GreenEarth Cleaning

As we get back to business post-COVID, many of us are ready to hire, and the age-old question “how do I find good people?” seems more difficult than ever to answer. It isn’t easy, it’s never been easy. But now we’re seeing an increase in job openings for the first time in years, resulting in a workforce shortage. That’s right, another shortage. So now good candidates are less likely to come to us. We have to go get them. We’ll need to be more aggressive in our search and make our offer more appealing to draw the right people. Many of us begin the search when we need to fill a position. Unfortunately, that is often too late, leading us to make poor choices to make quick hires, not necessarily good hires.  To start, we should always be hiring. It’s easy to have job listings online and simply go through the submissions weekly. Whenever a candidate really sticks out, give them a call.  The listing needs to provide details about the job, specific qualifications to do the job, and give details about pay, vacations, and benefits. This work on the front end will help both you and the potential applicant weed each other out. Linkedin and Indeed are both easy platforms to use for finding the right people. Keeping your company profiles updated lets applicants get to know you, your business, and what you stand for. Everyone on these platforms is either working, looking for work, or knows someone looking for work. Posting a job on any of these platforms is free, and for a few more dollars, you can promote your posting to attract more applicants with the qualifications you need. And the best part, these platforms can work to find candidates for you, screen based on their resume, and you can review their profiles and applications on your schedule. Another strategy we’ve been using recently that has had some success for Affiliates is posting a well-branded, creative ad on Facebook simply announcing you’re hiring, then linking that ad to a detailed job listing on Indeed or Linkedin. That user experience is easily navigated and also helps weed out some of the unqualified applicants we might receive through Facebook natively. A current campaign on Facebook has reached over 2,000 people in one week, received over 80 clicks, and 54 applications submitted. In-Person Networking When you are out and about during your day, be on the lookout. If someone impresses you, take a moment to let them know and that you are looking for people like them. Do they have a friend that is looking for work or a career change? Good people hang out with good people, and with training, they can become exceptional employees for you. I have been lucky to get a steady pipeline of new hires from a hire I made nine years ago. Each time an employee has moved on, I ask them if they can recommend filling their position. Marketing Brand awareness is essential when enticing applicants. Think of your hiring ad as an opportunity to advertise your company. When our GreenEarth marketing team creates ads for Affiliates, they talk a little about the job and a bit more about why a candidate should apply. With a competitive job market, talking about what you can do for them will get their attention. Promote your vision and help potential applicants see how they can fit in and how you fit with their goals.  The goal of your ad is to attract like-minded individuals. For example, sustainability is important to us, so we want to hire people who care about the environment. If they understand your goals, training comes easily. Mention that you use GreenEarth® because it is sustainable, odorless, and safe for people, clothes, and our planet, and you will attract even more applicants aligned with you. If you are having trouble finding suitable candidates, reach out to us for assistance. Our team can create an ad campaign and job listing for you, using GreenEarth exclusive imagery and proven copy to attract applicants to help you keep your pipeline flowing.  Reach out to us for ad content and assistance at affiliatesupport@greenearthcleaning.com By: Karen Maxwell  

Our new Full Circle service is giving pre-loved machines a new lease on life. During the latter part of the 20th Century, there was very much a disposable attitude to almost everything.  Whether it be fashion, packaging, or electronics.  Once it was finished or no longer fit for purpose, it would be thrown away. That has now changed, particularly over the last 10 years.  Components are being repurposed more, using very few finite resources, and the energy to help repurpose is renewable. Even items like office floor tiles can now be leased.  When they need replacing, they are taken away, the rubber and fibers are separated and regenerated using renewable energy. The emphasis for doing this is to protect the planet’s finite resources.  With current levels of usage, it is predicted many of those resources such as Oil, Gas, and even Tungsten (which is a component of smartphones), will become severely depleted over the next 50-100 years. GreenEarth Cleaning’s proprietary liquid silicone is in itself circular.  It is used within a closed-loop system so that any waste can be collected and disposed of in a responsible way, and much of the solvent can be reused for many loads.  In addition, because it’s mild and gentle, it contributes to garments lasting longer and having a continued life through donating or passing on to friends and family. But it doesn’t end there, the GreenEarth Technical team has started applying these principles to machine restoration.   With many used machines becoming available in the past couple of years, we have taken advantage of our technical knowledge and are actively refurbishing good quality machines through our “Full Circle” service. The process is extensive and worth doing in order to provide value to Affiliates that are investing in their business, and want to lower the capital cost of doing so with a reliable pre-loved machine. It goes to show that what is one person’s trash could be another person’s treasure.  So, think twice before disposing of any item, it could have a second life somewhere you may not expect! By: Garry Knox  

The pandemic has had a massive effect on all of us. Whether you’ve been working from home while simultaneously running your own daycare, forced to change career paths and adjusting to a new lifestyle, or simply feeling isolated and missing friends and family, it’s beginning to feel like maybe our “new normal” isn’t going to be so different than life was eighteen months ago. People are finally starting to head back to work, go to formal events, and actually have in-person business meetings—handshakes and everything! We find oftentimes, folks simply aren’t aware of all of the services their dry cleaner offers. Alterations and tailoring is a service almost all dry cleaners offer and it’s not uncommon to find the best tailor in your market within a GreenEarth Affiliate location. Their tailors and seamstresses can make sure you’re looking your absolute best with the perfect fit. If you need to impress at a new job, have your work clothes slightly altered due to a pandemic routine shift, or dress to the nines for a formal event or wedding—no matter your need, the GreenEarth Network is here for you. In addition to simply providing tailoring services, GreenEarth has partnered with 9tofive, a suit retailer out of Brooklyn, NY selling tailored suits online with a focus on sustainability and first-class professional service across the country. Making the customer’s experience luxurious AND convenient. “We partnered with GreenEarth, a leader in sustainable dry cleaning, because their affiliates, like Bridgestone Cleaners in Brooklyn, are top professionals in garment care, tailoring, and alterations. They have some of the most knowledgable and talented tailors around and their service is unmatched. It just makes sense. People who buy suits use GreenEarth” Aaron Clanton (CEO at 9tofive). So you can now order a suit from 9tofive through your local GreenEarth cleaner, then when the suit arrives, have it fitted and tailored, all included in the cost of the suit. It’s a match made in heaven. “The pandemic has been rough for us and our dry cleaning partners. As businesses reopen and events are being held again, there has been an uptick in suiting needs. Weddings are slowly coming back and people are returning to normal life. Through our revolutionary partnership with GreenEarth, 9tofive has created an easier way of shopping. We have combined local, in-person connection with online retail, fostering a stress-free and accessible shopping experience. Along with these exciting initiatives, we are elated to roll out our new suit rental program. Getting fitted for a suit or tux rental has never been easier! We’ve used our local tailor partnerships to create a nearly effortless rental experience that practically brings designer suits to your doorstep.” Aaron Clanton (CEO at 9tofive). The moral of the story, don’t show up to your new job, the first day back at the office, of a black-tie event looking anything less than your best. We’ve got you. Find the GreenEarth cleaner nearest you on our online store and get fitted right. By: Aaron Newport

“Cleaning is Caring”—that’s the overarching message of the American Cleaning Institute’s (ACI) recently launched campaign, which advocates that good cleaning habits ensure a healthy and safe future for everyone.  In a new survey conducted on behalf of the organization, 70% of Americans view cleaning less as a chore now than they did just a few years ago and, instead, perceive it as a way to protect themselves and their families from the spread of bacteria and viruses. Only 7% of Americans reported that they cleaned for germ prevention back in 2018. That’s a pretty significant difference, wouldn’t you say? COVID-19 shifted a lot of things in our lives, but one of the most noteworthy changes has been our prioritization of cleaning and sanitization. We became motivated to uphold and surpass public health recommendations rather than simply remove visible dirt and debris. And while disinfecting surfaces throughout the home may first come to mind here, how you clean and care for your clothes is just as crucial. In the spring of 2020, as the global coronavirus pandemic expanded, the World Health Organization (WHO) published guidance that the lipid layer of the coronavirus could be defeated through exposure to heat of at least 70°C for 30 minutes. The environmentally non-toxic GreenEarth dry cleaning process operates at higher-than-normal temperatures because of its elevated flashpoint of 77°C, making it an effective method in deactivating most bacteria and viruses.  We contracted with MRIGlobal, an independent laboratory approved for testing with SARS-CoV-2, to initiate performance analysis in June 2020. The testing demonstrated modified GreenEarth programs to be six times more effective than the WHO “heat alone” guidance. Additionally, and most importantly, was that the results were achieved without any additive chemicals. We have since filed for a provisional patent covering a modified GreenEarth dry cleaning process which includes vaporized steps in order to allow for antiviral dry cleaning when the virus contains a protective lipid layer. All coronaviruses, as well as their mutations, contain a lipid envelope. So when the ACI says “Cleaning is Caring,” we feel GreenEarth embodies just that. Clothes cleaned in GreenEarth show a higher level of care—for you and your loved ones’ well-being, for your fabrics, and for the planet. To find your nearest GreenEarth cleaner, head to our Store Locator. By: Zarah Eads  

In the UK, it’s estimated one-third of clothing either end up going to landfill or is incinerated.  Also, purchases are continuing to be on the rise in the UK ahead of other countries. Around 10 years ago, there was very much a focus on vintage clothing and “make do and mend”, providing a focus on aftercare, whether it’s how you clean, store, or repair the item of clothing. This has got to be key to create a vintage concept, right?  So how do we create a vintage for the future? Textiles take-back schemes, where customers donate unwanted clothing to retailers to be reused or recycled, are a key part of developing a more circular fashion industry. High street retailers such as M&S, H&M, Tesco, and others have done this successfully.  Luxury brands are also examining how they can operate in this space. Ultimately, the garments can end up in a number of different places, depending on their condition. Their condition is determined by how well they are made, how often they are worn, and how they are cared for. If the garment condition is poor, it is likely to end up in the garbage, because the wearer doesn’t believe the item is good enough to be donated.  Although, charity shops will take in any item, and then either sell it in the shop or sell it to (for want of a better term) the “ragman.”  If the garment is in very good condition, then it becomes much more of a commercial proposition to the consumer.  They can either sell via “Vintage” sites, such as Depop or Vinted, or transact directly with a retailer. Great care is vital if more clothes are going to be commercially viable. If this can be achieved by using a sustainable aftercare solution, then even better. GreenEarth cleaning has started to work with brands to encourage just that.  There are two key elements of the GreenEarth proposition that support the concept. Closed-loop system.  Dry cleaning machines are sophisticated in that they look after every part of the process.—cleaning, drying, and also the collection of waste. This is different from wet cleaning, in that with GreenEarth Cleaning, no microfibers of microplastic will escape into the waterways and ultimately the world’s oceans. An environmentally non-toxic cleaning solution that loves clothes as much as it loves the planet.  The 100% pure D5 liquid silicone used exclusively in the GreenEarth branded process is a by-product of sand and is safe for clothes, people, and the planet. Silicone cleans more gently, reducing wear and tear on fabrics, maintaining the soft hand of fabrics, and prevents shrinkage. The work we do with brands includes care labeling, customer and colleague communications, and cleaning after they’ve been handed back.  Starting to clean with GreenEarth at the beginning of the garment’s life means that it will maintain its condition, and a GreenEarth clean after it’s handed back means that it will be clean, will look great, and will provide the maximum financial reward for the consumer and the retailer—a win-win! The consumer can make money on their old item and potentially save on a new item.  The retailer can buy back at a good price and even by paying for a cleaning price, they can still sell at a lower price combined with few additional costs (normally associated with garment production) they can see a reasonable profit margin. We will be talking about the projects that we are involved within the near future, so watch this space! To find out more about the innovative concept of GreenEarth Cleaning, please visit our FAQ page. By: Garry Knox  

Get A Mask, Give A Mask “We want our customers and their families to feel safe, along with those on the front lines in many nursing and group homes and other non-profit agencies” is what Paul Billoni, GreenEarth Affiliate and President of Colvin Cleaners in Kenmore, NY explains to Buffalo’s Channel 7 News during a recent interview discussing their new “Get A Mask, Give A Mask” program. With essential workers in New York required to wear masks, Colvin Cleaners has heard the call and stepped up employing their seamstresses, who would typically be working on prom gowns during this time of year, to produce over 200 masks per day. These masks are being given for free to their customers, essential workers, and non-profit organizations. Chris Billoni, Vice President of Colvin Cleaners shares their expectations for more mask orders in the coming weeks and opens up the mask-making work to volunteers within their community who want to help, stating “WNY is an incredible place, people are always looking to help out, so we’re trying to do our part and if people want to help as well, they can do it online,” Paul and Chris Billoni are always finding ways to support their community and we’re proud to have them as apart of the GreenEarth Family.   Loads of Love Vice President Ken Sandy and the Dryy Garment Care team spread a bit of much-needed community cheer with their Loads of Love campaign. The Washington DC-based GreenEarth Affiliate delivered gift cards, hand sanitizers, and non-perishables to other essential retail businesses within the neighborhoods they serve. Watching their Instagram video, you can clearly see the gratitude and joy in every person’s face Sandy interacts with. It’s such a simple gesture but the kind of gesture that’s so needed right now. At the end of the video, Sandy states, “We hope that what we did today in the community—in multiple communities—had some sort of touchpoint for you that was inspiring, but most importantly, that you at all times know that we here at Dryy Garment Care are thinking of you and we’re here for you.” We’d say they definitely achieved that.     More Than Making Masks Great American Cleaners is continuing their efforts to make masks for the community. They have provided these masks as donations, like the hundred they gave to the El Cerrito Police Department, and are also selling them to customers. Customers can donate on their behalf to local hospitals, senior centers, and first responders. Making these masks is seen as a community effort – a way to spread positivity and hope as well as safety. This message continues when you visit Great American Cleaners’ website to purchase a mask, scrolling down to find meditation-videos before you make your order.

Lightening the Burden The folks at Hollyway Cleaners kept hearing all the desperate pleas by doctors and nurses for vital PPE mate.  As Los Angles, CA was heading into another critical week, the need for face masks for all had become even more acute.   Using the resources Amin Amersi and his team had, they did what they could to fill the demand and help protect the most vulnerable among us.  Guided by the simple idea that “no one is useless in the world who lightens the burdens of others in need” they joined with an organization called “Quilt From Heart” to make vitally needed masks for St Jude Hospitals, LAPD, and assisted living facilities throughout the Southland.   Dry cleaning and sanitizing in Greenearth all the fabric and materials, pressing all the materials,  and then using guidelines from the CDC for their tailors to make masks.  They’ve obtained special filters that are placed and sewn very carefully without permeating the membrane of the fabric.  These special masks are used for cancer patients who are children and are some of the most vulnerable in our population. Loads Of Hope We’re giving loads of props to Tide Cleaners for their Loads of Hope initiative. Taking place at select participating locations, the franchise group is putting first responders and their families first by providing free laundry and dry cleaning all of April and into the month of May. These are challenging days for everyone, but the healthcare workers, police officers, firefighters, etc., within our communities are experiencing this all on the front lines, risking the health and safety of both themselves and their loved ones. Tide’s gesture to “help lighten the load” for these heroes is some definite #MondayMotivation as we make our way through this unprecedented time together. We appreciate the work the folks at Tide Cleaners have put into this campaign and are excited to see the response it’s getting. Long time Affiliate, Kyle Nesbit, was able to provide us with some awesome images of smiling faces taking part in the Load of Hope initiative. We were also excited to see a GreenEarth Affiliate’s commercial on National T.V. during 60 Minutes last night. Here is that T.V. spot for your viewing pleasure.   Protecting First Responders  NextGen Cleaners & Alterations has their thoughts on first responders during this time as well. The San Jose, California-based Affiliate is now offering free dry cleaning for all emergency personnel uniforms.  The attire these folks wear is exposed to any number of things day in and day out as the COVID-19 pandemic progresses. As we’ve reported in our previous communication, the GreenEarth System’s use of higher-than-normal temperatures has proven to inactivate most bacteria and viruses. NextGen is doing an impactful job not only providing a free service but also giving front line men and women added peace of mind. Way to go, Emil and team!

We could all use a little good news in our lives right about now, wouldn’t you agree? With the airwaves being consumed with doom and gloom, we wanted to share these heartwarming stories we’ve heard over the last week of Members of the GreenEarth Network stepping up in these troubling times, bringing us that warm fuzzy feeling of hope and inspiration. Helping One Mask At A Time The folks at Door to Door Cleaner/The Wedding Gown Specialists in Los Angeles, CA have dedicated their valuable time to making face masks for medical professionals in the LA area. The masks are being donated to various local hospitals and they’re being made by repurposing the muslin/linen cloth that is used to preserve their customer’s wedding gowns. What an innovative and resourceful way for Sajid Veera and his staff to step up to the plate using supplies on hand to give back and make a positive impact on your community in a time it’s needed most!   Pay What You Can Pricing Snedicor’s Cleaners in Brighton, MI, recognizing so many of their neighbors struggling, has offered a helping hand with a “Pay What You Can” pricing concept. Jim Gilligan and his team are extending the offer to anyone affected by the current circumstance. Not only is it applicable to the hardworking healthcare professionals, first responders, and others on the front line, but Snedicor’s has taken it a step further, offering this generous payment concept to anyone who is struggling to get through these times. A real “you take care of us, so we’ll take care of you” sentiment. The community surely will remember the good deed when this is all a thing of the past.   Our U.K. Family Offering Relief   By now most of us have seen the images making their way around the social media world of nurses after working 12-hour shifts, or longer, with marks and bruises left on their faces from the masks they must wear while caring for those in need during this pandemic. It’s a sad image that leaves an impression, but also leaves most of us feeling helpless. Well, we couldn’t be more proud to see a Member of the GreenEarth Family in the U.K. working, even in a time when their doors are closed for business, to provide a solution, relieving some stress and bringing some comfort to those that need it most. Will Lankston of GreenEarth Affiliate, Jeeves of Belgravia tweeted out yesterday, “Whilst isolating, our amazing tailoring team have decided to put their skills to good use by making headbands for the NHS. The button allows the wearer to hook face-masks on without causing sores behind the ears.”

We could all use a little good news in our lives right about now, wouldn’t you agree? With the airwaves being consumed with doom and gloom, we wanted to share these heartwarming stories we’ve heard over the last week of Members of the GreenEarth Network stepping up in these troubling times, bringing us that warm fuzzy feeling of hope and inspiration. Helping One Mask At A Time The folks at Door to Door Cleaner/The Wedding Gown Specialists in Los Angeles, CA have dedicated their valuable time to making face masks for medical professionals in the LA area. The masks are being donated to various local hospitals and they’re being made by repurposing the muslin/linen cloth that is used to preserve their customer’s wedding gowns. What an innovative and resourceful way for Sajid Veera and his staff to step up to the plate using supplies on hand to give back and make a positive impact on your community in a time it’s needed most!   Pay What You Can Pricing Snedicor’s Cleaners in Brighton, MI, recognizing so many of their neighbors struggling, has offered a helping hand with a “Pay What You Can” pricing concept. Jim Gilligan and his team are extending the offer to anyone affected by the current circumstance. Not only is it applicable to the hardworking healthcare professionals, first responders, and others on the front line, but Snedicor’s has taken it a step further, offering this generous payment concept to anyone who is struggling to get through these times. A real “you take care of us, so we’ll take care of you” sentiment. The community surely will remember the good deed when this is all a thing of the past.   Our U.K. Family Offering Relief   By now most of us have seen the images making their way around the social media world of nurses after working 12-hour shifts, or longer, with marks and bruises left on their faces from the masks they must wear while caring for those in need during this pandemic. It’s a sad image that leaves an impression, but also leaves most of us feeling helpless. Well, we couldn’t be more proud to see a Member of the GreenEarth Family in the U.K. working, even in a time when their doors are closed for business, to provide a solution, relieving some stress and bringing some comfort to those that need it most. Will Lankston of GreenEarth Affiliate, Jeeves of Belgravia tweeted out yesterday, “Whilst isolating, our amazing tailoring team have decided to put their skills to good use by making headbands for the NHS. The button allows the wearer to hook face-masks on without causing sores behind the ears.”