Often you will see a neighborhood dry cleaner with the words “organic dry-cleaning” in the window. While organic fruits and veggies may be good for the planet, organic dry-cleaning is not so much. The reality is they are simply boasting that the chemicals they use are organic. It’s important to keep in mind that even chemicals like petroleum are considered organic. The standards are not the same in organic dry-cleaning as in growing organic produce. The greenest cleaners are “wet” cleaners who use PERC-chemical-free methods.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Balloons may be festive, but they pose a risk to wildlife and even our electrical grid when accidentally released into the atmosphere. Modern balloons are made of Mylar and coated with a metallic finish. This shiny finish conducts electricity and can cause problems when balloons contact electric lines. In worst-case scenarios, they can cause power lines to short-circuit, resulting in blackouts. As for wildlife, Mylar balloons never biodegrade after they deflate, and animals often mistake the shiny material for food.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When it comes to shopping for fruits and veggies, there are some green “all-stars” worth noting. Onions, for example, are virtually always pesticide-free, can be grown in almost any climate (so buying local is easy for everyone) and don’t require refrigeration for storage. Some other all-stars include avocados, apples (which require very little water to be grown), lettuce, peas, potatoes (pesticide-free, high-yield) and cabbage.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION