Defining Green Dry Cleaning

A green paper by Green Inside and Out

"GREEN"  "NON-TOXIC" "ECO-FRIENDLY"  "ORGANIC"  

In the world of dry cleaning, what do these terms really mean?

In 2015, Green Inside and Out proudly partnered with Prevention is the Cure in the release of a "green paper" called “Defining Green Dry Cleaning.” This paper helps consumers understand the meaning behind the variety of "green" dry cleaning terms, and addresses dry cleaning questions, such as:

  • What is Perc and what are the safer alternatives?
  • How can I reduce my dry cleaning plastic bag waste?
  • Where do I find "greener" dry cleaners on Long Island?

We encourage you to read both the executive summary and the complete paper, where you'll find a list of 32 Long Island dry cleaners who use alternatives to the common dry cleaning chemical known as "Perc" (perchloroethylene) - a likely human carcinogen. Learn more about wet-cleaning, GreenEarth, and so-called “organic” dry cleaning, the status of regulations, and policy recommendations.

Click to read the Executive Summary:
Greener Dry Cleaners on Long Island

Click to read the full green paper:
Defining Green Dry Cleaning

Great News for Suffolk County!

A Law requiring Dry Cleaning Signage passed the Suffolk County Legislature in 2016.

The Signs Are Now Up as of 2019!

It took a while, but thanks to Legislator Kara Hahn and her team, who spearheaded this important legislation, the Local Law to Increase Awareness of Dry Cleaning Chemical Use  (Local Law No. 15-2016) is now law in Suffolk County. Thanks also to Legislators Sarah Anker & Bridget Fleming for their leadership, and to the Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition and the Pollution Prevention Institute for their advocacy and support.

So What Does This Mean? As of March 2019, the Suffolk County Health Department now provides each dry cleaner color-coded information signs on dry cleaning solvents, and how they rank in terms of both human & environmental health!

Cleaners will be required to post signs visibly on the shop window and near the front counter. Alternatives listed are:

  • Perchloroethylene (also known as Perc)
  • Hydrocarbons
  • Liquid Carbon Dioxide
  • Wet Cleaning
  • Butylal
  • Siloxane 

 

The Health Department has also created a web page with information on each of the dry cleaning alternatives available in Suffolk County: Garment Cleaning Information

Compliance with this signage law will be verified by on-site inspections.

This is your consumer right to know in action!

 

We now can make much better choices based on science-based information.

If you believe a garment cleaner is not posting the sign according to this law, or the receipts do not contain the required information, you can notify the Suffolk County Health Department at 631-854-2501.

 

Thank you to all who contacted their legislators in support of this pioneering legislation!!! It took many hearings, letters, and several meetings and our efforts paid off and brought about great legislation!!!

THANK YOU

Now onto Nassau County…. : )