How would you react if you discovered that you were wearing clothing treated with a chemical that is regulated as hazardous waste? And that your guests were, too? How would they react if they knew? Would you tell them to make sure they knew? Do you already do so? When you send garments out to be dry cleaned—either for yourself, your staff or your guests—chances are great that those garments will be treated with a solvent called perchloroethylene, otherwise known as “PERC.” PERC is highly regulated as hazardous waste.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, breathing PERC for short periods of time can adversely affect the human nervous system. Effects range from dizziness, fatigue, headaches and sweating to unconsciousness. Contact with PERC liquid or vapor can irritate the skin, the eyes, the nose, and the throat. Breathing PERC over long periods of time can cause liver and kidney damage in humans. Workers exposed repeatedly to large amounts of PERC in air can also experience memory loss and confusion. Repeat exposure to large amounts of PERC in air may cause cancer in humans. Kind of makes you think twice about dry cleaning, doesn’t it?
“[PERC] is a very good solvent but is not very environmentally safe,” said Federico Leff, director of operations for San Diego Valet Service, in an interview with Green Lodging News. “Disposal is highly regulated. The government does not have the manpower to make sure it is disposed of properly. PERC is heavier than water. It makes for a dangerous situation.” PERC’s heaviness means that it is a threat to groundwater.
Company Invests in PERC Alternative
San Diego Valet Service recently made a major investment to ensure that its 88 hotel customers in San Diego County have a safer and more environmentally responsible alternative to PERC. Other dry cleaners are making similar investments. San Diego Valet Service purchased a system that uses the hydrocarbon compound DS-2000. Leff says DS-2000 is a much lighter compound than PERC and is not carcinogenic. That is good news for the employees and guests who work and stay at those 88 properties.
Do you even know what kind of process is used to clean your staff’s uniforms? Your guests’ garments? In addition to DS-2000, there are other safe alternatives available. According to “easy green living,” a book written by Renée Loux, another green alternative is wet cleaning. In this process, water is the solvent used along with small amounts of biodegradable detergents and conditioners. Silicone-based cleaning and liquid carbon dioxide processes are also employed by some companies. New, green processes and equipment can be expensive for dry cleaners to employ. That is why the transition away from PERC has been slow. Leff believes, however, that PERC will disappear in the next 10 years.
Be sure to ask your dry cleaners when they intend to make the transition away from PERC. Give them the impression that you intend to take your business elsewhere if they don’t make the switch. And, if you do have to continue to work with a company that still uses PERC, be sure to air out those garments for an hour or two before storing them in an enclosed area, or before returning them to your guests.
Green Lodging News Celebrates Second Anniversary
We’re two! On July 10, Green Lodging News celebrated its second birthday. I am excited about this achievement and look forward to many more years of success. Thank you to all of the many companies that have supported Green Lodging News with their advertising dollars. Thank you also to the many loyal readers who frequently read and visit Green Lodging News.
GLN Welcomes American Window Film as Directory Partner
Green Lodging News welcomes American Window Film, Inc. as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. American Window Film, a 3M Authorized Window Film Dealer serving 50 states, offers window films that meet Energy Star and LEED energy efficiency and sustainability guidelines. 3M Window Films reduce environmental and economic impacts associated with excessive energy use by reducing heat loss, heat gain and energy consumption. For additional information, call (508) 549-0300, e-mail pjd@americanwindowfilm.com, or go to www.americanwindowfilm.com.
As always, I can be reached at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
