Dry Cleaning

I've noticed several new businesse in my area labelling themselves as Green or Organic Dry Cleaners. What does that mean exactly? Well, I investigated and as suspected organic in this instance doesn't necessarily mean healthy. Experts agress, however, that the following two methods of dry cleaning are safe and better than traditional toxin spewing processes.

• Wet cleaning, which cleans fabrics using carefully controlled amounts of water, special non-toxic biodegradable detergents and computer-operated equipment.
• Carbon dioxide cleaning, a technique that uses high pressure to convert CO2 gas to a liquid that can then act as a carrier for biodegradable soaps. When the wash is done, releasing the pressure turns the CO2 back into a gas, and clothes dry instantly.

The EPA compiled a list (in 2003) of cleaners using wet and/or CO2 cleaning methods. It is available at www.epa.gov/dfe/pubs/garment/gcrg/cleanguide.pdf.

Green Cleaning

Wondering how to green your cleaning regime? Throw a party!


http://www.womenandenvironment.org/greenclean/


"Did you know that many household cleaners contain toxic chemicals linked to asthma and reproductive harm? But you can wipe out unsafe chemicals by mixing your own cleaning products!

A green cleaning party is a fun event where you and your friends learn how to make non-toxic cleaners from common ingredients like vinegar, baking soda and essential oils."

How Green Are Your Cosmetics?

Want to see how green your cosmetic bag is?
Check out these websites for useful information...


Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database: cosmeticsdatabase.com
Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: www.safecosmetics.org
Teens for Safe cosemtics: www.teensforsafecosmetics.org

Then share with us your favorite green products!

When to buy organic

Always (highest pesticide residue)


apples
bell and hot peppers
carrots
celery
cherries
grapes (imported)
greenbeans
nectarines
peaches
pears
potatoes
red raspberries
spinach strawberries

Buy when you can:

apricots
blueberries
cantaloupe
grapes (domestic)
honeydew melons
oranges
collard green
cucumber
kale
lettuce
mushroom
sweet pototoe
turnip greens
winter squash

Okay to buy conventional:

asparagus
avocados
apple juice
bananas
broccoli
cauliflower
cabbage
sweet corn
kiwi
mangoes
orange juice
onions
papayas
pineapples
plums
sweet peas
tangerines
watermelon

Thank You

I've been trying to figure out the best way to thank the Facebook users who have so generously created birthday wishes that include raising funds for GreenPlanet. In the end I think spotlighting them on our blog here is the best and easiest (for me) way to manage it.

So today I'd like to thank:

Erick Alberto Guzman Alcantara
Josh Falco
Nikola Jocić
Elisabete Crespo

Thank you for helping us create a more sustainable world.