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Looking professional on the job can be totally eco-friendly, with just a couple of smart green choices. Make your weekday look more sustainable with alternative dry-cleaning methods, a simple change in your shopping choices, or a single change in your weekly work routine that can have huge payoffs for the planet.
Green Dry Cleaning
Dry cleaning your suits and other fine work garments is often a non-negotiable, but traditional dry cleaning that relies on the chemical Perchloroethylene is bad news for the planet, bad news for the indoor air quality in your home, and seriously bad news for the people who work with this toxin at your neighborhood cleaners. You can step up the green factor by choosing an eco-friendly dry cleaning process. Look for a cleaner who uses liquid carbon dioxide, which is an eco-smarter alternative that's also safer for your health. Another option is silicone-based cleaning, which is better for the planet, but doesn't totally erase health risks for those regularly exposed to the stuff. To find a liquid carbon cleaner near you, check out findco2.com.
Shop Secondhand
Hoping to dress for the job you want, instead of for the job you have? Polish your look by shopping secondhand. It's green, and easy on your wallet. At a thrift shop, you can snap up designer goods that will let you deck yourself with plenty of style and class for a fraction of what the same high-caliber goods would cost new. Stick to basic, classic styles to avoid looking dated, and nobody at the office will guess that you scouted Goodwill for your top-tier fashion.
Telecommute in your Pajamas
Working from home reduces your carbon footprint by cutting out your daily commute, but that's not the only green benefit. If you can convince your boss to let you telecommute one or two days a week, or even just once in a while, you can take advantage of other eco-perks like working in clothes that you can wash in cold water and hang dry. You can even save water and energy by skipping your morning shower.
