Several environmental groups are pushing to have the ‘dry clean only’ labels removed from clothing.
Several environmental groups are pushing to have the ‘dry clean only’ labels removed from clothing.
Their reason is that the process involves chemicals that are dangerous for the environment, and can compromise the health of workers and consumers.
In addition to the threats the process poses, activists say that the labels just aren’t true.
Often times, they argue, there are other ways the garment can be cleaned and the tags should reflect that.
Among the alternatives is a non-toxic professional wet cleaning method.
"Proponents say it has all the benefits of dry cleaning but it's safer, energy efficient and environmentally friendly. It's water based technology that avoids toxic chemicals like perc, common in dry cleaning." [WWLP]
Concerned groups say that as long as dry cleaning specifications are sewn into garments, both cleaners and customers will be reluctant to try something else.
To further entice manufacturers to support the move, it’s been pointed out that by changing the labels they could be gaining new customers – the ones who just don’t buy ‘dry clean only’ clothes.
The Federal Trade Commission is considering the switch, and will be holding a public roundtable on the matter in late March.
