Contact: Ed Arzouian, Bates Troy Inc. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Phone: 607.723.5333
Email: ed@batestroy.com
Bates Troy Recognized by Green Cleaner Council,
Local Cleaner Doing Their Part to be Green
April 14, 2010 Binghamton, NY The Green Cleaners Council (GCC), an international organization setting ‘green’ standards for professional cleaners has recognized Bates Troy Quality Dry Cleaning at 151 Laurel Avenue and its three retail stores at 177 Main Street and 1189 Vestal Avenue in Binghamton and 3100 Vestal Parkway East,
Vestal, for their efforts in moving their entire operation toward environmental sustainability. “It’s easy to talk about green cleaning solutions, but for anyone who really understands the industry, a cleaner’s environmental footprint goes far beyond how they clean clothes. Cleaners can also make a big difference in energy and water conservation, recycling of hangers and serious reductions in their use of paper and plastic. The Green Cleaners Council looks at every environmental touch point in a cleaner’s operation Bates Troy is among the best facilities we’ve evaluated,” reports Ann Hargrove, Council President.
The GCC’s Board, made up of environmental engineers, professional wet and drycleaners and even a ‘soccer mom’ developed a comprehensive scoring matrix that also serves as a road map for eco-conscious cleaners like Bates Troy Quality Dry Cleaning to use to become a more environmentally sustainable operation. “We’ve made several changes to our operation since submitting our application to the Council,” said Ed Arzouian, Compliance and Special Projects Manager at Bates Troy. “We believe those investments make us the cleaner of choice for consumers who genuinely care about the environment.” Among other things, the Council encourages the use of biodegradable plastics, water recirculating systems, energy saving equipment choices, reliance on alternative energy sources and optimum use of wetcleaning, the professional cleaning process endorsed by the US EPA’s Design for the Environment Program.
Bates Troy is one of only 47 cleaners nationwide to be accepted for membership in the organization, and is very proud of their achievement. “Many cleaners have requested applications to join, but when they see all the requirements we impose, they don’t want to be bothered. We’ve set a tough standard and we think that’s a good thing,” says Hargrove. Evaluating every facet of the operation including cleaning technologies, the Council set defined environmental sustainability benchmarks, as well as ethical standards regarding green marketing and green washing in the dry cleaning industry. There are approximately 30,000 dry cleaners in the US.
The Green Cleaners Council, counting the many ways a professional cleaner can be green, is comprised of a brood cross-section of disciplines with an interest in environmental sustainability in the dry cleaning industry. Among those represented are dry cleaning customers, attorneys, engineers and waste management experts, as well as the National Cleaners Association, who in cooperation with concerned consumers, was instrumental in its formation. The Green Cleaners Council web site (www.greencleaners.com) explains the program and the rating system and identifies participating green cleaners as well as the requirements to receive the different ratings. The website also features a blog that encourages consumers and cleaners to explore environmental sustainability in professional cleaning. |
