April 2006 | Green Lines
Green Lines
This month: Spring cleaning without chemical toxins, the most conscious car washes, eco-dry cleaner in Green Lake
By Heather Nordell
CC’s look at local companies and sustainable biz
Women-owned, Morgan Jane Inc. (www.morganjane.com) announces new developments for its two-year anniversary. The company is adding a kids and men’s line to its existing green products for home cleaning, personal, baby and dog care. It is also expanding its web-based business into the retail sector. The firm is currently researching methods to create a “send back recycle” program for its bottle packaging. Owner Morgan Miller founded the company after experiencing years of chemical sensitivity. She began making her own soaps, which evolved into organically certified products that are chemical-free, safe, natural, non-toxic and gentle for people, animals and the environment. The product scents are all derived from natural essential oils. As a photographer and interior designer, Morgan wanted her products to be beautiful and elegant, as well as, healthy. Miller says, “Our goal is to create beauty, simplicity, order and grace that takes care of ourselves, others and our planet.”
Industrial green cleaning products and supplies company, Coastwide Laboratories, (www.coastwidelabs.com) continues to build its sustainable practices. The 75-year-old company began going green ten years ago when it redesigned its cleaning solutions to be healthier for indoor air quality and the planet. Today, its products receive Green Seal certification. Rick Woodward, director of operations and sustainability, reports a strong recycling program: 87 percent of the company’s paper usage is 100-percent post-consumer and chlorine-free. The Coastwide distribution fleet has also incorporated biodiesel. For non-local clients, it sells “cleaning solution recipes” rather than shipping heavy cases of fluids. What’s more, all 165 employees received six hours of sustainability training. Currently, Coastwide is pursuing LEED certification for their corporate headquarters. The company serves large employers such as schools, office property managers, corporate campuses, housing authorities, and government facilities.
The original owner of Brown Bear Car Washes (www.brownbearcarwash.com), the largest car wash chain in the Northwest, has regained management and operation of 28 car washes in King and other counties. It has announced plans for extensive improvements and a regional expansion. Seattle-based Car Wash Enterprises, Inc. (CWE) will once again operate the 18 automatic and 10 self-service Brown Bear Car Washes. Brown Bear founder and CWE President, Vic Odermat, said his company would embark on an aggressive program of site improvements, service upgrades and expansion over the next several months. Brown Bear’s new openings are underway in Pine Lake/Sammamish and Grady Way in Renton. Commercial car washes offer an alternative to home washing that helps prevent contaminated water runoff from entering streams, rivers and oceans. The EPA recommends self-serve, coin-operated car bays over home washing to protect our waters and significantly save water resources.
Dry Cleaning Station Greenlake announces its one-year anniversary. Located next to the Greenlake PCC, it is one of six franchise stores located in the Puget Sound area, which include, Bellevue, Burien, Kent, Federal Way and Puyallup. Dry Cleaning Stations do not use Perchloroethylene (perc), which is used by more than 85 percent of the commercial dry cleaners in the U.S., despite being classified as a possible or probable carcinogen. Dry Cleaning Stations use GreenEarth[BOLD] (www.greenearthcleaning.com) cleaning solution, which is an EPA approved non-carbon, liquid silicone. Additionally, Dry Cleaning Stations’ plants use efficient machines that save energy and prevent any dry cleaning solutions from being released into the air or water. Greenlake Store Owner, Andrea Wallace, says, “I have a child and I wonder what the planet is going to be like when she’s an adult. I would not have chosen this business if it was not environmentally friendly.”
Heather Nordell is a regular contributor to Seattle Conscious Choice.
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