Arrow
Fabricare has introduced Arrow GreenCare,
a customer-care program
addressing the community's request for an
environmentally-friendly methods of dry cleaning.
The Arrow
Green Scene - Dry Cleaning Alternatives
Fortunately,
the dry cleaning industry has evolved sufficiently that we can
now offer the public two fine alternatives to using "perc"
or other harsh chemicals to clean their clothing. Any customer
requesting green dry cleaning can be assured that their garments
will be processed in either GreenEarth ™ siloxane solution
or in Arrow's professional wet cleaning solution, using water
as the primary solvent, with earth-friendly surfactants doing
the soil extraction in sophisticated, computer-controlled machines.
These special wetcare machines are designed to extract deeper
soils while agitation and abrasion are kept to a minimum.
Voluntary
and Mandated Emission Controls
Even
before EPA rulings of the 1980's, Arrow regulated its liquid
emissions by preventing any harmful runoff into sanitary sewers
or surrounding land. We accomplished this with containment pans
under any equipment that "might" be responsible for
any solvent spill or leak. When the technology became available
and advanced enough, we installed a soil vapor extraction system
to provide additional monitoring. We use a specially-licensed
recycler for disposal of potential contaminants such as still
residue and left-over dyes that cannot be recycled onsite.
Degrading
"The Plastic Bags"
While
polyfilm coverings keep customers' clothing tidy and clean during
transport, the polyfilm industry is only now beginning to recognize
the need to reduce or eliminate the non-degradable film from
landfills around the globe. Arrow is proactively offering degradable
polyfilm coverings on Arrow GreenCare orders. The new films are
designed to degrade into an earth-friendly dust or flakes within
two years. We advise customers to remove the bags before storing
their items long-term in closets or drawers because the degradation
process will begin in approximately two years.
Re-Cycling
Through Re-Use
In
an effort to further protect your garments, Arrow introduced
the re-usable Arrow GreenCare transport bag. It serves a dual
purpose, depending upon its configuration. It is convertible
as a convenient bag for transporting your clothing TO Arrow.
When your garments are clean, the GreenCare bag converts to a
covering for your clothes FROM Arrow! Hangers Away!
If you are
among the many who find wire hangers collecting on the closet
floor or in piles destined for the trash, Arrow will take them
in and recycle them. If bagged, we will accept them at our counter
location on Troost. We will pick them up from our residential
route customers if they are bagged separately from the clothing
and marked for pickup. Arrow is working with the Kansas City
Rehabilitation Institute to send wire hangers to for a planned
recycling program. www.rehabkc.org
Other Ways
Arrow Targets"Greening"
Over
the past few years, Arrow has trimmed electrical usage by managing
electrical shut-offs in the plant. We re-roofed the building
with white, sun-reflective roofing material and installed roof-mounted
evaporative coolers. The building has limited-area air conditioning,
thermal-pane windows, energy-efficient overhead doors at our
docks, and all lighting fixtures are using "low-e"
replacement bulbs.
A Growing
Benefit: Eco-Affiliations
Each
new customer coming to Arrow's GreenCare program will be honored
with an Arrow donation to the Heartland Tree Alliance. HTA is
a resource for helping to manage the "urban and community
forest" in conjunction with Bridging the Gap. Kansas City's
economic benefit from its trees exceeds $51 million and arborists
are encouraging even more planting. www.heartlandtreealliance.org
Arrow is pleased
to be part of the KCP&L "M-Power" initiative to
manage future power needs while eliminating or postponing the
construction of new generating plants. www.MPowerKansasCity.com
As a member
of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, Arrow has committed
to serving on the Chamber's Committee on the Environment. www.kcchamber.com
FOR ANSWERS
TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (click below):
Arrow
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