Have we taken organic too far?

So yesterday I was driving by a dry cleaners and they had a sign on the building saying "organic dry cleaning system". can someone explain how a dry cleaners goes organic?

Re: Have we taken organic too far?

Perhaps the chemicals they use are a little more "earth friendly" than usual.

Re: Have we taken organic too far?

thats an interesting one....never heard of that.

sometimes i think that people put up the "organic" sign just to entice people...i wonder how sure you can be that its truly 'organic'

Re: Have we taken organic too far?

From National Geographic

The first thing to remember is that some green labels may not be as meaningful as others, especially when it comes to dry cleaning. The term "organic," when applied to dry cleaners, could be referring to any carbon-based chemical, like hazardous perchloroethylene. It could also mean that your dry cleaner is certified by the International Fabricare Institute as a "Certified Environmental Dry Cleaner," which means the cleaner has passed a test certifying that they have the knowledge and ability to maintain their facility in an environmentally responsible way but doesn't actually ban the use of chemicals like perc.

Basically, there's no regulation of the term "organic" when applied to dry cleaning, and you really should press the cleaner to reveal exactly what chemicals are being used. Most "organic" or "natural" dry cleaners label themselves as such simply because they've stopped using perchloroethylene (or perc), a hazardous chemical considered a probable human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Perc also contributes to air pollution and has been found to contaminate water and soil. In 2006, the Environmental Protection Agency passed a law requiring any dry cleaner located in a residential building to phase out perc by 2020, and last year, the state of California approved a plan that would phase out all California dry cleaners' use of perc, which is on their list of toxic air contaminants, by January 2023.



From The Daily Green

PERC, long used as a solvent in dry cleaning, can cause dizziness, headaches, nausea, and irritations of the skin, eyes, nose and throat in some people. It has also been linked, in high doses, to ground water contamination as well as liver and kidney damage and cancer in humans. But now there's a non-toxic alternative. More and more dry cleaners are going organic, using a food-grade level of carbon dioxide instead. Carbon dioxide is normally a gas at room temperature. But put under high pressure, it converts into a liquid and can act as a carrier of biodegradable soaps in much the same way that water does in a washing machine. And when the dry cleaning cycle stops, it turns back into a gas, much of which is reused. Clothes cleaned in this organic process dry instantly, are cool to the touch and have no odor. It's better for the consumer as well as those who work in the local store and the organic cleaning plant. An added plus: there's no shortage of carbon dioxide in the world, and these machines operate at lower temperatures, saving energy.

Re: Have we taken organic too far?

No I don't think we've taken it too far...I think we're actually taking a few steps back and starting to use more earth friendly products to undo the damage caused by the widespread use of chemicals...its about time.

Re: Have we taken organic too far?

I just want to know what PROOF we have that all these things that claim to be "organic" really are.
Even when I see organic fruit in the supermarket- I am like- how do I know they aren't just labeling some regular old apples as ORGANIC and jacking up the price?
I am very distrusting as you can tell!

Re: Have we taken organic too far?

Posted by anonttcer

I just want to know what PROOF we have that all these things that claim to be "organic" really are.
Even when I see organic fruit in the supermarket- I am like- how do I know they aren't just labeling some regular old apples as ORGANIC and jacking up the price?
I am very distrusting as you can tell!

Message edited 4/23/2008 10:20:28 AM.

Re: Have we taken organic too far?

There are definitely "green" dry cleaners. They were all over Williamsburg when I lived there. Most of them were brand new though--that was there intention in the first place. I think for a dry cleaner to be green, they must switch some of the chemicals they use to dry the clothes. I wonder what George Jefferson would think about all of this green cleaning.

Re: Have we taken organic too far?

Re: Have we taken organic too far?

Posted by -DonnaMarie-

Posted by MST9106

No I don't think we've taken it too far...I think we're actually taking a few steps back and starting to use more earth friendly products to undo the damage caused by the widespread use of chemicals...its about time.

ITA

While 'organic' might not be the correct term for dry cleaning, if you had any idea the chemicals used you might not ever step foot in one again

Re: Have we taken organic too far?

Re: Have we taken organic too far?

I don't know, but every little bit helps

Re: Have we taken organic too far?

I don't think we've taken it far enough. American companies have been poisoning its citizens for a long time now. The FDA is useless and you are the last step between what goes on or in your family. I am getting more and more into this philosophy and trying to phase out unhealthy things in my life

Re: Have we taken organic too far?

I don't think we've taken it too far but I do think there are companies out there who will label their goods "organic" in order to give the customer a different impression of their product.

I do believe there should be more regulatory action when it comes to labeling something "organic".

Re: Have we taken organic too far?

as mentioned above...drycleaning chems (such as perc) are the WORST.... I can't help thinking that it isn't good to wear anything that was submerged in them.... anything less is worth the $$$$.

for years DH and I only buy washable clothing (with the exception of super formal occassion outfits, of course..)

I just think it's healthier to avoid all of those chems....

Re: Have we taken organic too far?

Posted by -DonnaMarie-

Posted by MST9106

No I don't think we've taken it too far...I think we're actually taking a few steps back and starting to use more earth friendly products to undo the damage caused by the widespread use of chemicals...its about time.

ITA

While 'organic' might not be the correct term for dry cleaning, if you had any idea the chemicals used you might not ever step foot in one again

Re: Have we taken organic too far?

i agree with others i don't think we've taken organic anywhere near as far as it needs to go, but i do think the term is being used sometimes when it shouldn't be, perhaps the dry cleaners should be called a "green" cleaner or earth friendly instead