Green Dry Cleaners
Dry clean–only clothing and new babies go together like oil and water. Steer clear of any clothes that require dry cleaning, but if that is not possible, consider hand washing delicates or seek out a dry cleaner that uses green technology to reduce its toxic load. Conventional dry cleaners use an industrial solvent called perchloroethylene (PERC) that is seriously toxic to humans and a common ingredient in smog. Seek out a dry cleaner that uses environmentally friendly technology. Thanks to government regulations and increased demand, green dry cleaners are spreading. Eco-friendly dry cleaners skip the chemicals and use either liquid carbon (high pressure and liquid CO2), Green Earth (silicone-based solvents), or wet cleaning (soap and water) to get clothes clean.
Check out Earth 911 (www.earth911.org/master.asp?s=ls&serviceid=139) for a directory of wet cleaners; find CO2 (http://findco2.com) for information about dry cleaners that use liquid CO2; or look up Green Earth Dry Cleaners (www.greenearthcleaning.com/rostersearch.asp) for a directory of Green Earth dry cleaners.
Check out the information in the next chapter to learn more about how to keep your maternity wardrobe clean and green.
