms, is enormous—roughly equivalent to all the driving and flying of every car, truck, and plane in the world. So cutting out our meat consumption one day out of the week can have a massive impact on minimizing our carbon footprint. And to take it a step further, try purchasing locally sourced meat and produce; it tastes better too! 4. Smart Home Renovations The new craze of the last decade seems to be flipping houses. How many more home improvement shows can they come up with? We have a feeling we will find out. But if you’re buying a new home and flipping it, or maybe you’re just tackling one small project at a time as you form your house into your dream home, think sustainably. There is an endless list of smart tech that can increase your home efficiency, not to mention products like eco-friendly insulation and solar panels, which are surprisingly affordable with city rebates. Any home project you’re working on, big or small, always keep in mind, “How can we make this more sustainable?” 3. Ethical Purchasing Decisions Whether we’re talking about food, clothes, or personal care products, these days there is always an option that has the environment in mind. Of course, sometimes this takes a little due diligence on our part to confirm its legitimacy. There is no short supply of products claiming to be “green” for one reason or another when in fact many aspects of their business are not. But some simple things we can do is shop from local suppliers as often as possible. Check out antique shops and vintage clothing stores–the stuff is usually super cool too. And pass on fast fashion. Buy clothing that is quality and long-lasting or even made out of repurposed fabrics! These garments might cost a little more, but you’ll get your mileage out of them and then some.  2. Support Sustainable Causes Plastic Soup Foundation, Water.org, tentree, 4Ocean, Natural Resources Defense Council, Greenpeace, Rainforest Alliance, WildlifeDirect—just pick one. We couldn’t list them all if we tried. There are countless wonderful charity organizations out there doing great things to lower our impact on the environment and oceans and leave a better planet for our children. If you’ve got a budget, you can

On Monday, August 9th, a report by the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was issued and delivers the starkest warnings yet. The latest findings, approved by 195 member states, deal with the physical science basis of climate change and the contribution of humans to that change. Many world leaders, particularly those of the 50 countries said to be at greatest risk have reacted strongly to the report, with the U.K. Prime Minister stating that this is a “wake up call to the world.”  The UN’s Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, has labeled it a “code red for humanity.”  No region on Earth has escaped the impacts of the climate crisis. The report states that “human-induced climate change is already affecting many weather and climate extremes in every region across the globe.” It clearly expresses that in the not-too-distant future, heatwaves, heavy rainfall, and droughts will become more common and extreme.  The assessment also reveals that levels of CO2—the primary driver of global warming—were higher in 2019 than at any other time in “at least 2 million years.” It adds that levels of methane and nitrous oxide—the second and third biggest drivers, respectively—were higher in 2019 than at any time in “at least 800,000 years.” Under the Paris Agreement in 2015, over 190 governments agreed that a global warming limit should be set at 1.5°C to 2.0°C above pre-industrial levels. However, the IPCC report states that, under all scenarios, this target will not be achievable. There is a real risk that both targets will be broken this century unless huge reductions in carbon emissions can be realized. Later this year, the U.K., in partnership with Italy, will host COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland. It is considered more vital than ever that firm agreement to carbon emission reduction targets can be put in place with a matter of urgency. The new report backs up the many recent calls for a “green recovery” as a solution to the economic instability caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. U.S. climate envoy John Kerry has voiced that to achieve carbon reduction targets, all governments need to change their economies. He went on to say, “This is a critical decade for action, and COP26 in Glasgow must be a turning point in this crisis.” GreenEarth Cleaning has long made a commitment to protecting the planet, not just through the gentler and safer composition of its environmentally non-toxic solution but also through the reductions in energy and water usage achieved from using the GreenEarth System. We will continue to strive for further improvement in the technology that we are responsible for, the relationships we manage, and our own actions in terms of sustainability targets. We will also continue to share ideas and solutions that help to inform individuals to make a difference to help the world achieve the targets set out in the Paris Agreement. There are many examples of how we can make a difference, by adjusting our behavior. The actions range from finding alternatives to travel to eating less meat and dairy to using your voice to challenge your local government or parliamentary representatives to affect change on a national level. The Grantham Institute recently published a guide on “9 Things You Can Do About Climate Change.” Yes, overall there’s a lot of information to take on board from the IPCC, but every small step in the right direction has a positive impact. By: Garry Knox  

This summer has actually felt like summer. And not just because of the sweltering heat either. Last year, we were all still at home twiddling our thumbs next to the A/C (a whole new definition to “long, hot summer”). But as vaccinations have become widely available and local economies have begun to reopen, we’ve been able to enjoy the best parts of the season again, and travel and hospitality companies are trying to keep up.  Over the past few months, we’ve seen a spike in in-person events, dining out, and namely, travel. Based on data from FlightAware, an aviation tracking service, the week of the 4th of July recorded an average of roughly 23,000 flights per day. While that’s still down from more than 28,000 average daily flights in 2019, it’s a 97.32% increase from 2020, which saw only 12,000. With the surge in airport traffic, hotel bookings are also on the rise. Marriott’s Q2 results show a worldwide occupancy of 51%, already a 13-point rise from the first three months of the year, according to a report from Travel Weekly. These metrics are encouraging, to say the least, and display a road to recovery, yet it’s also important to remember that some habits we developed at the height of the pandemic are sticking around. People may be going all out on vacations after over a year stuck at home, but health and well-being remain top priorities. The cleaning and sanitization of surfaces and fabrics must go beyond the standards they were held to in 2019. Travelers expect a level of cleanliness that is both inviting and safe. GreenEarth helps achieve just that. The hotels that use our system of care can feel good about not costing the planet while providing for the needs and peace of mind of their guests. GreenEarth, which replaces traditional dry cleaning petrochemicals with pure liquid silicone, is environmentally non-toxic and gentle on fabrics but cleans items thoroughly at temperatures that inactivate most bacteria and viruses. It sounds like a bit of a paradox—a process that truly cleans and is truly green—but we assure you it’s not. You just don’t need harsh and harmful chemicals to accomplish a pure clean. In fact, many of the world’s best-known brands in quality hospitality have made the choice to partner with a local GreenEarth cleaner or install compatible machinery in their own facilities, including Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt Regency, Montage, St. Regis, and Jumeirah Emirates Tower. For more information about our work in the hospitality space and how we can help you improve your sustainability commitments, click here. Or to find a GreenEarth cleaner in your market, search our Store Locator.  By: Zarah Eads

As we get back to business post-COVID, many of us are ready to hire, and the age-old question “how do I find good people?” seems more difficult than ever to answer. It isn’t easy, it’s never been easy. But now we’re seeing an increase in job openings for the first time in years, resulting in a workforce shortage. That’s right, another shortage. So now good candidates are less likely to come to us. We have to go get them. We’ll need to be more aggressive in our search and make our offer more appealing to draw the right people. Many of us begin the search when we need to fill a position. Unfortunately, that is often too late, leading us to make poor choices to make quick hires, not necessarily good hires.  To start, we should always be hiring. It’s easy to have job listings online and simply go through the submissions weekly. Whenever a candidate really sticks out, give them a call.  The listing needs to provide details about the job, specific qualifications to do the job, and give details about pay, vacations, and benefits. This work on the front end will help both you and the potential applicant weed each other out. Linkedin and Indeed are both easy platforms to use for finding the right people. Keeping your company profiles updated lets applicants get to know you, your business, and what you stand for. Everyone on these platforms is either working, looking for work, or knows someone looking for work. Posting a job on any of these platforms is free, and for a few more dollars, you can promote your posting to attract more applicants with the qualifications you need. And the best part, these platforms can work to find candidates for you, screen based on their resume, and you can review their profiles and applications on your schedule. Another strategy we’ve been using recently that has had some success for Affiliates is posting a well-branded, creative ad on Facebook simply announcing you’re hiring, then linking that ad to a detailed job listing on Indeed or Linkedin. That user experience is easily navigated and also helps weed out some of the unqualified applicants we might receive through Facebook natively. A current campaign on Facebook has reached over 2,000 people in one week, received over 80 clicks, and 54 applications submitted. In-Person Networking When you are out and about during your day, be on the lookout. If someone impresses you, take a moment to let them know and that you are looking for people like them. Do they have a friend that is looking for work or a career change? Good people hang out with good people, and with training, they can become exceptional employees for you. I have been lucky to get a steady pipeline of new hires from a hire I made nine years ago. Each time an employee has moved on, I ask them if they can recommend filling their position. Marketing Brand awareness is essential when enticing applicants. Think of your hiring ad as an opportunity to advertise your company. When our GreenEarth marketing team creates ads for Affiliates, they talk a little about the job and a bit more about why a candidate should apply. With a competitive job market, talking about what you can do for them will get their attention. Promote your vision and help potential applicants see how they can fit in and how you fit with their goals.  The goal of your ad is to attract like-minded individuals. For example, sustainability is important to us, so we want to hire people who care about the environment. If they understand your goals, training comes easily. Mention that you use GreenEarth® because it is sustainable, odorless, and safe for people, clothes, and our planet, and you will attract even more applicants aligned with you. If you are having trouble finding suitable candidates, reach out to us for assistance. Our team can create an ad campaign and job listing for you, using GreenEarth exclusive imagery and proven copy to attract applicants to help you keep your pipeline flowing.  Reach out to us for ad content and assistance at affiliatesupport@greenearthcleaning.com By: Karen Maxwell  

Our new Full Circle service is giving pre-loved machines a new lease on life. During the latter part of the 20th Century, there was very much a disposable attitude to almost everything.  Whether it be fashion, packaging, or electronics.  Once it was finished or no longer fit for purpose, it would be thrown away. That has now changed, particularly over the last 10 years.  Components are being repurposed more, using very few finite resources, and the energy to help repurpose is renewable. Even items like office floor tiles can now be leased.  When they need replacing, they are taken away, the rubber and fibers are separated and regenerated using renewable energy. The emphasis for doing this is to protect the planet’s finite resources.  With current levels of usage, it is predicted many of those resources such as Oil, Gas, and even Tungsten (which is a component of smartphones), will become severely depleted over the next 50-100 years. GreenEarth Cleaning’s proprietary liquid silicone is in itself circular.  It is used within a closed-loop system so that any waste can be collected and disposed of in a responsible way, and much of the solvent can be reused for many loads.  In addition, because it’s mild and gentle, it contributes to garments lasting longer and having a continued life through donating or passing on to friends and family. But it doesn’t end there, the GreenEarth Technical team has started applying these principles to machine restoration.   With many used machines becoming available in the past couple of years, we have taken advantage of our technical knowledge and are actively refurbishing good quality machines through our “Full Circle” service. The process is extensive and worth doing in order to provide value to Affiliates that are investing in their business, and want to lower the capital cost of doing so with a reliable pre-loved machine. It goes to show that what is one person’s trash could be another person’s treasure.  So, think twice before disposing of any item, it could have a second life somewhere you may not expect! By: Garry Knox  

The pandemic has had a massive effect on all of us. Whether you’ve been working from home while simultaneously running your own daycare, forced to change career paths and adjusting to a new lifestyle, or simply feeling isolated and missing friends and family, it’s beginning to feel like maybe our “new normal” isn’t going to be so different than life was eighteen months ago. People are finally starting to head back to work, go to formal events, and actually have in-person business meetings—handshakes and everything! We find oftentimes, folks simply aren’t aware of all of the services their dry cleaner offers. Alterations and tailoring is a service almost all dry cleaners offer and it’s not uncommon to find the best tailor in your market within a GreenEarth Affiliate location. Their tailors and seamstresses can make sure you’re looking your absolute best with the perfect fit. If you need to impress at a new job, have your work clothes slightly altered due to a pandemic routine shift, or dress to the nines for a formal event or wedding—no matter your need, the GreenEarth Network is here for you. In addition to simply providing tailoring services, GreenEarth has partnered with 9tofive, a suit retailer out of Brooklyn, NY selling tailored suits online with a focus on sustainability and first-class professional service across the country. Making the customer’s experience luxurious AND convenient. “We partnered with GreenEarth, a leader in sustainable dry cleaning, because their affiliates, like Bridgestone Cleaners in Brooklyn, are top professionals in garment care, tailoring, and alterations. They have some of the most knowledgable and talented tailors around and their service is unmatched. It just makes sense. People who buy suits use GreenEarth” Aaron Clanton (CEO at 9tofive). So you can now order a suit from 9tofive through your local GreenEarth cleaner, then when the suit arrives, have it fitted and tailored, all included in the cost of the suit. It’s a match made in heaven. “The pandemic has been rough for us and our dry cleaning partners. As businesses reopen and events are being held again, there has been an uptick in suiting needs. Weddings are slowly coming back and people are returning to normal life. Through our revolutionary partnership with GreenEarth, 9tofive has created an easier way of shopping. We have combined local, in-person connection with online retail, fostering a stress-free and accessible shopping experience. Along with these exciting initiatives, we are elated to roll out our new suit rental program. Getting fitted for a suit or tux rental has never been easier! We’ve used our local tailor partnerships to create a nearly effortless rental experience that practically brings designer suits to your doorstep.” Aaron Clanton (CEO at 9tofive). The moral of the story, don’t show up to your new job, the first day back at the office, of a black-tie event looking anything less than your best. We’ve got you. Find the GreenEarth cleaner nearest you on our online store and get fitted right. By: Aaron Newport

“Cleaning is Caring”—that’s the overarching message of the American Cleaning Institute’s (ACI) recently launched campaign, which advocates that good cleaning habits ensure a healthy and safe future for everyone.  In a new survey conducted on behalf of the organization, 70% of Americans view cleaning less as a chore now than they did just a few years ago and, instead, perceive it as a way to protect themselves and their families from the spread of bacteria and viruses. Only 7% of Americans reported that they cleaned for germ prevention back in 2018. That’s a pretty significant difference, wouldn’t you say? COVID-19 shifted a lot of things in our lives, but one of the most noteworthy changes has been our prioritization of cleaning and sanitization. We became motivated to uphold and surpass public health recommendations rather than simply remove visible dirt and debris. And while disinfecting surfaces throughout the home may first come to mind here, how you clean and care for your clothes is just as crucial. In the spring of 2020, as the global coronavirus pandemic expanded, the World Health Organization (WHO) published guidance that the lipid layer of the coronavirus could be defeated through exposure to heat of at least 70°C for 30 minutes. The environmentally non-toxic GreenEarth dry cleaning process operates at higher-than-normal temperatures because of its elevated flashpoint of 77°C, making it an effective method in deactivating most bacteria and viruses.  We contracted with MRIGlobal, an independent laboratory approved for testing with SARS-CoV-2, to initiate performance analysis in June 2020. The testing demonstrated modified GreenEarth programs to be six times more effective than the WHO “heat alone” guidance. Additionally, and most importantly, was that the results were achieved without any additive chemicals. We have since filed for a provisional patent covering a modified GreenEarth dry cleaning process which includes vaporized steps in order to allow for antiviral dry cleaning when the virus contains a protective lipid layer. All coronaviruses, as well as their mutations, contain a lipid envelope. So when the ACI says “Cleaning is Caring,” we feel GreenEarth embodies just that. Clothes cleaned in GreenEarth show a higher level of care—for you and your loved ones’ well-being, for your fabrics, and for the planet. To find your nearest GreenEarth cleaner, head to our Store Locator. By: Zarah Eads  

In the UK, it’s estimated one-third of clothing either end up going to landfill or is incinerated.  Also, purchases are continuing to be on the rise in the UK ahead of other countries. Around 10 years ago, there was very much a focus on vintage clothing and “make do and mend”, providing a focus on aftercare, whether it’s how you clean, store, or repair the item of clothing. This has got to be key to create a vintage concept, right?  So how do we create a vintage for the future? Textiles take-back schemes, where customers donate unwanted clothing to retailers to be reused or recycled, are a key part of developing a more circular fashion industry. High street retailers such as M&S, H&M, Tesco, and others have done this successfully.  Luxury brands are also examining how they can operate in this space. Ultimately, the garments can end up in a number of different places, depending on their condition. Their condition is determined by how well they are made, how often they are worn, and how they are cared for. If the garment condition is poor, it is likely to end up in the garbage, because the wearer doesn’t believe the item is good enough to be donated.  Although, charity shops will take in any item, and then either sell it in the shop or sell it to (for want of a better term) the “ragman.”  If the garment is in very good condition, then it becomes much more of a commercial proposition to the consumer.  They can either sell via “Vintage” sites, such as Depop or Vinted, or transact directly with a retailer. Great care is vital if more clothes are going to be commercially viable. If this can be achieved by using a sustainable aftercare solution, then even better. GreenEarth cleaning has started to work with brands to encourage just that.  There are two key elements of the GreenEarth proposition that support the concept. Closed-loop system.  Dry cleaning machines are sophisticated in that they look after every part of the process.—cleaning, drying, and also the collection of waste. This is different from wet cleaning, in that with GreenEarth Cleaning, no microfibers of microplastic will escape into the waterways and ultimately the world’s oceans. An environmentally non-toxic cleaning solution that loves clothes as much as it loves the planet.  The 100% pure D5 liquid silicone used exclusively in the GreenEarth branded process is a by-product of sand and is safe for clothes, people, and the planet. Silicone cleans more gently, reducing wear and tear on fabrics, maintaining the soft hand of fabrics, and prevents shrinkage. The work we do with brands includes care labeling, customer and colleague communications, and cleaning after they’ve been handed back.  Starting to clean with GreenEarth at the beginning of the garment’s life means that it will maintain its condition, and a GreenEarth clean after it’s handed back means that it will be clean, will look great, and will provide the maximum financial reward for the consumer and the retailer—a win-win! The consumer can make money on their old item and potentially save on a new item.  The retailer can buy back at a good price and even by paying for a cleaning price, they can still sell at a lower price combined with few additional costs (normally associated with garment production) they can see a reasonable profit margin. We will be talking about the projects that we are involved within the near future, so watch this space! To find out more about the innovative concept of GreenEarth Cleaning, please visit our FAQ page. By: Garry Knox  

After months of working remotely, we have finally reached the point where employers are preparing to bring their people back to the office. Thanks to vaccines, businesses are reopening their doors and welcoming back their staff and customers alike. The long-awaited reuniting of communities across the country is comforting for us all, as our sense of normalcy was abandoned a year ago due to a national pandemic. With this news comes a mix of emotions for employees everywhere; excitement, fear, eagerness, anxiety. This could very well be a major change to your daily routine. The best way to tackle any doubts that you might have is to prepare a “back to the office checklist.” If you are feeling anxious about the prospect of returning to the office, a few things you may include in your checklist are; daycare, animal care, transportation, and meals. All of those things we have taken for granted over the past fourteen months. While compiling your list, don’t forget to include the most important consideration…” what are you going to wear?” That’s right, it’s time to check the closet for something other than pajamas and sweatpants. Pull out your button-downs, your khakis, and yes, even those stylish suits. This is your chance to dress to impress. Be sure to plan ahead and expect there to be some dust on those clothes you haven’t worn in months—they need to be freshened up. Don’t add to your anxiety by trying to care for them yourself. Brush them off and have them cleaned by the best! Trust the professionals with your favorite work outfits. Find your local Greenearth dry cleaner to give them the look and feel of a new wardrobe. Don’t be shy, visit our store locator to find the cleaner nearest you. Greenearth is the world’s largest environmentally friendly brand in dry cleaning. The process of replacing petrochemical solvents with liquid silicone is our secret. The solution is non-toxic and non-allergenic. You can count on your local GreenEarth cleaner to care for your clothes in a way that’s safe for you, your clothes, and the planet. They’ll have you headed back to the office looking and feeling your best!