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Apr 21, 2007 5:37 pm US/Central
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Project Energy: Green Dry Cleaners
by James Schugel
(WCCO)
The dry cleaning people pick up on a regular basis, could make them sick, according to the Environmental Protection Agency and World Health Organization.
Three out of four dry cleaners use a chemical called perchloroethylene, 'perc' for short. Some scientists say it can make you dizzy, hurt your eyes and might even cause cancer.
One local man fears those effects and is doing something different for his customers and our environment. Rich Westerberg owns Dry Cleaning Station. It looks like a lot of other dry cleaning businesses, but it's not.
"The way we clean our clothes is totally different," Westerberg says.
He is doing something safer than other dry cleaners, he says. He uses something called Green Earth to clean clothes.
"Based on what's out there, based on what I've read, this is better for the earth, better for your clothing, better for you," he says.
Green Earth is liquid silicone. In essence, it's just liquefied sand. There are no hazardous chemicals in it.
Green Earth is supposed to be gentle on clothes. It should cause them to feel softer, and keep colors from fading. But those aren't the best benefits.
"I don't have any hazardous waste. I don't have anything that is going to be emitted from our plant. I don't have anything left in the clothing that's hazardous," Westerberg says.
It's good for the environment and good for the customers of Dry Cleaning Station who aren't breathing anything bad.
"If the job gets done, and better for the environment, then terrific," said Eric Paul, a customer.
It's also good news for Westerberg himself. Using Green Earth is personal for him. His brother, Joe, had testicular cancer six years ago and survived.
The company that makes Green Earth says it doesn't produce cancer.
Westerberg has won awards for his work for using Green Earth and recycling, but the biggest reward comes from just knowing he's doing his part to help his customers and the Earth.
"I think that's going to be the wave of the future. I really do," he said.
Though some experts believe the chemical perc can hurt you, a spokesperson for the National Cleaners Association says it's extremely safe. She says studies show that those who work at dry cleaners and are exposed to are not more likely to have cancer.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)