Choose to Clean Green!
On Earth Day, April 22, 2008, Dollar Wise went 100% GREEN! Our dry cleaning solvent was converted to an aqueous solvent called DRYSOLV, a non-hazardous, non-chlorinated, non-flammable, non-pollutant solvent.
The Mayor, Sam Katz, cutting the ribbon on our Grand Green Re-opening:
Read our article in the Free Press, "Green dry cleaner bans toxic solvent."
How are we green?
DrySolv
DrySolv differentiates our business from every other dry cleaner in Manitoba. DrySolv is our most important green initiative to-date, being that it is a 100% environmentally friendly solvent. All of our competitors are currently using PERC (perchlorethylene/tetrachlorethylene) or solvents like PERC. Solvent cleaning with PERC is under increasing pressure with regard to worker exposure, waste disposal and environmental impact. DRYSOLV is a new, patented solvent system that reduces or eliminates these concerns by replacing PERC in existing machines.
ZOP
Over a year ago, Dollar Wise Quality Cleaners designed and manufactured its own 100% environmentally friendly laundry detergent, ZÖP. Our detergent has no phosphates and is carcinogen-free! ZÖP's cleaning power has proven its strength time and time again. ZÖP removes stains that previously required chemicals and aggressive treatments couldn’t, and leaves the clothes smelling clean and fresh. Read about ZÖP here.
Enviro-Garment Bag Program
Dollar Wise offers environment friendly garment bags for $15.00. Ask for yours the next time you are in one of our locations.
Paper Recycling Program
All of our used paper is shredded and then donated to the Winnipeg Humane Society. All invoices are printed on recycled paper.
Converting Energy Program
We are in the process of converting our delivery vehicle and boiler to alternative fuel (veg. oil) allowing for a 58% reduction in energy usage.
Used Clothing Donation Program
Any used clothing that is left with DollarWise is given as part of our recycling program to Winnipeg Big Brothers & Sisters.
Hanger Recycling Program
Manitoba Hydro PowerSmart Program
Deeper into DRYSOLV
The principal component of DRYSOLV is n-Propyl Bromide. n-Propyl Bromide has been shown to neither deplete the ozone layer nor contribute to global warming. Its cleaning power is stronger than the solvent used today (PERC); therefore, less energy is required as the cleaning times are shorter and the temperatures are lower1. This benefits clothing with less agitation and less expansion and contraction of fibres.
The most common source of odour in clothing is the build-up of fatty acids. DRYSOLVs composition and volatility allows these odours to evaporate quickly and not remain in your clothing.
We are excited about this endeavour, for our customers, the environment, and our business!
We are the only dry cleaners in Winnipeg not using PERC*!
Do not allow your clothes to be touched by PERC (Tetrachloroethylene)! Here is just a few reasons why:
- Tetrachloroethylene is TOXIC.
- The vapour causes irritation of the eyes, nose and throat.
- It is a central nervous system depressant.
- Tetrachloroethylene may cause liver damage.
- The vapour may cause headache, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, incoordination and confusion.
- High concentrations may cause unconciousness and death.
- Tetrachloroethylene is a SUSPECT CANCER HAZARD!
Protect you and your loved ones while helping the health of the environment and employees.
Read basic information on PERC.
Read the Health Effects that the solvent Tetrachloroethylene has on anyone coming into contact with it.
If you need more information on terms or definitions, visit this source.
What YOU can do:
Stop dry cleaning anywhere that uses PERC!
When doing regular laundry, clean with ZÖP laundry detergent.
Purchase your environment-friendly garment bag for $15.00 the next time you are in one of our stores.
Print your own sheet of the Top 10 Things you can do to help slow our effects on the environment, as seen on Earth Day Canada's website.
Relevant News:
Man Injured in Chemical Spill
Fox 12 Oregon
"Green dry cleaner bans toxic solvent."
Winnipeg Free Press
May 16th
Interested in reading more? Check out some interesting green and organic articles and tips here.
*Or other harmful dry cleaning solvents.
1DrySolv™ actually works! In numerous laboratory tests, independent cleaning performance tests, pilot studies, and actual customer usage, DrySolv™ was found to clean equal to, or better than PERC in all dry cleaning applications.
