Joseph DeSimone developed a polymeric surfactants for carbon dioxide and founded a chain of dry cleaners that uses liquid carbon dioxide instead of PERC to clean clothes. This method not only cuts down the use of harmful organic solvents but also captures CO2 for practical purposes when it would otherwise be released into the atmosphere and cause global warming. The following website has a directory of green dry cleaners in the area :
http://www.ecovian.com/s/sandiego/green-dry-cleaners-wet-cleaning
So next time you need to get something dry cleaned, try it out!
I also recommend the Learn More link on this page for descriptions of two alternatives to 'perc' dry cleaning -- one of which you haven't read about yet.
ReplyDeleteUsing liquid CO2 also removes the need to heat clothes in order to dry them! Heat tends to damage clothing, especially those with buttons, so that's an interesting improvement over typical dry cleaning methods.
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