No dress rehearsal when it comes to sustainability
By: Christian Leah
The shift towards sustainable business and the overall sustainability movement has encouraged many companies to re-evaluate their social, environmental and economic impacts. Whilst many companies are putting more responsible methods into practice, others merely ride the environmental bandwagon without making any actual changes. However, in this growing culture of ‘greenwash,’ it is refreshing to know that a local business is actually washing green.
Windsor’s Drycleaning Centre is a Peterborough owned and operated business that has been present in the community for over 30 years. Owners since 1994, Bruce and Krista Thompson have assessed the effects of their company on the environment, its employees and the community, and continually strive to reduce any negative impacts it may have.
One of the major environmental breakthroughs in the dry cleaning business took place in Italy in 2001, where the development of the cleaning agent DF2000 led to the process of dry cleaning clothes in a non toxic safer alternative. This process is non-allergenic, non-toxic and environmentally friendly, as opposed to the traditional reliance on perchloroethylene as the main cleaning solvent. “Ten years ago, there were no alternatives to safely dry clean garments. Now, not only is it an effective way to clean wool, rayons, silks and other delicates, but is safe for the employees and the environment,” says Mr. Thompson. Windsor’s switched to this more responsible method of dry cleaning in 2003 and in that year the Thompson’s hydrocarbon machine was one of only five in Ontario.
In addition to keeping up with the latest developments in dry cleaning technology, Windsor’s makes use of their expertise and experience to realise further environmental gains. An example of this is the use of wet cleaning. By controlling the agitation, water temperature, timing process and drying temperatures, a wet cleaning method can be used for some items deemed ‘dry clean only.’ This has led to a reduction in the amount of water heating and a 60 per cent saving on water consumption, both an environmental and economic benefit.
Windsor’s has recently made two significant changes to its operations. Firstly, the 30-year old shirt press was replaced with a much more efficient steam powered version, resulting in a considerable reduction in electricity consumption, offset only by a small increase in natural gas costs. Furthermore, all locations have now been installed with efficient T8 bulbs.
The company also demonstrates an evolutionary approach to sustainability by continually incorporating the latest measures to reduce its environmental impact. The company replaced the old poly bags customers used to transport clean clothes home with new biodegradable poly bags. The newer bags take approximately six months to break down compared with up to five years for the older bags. However, Windsor’s has also just placed an order for 500 new ‘enviro bags.’ These bags work as a laundry bag to bring clothes to the cleaners and also double as garment covers to take cleaned clothes back home.
The ‘enviro bags’ concept will require some co-operation from Windsor’s customers, but it is unlikely that this will be a significant barrier as the company has already managed to include its clients in its sustainability strategy. Windsor’s has managed to establish a hanger-recycling program by moving from one-time use strut hangers to hangers with a removable pant guard.
Windsor’s is currently receiving 30 per cent of its hangers back and is confident of increasing that figure by raising customer awareness.
Windsor’s involvement in the Peterborough community is not limited to its customers. The company also supports many local causes such as the Festival of Trees, Community Care, Crimestoppers, Salvation Army Toy Drive, Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, Kiwanis Music Festival, Hospice Peterborough, Peterborough Regional Health Centre, and various charity golf tournaments.
The Thompson’s display a strong sense of responsibility to their employees as well as the community. When queried about the catalyst for the company’s sustainability journey, Bruce immediately replied “the staff! The health of the employees who are closely working with these harsh solvents deserve a safer alternative and working environment.” This philosophy has had a positive effect on employee retention – with one employee of over twenty years – and has encouraged staff members to adopt sustainable practices such as recycling and reducing waste associated with their daily work activities.
Windsor’s main plant is at 655 Parkhill Road, with three satellite stores at 1123 Water Street, 1600 Lansdowne Street West, and Loblaws Lansdowne Place. For more information on Windsor’s sustainability strategies or any other queries, visit one of the four locations or call Bruce Thompson at (705) 742-9361. Alternatively, email any questions to windsors@bellnet.ca.
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