The global fashion industry is expected to be worth $3.3 trillion by the year 2030. Sustainability affected the fashion industry heavenly in recent years. Its emphasis is beginning to increase.
The Importance of Sustainability
The topic of ‘fast fashion’ and how it’s putting a strain on the workers involved within the supply chain is not going unnoticed and this has been observed with the many protests that have occurred such as the #WhoMadeMyClothes campaign.
Global textile production emits 1.2 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases annually, more than international flights and maritime shipping combined. This is another example of the huge impact fashion has on the environment and sustainability as a whole.
One topic however that is not discussed within the fashion industry is how these garments are actually cleaned. Garments of a particular material can be ‘dry clean only’ and this can again affect sustainability.
We know expensive and fine fabric must be laundered by ‘dry cleaning only’. Dry cleaning these expensive clothes generates environmental related issues, which affects environmental sustainability. Not many people know about this…
ITS PERC’S WORLD
Traditional Dry cleaning solvents are the composite of perchloroethylene (PERC) mostly and many others. 90% of Commercial dry cleaners use this Composite PERC, which is colourless liquid. PERC has been classified as “Likely Human Carcinogen” and it enters the human body through both Inhalation and skin exposure. Symptoms associated with the overexposure of PERC are:
- Central Nervous System Depression
- Damage to Liver and Kidneys
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
Some long terms effects also include
- Permanent Headache
- Impaired memory
- Eye Infections
Environmentally, PERC also has chlorine compounds which contribute to ozone depletion, this is what of course leads to global warming.
Because of its crucial health and environmental effects, governments are now imposing Bans regulations because of their exposures and emissions in the environment – It has been completely banned in France and in some parts of the US.
So, what are the solutions, how can you clean these garments without the use of PERC? Through Eco-Friendly Dry Cleaning!
Eco-Friendly Dry Cleaning.
Eco-friendly dry cleaning is the best way to efficiently clean these garments whilst minimizing the impact on the environment and health.
Eco-friendly dry cleaning includes methods like Wet cleaning, Liquid Carbon Dioxide Cleaning, DF-2000 Hydrocarbon Solvent and Silicon-Based Solvents which are environmentally friendly.
Out of these 4, the best and most sustainable method is Wet Cleaning.
Wet cleaning uses less water with biodegradable detergents that are milder than traditional ones as well as using a gentle spin cycle. It has been coined to be a ‘machine handwash’ due to the drum pattern.
The wet-cleaning process uses programmed washers and dryers, dosage control of detergent (so none is wasted) and temperature control to give a sparkling clean that doesn’t affect your health or environment. The use of temperature control, in particular, reduces the temperature needed for cleaning, this saves on energy used.
Environment Protection Agencies considers it the safest cleaning method due to no hazardous chemicals used, no hazardous water generations and no air pollution. Therefore, Wet cleaning reduces the contamination of soil and water as PERC usually builds up here through the use of it.
These strong factors make the Wet cleaning process the most Eco-friendly dry cleaning solution out there. The only issue is that there are not too many dry cleaners out there that offer this solution…
1 Stop Wash
If you are from London, then you have the opportunity to get eco-friendly dry cleaning done from your doorstep through 1 Stop Wash.
They are currently London’s only on-demand eco-friendly dry cleaning service, you can visit their physical store in King’s Cross or alternatively schedule to get your order picked up or delivered, they cover a variety of areas but mainly focus on central London.
Visit their Instagram to learn more about eco-friendly dry cleaning and how they’re changing the laundry game to provide a more sustainable service.
1stopwash.com
