Hesperian Cleaners became the first dry cleaner in Alameda County to convert to 100% dedicated "wet" cleaning, thereby eliminating toxic chemicals and using far less energy than traditional dry cleaners. The specially formulated biodegradable detergent, water conditioner, and spotting agent used in this process contain no solvent or smog-forming VOCs and are completely safe for all garments that are traditionally dry cleaned. Hesperian not only chose to convert its cleaning process five years ahead of the mandated schedule, but also opted not to convert to petroleum-based solvent as most others cleaners have.
Hesperian's electric usage and water usage has declined since the conversion to the wet cleaning process. Additionally, by using water instead of solvents and toxic chemicals, the business no longer generates hazardous toxic waste, and is now exempt from needing permits from the BAAQMD, Air Resource Board and Alameda County Environmental Health Department, and from posting a Proposition 65 warning sign on the premises.
Hesperian also minimizes solid waste by recycling hangers, giving customers reusable delivery bags, and offering the choice of degradable poly bags or no bags on cleaned garments. Stores are painted with low-VOC paints and lit with energy efficient light bulbs.
Hesperian Cleaners actively promotes the adoption of wet cleaning by offering open houses, demonstrations, and workshops for all dry cleaners interested in "going green." The company works closely with the Pollution Prevention Center, the Urban Environmental Policy Institute, and Occidental College and is a California State designated demonstration site for green cleaning.
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