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Sen. Moore recognizes Silver Hanger Cleaners of Bellingham at TURI Awards June 10, 2009 ... Recently, Sen. Richard T. Moore, D – Uxbridge, presented a Senate Citation to Silver Hanger Cleaners of Bellingham, during the Toxic Use Reduction Institute’s (TURI) Annual Awards ceremony at the State House. For the second year in a row, Silver Hanger Cleaners has won a TURI "Small Business Champions Award" for operating their state of the art, “wet cleaning” laundry service.
Awards are given to businesses that honor the Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction Act of 1989, and that provide an environmentally-safe workplace, while also fostering competition amongst other businesses. TURI operates out of the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, and has recognized Silver Hanger Cleaners and its owner, Mark Isabelle, once again for his efforts in establishing a “green” company. "I congratulate Silver Hanger Cleaners once again for serving as an outstanding example of an emerging 'green' company," said Sen. Moore. "After personally visiting with Mark and other employees of the Cleaners, it is apparent that their new technologies and business practices being employed are the way of the future." Silver Hanger Cleaners has shown environmentally friendly practices in business by converting their dry cleaning plant to “wet cleaning” technology. Wet cleaning eliminates the use of perchloroethylene, a probable human carcinogen, and allows “dry-clean-only” clothes to be washed with water and detergents in computer controlled machines. Last month, Sen. Moore visited Silver Hanger Cleaners to witness a wet cleaning demonstration, as part of his “District Day” tours. “Despite the significant dangers to both humans and the environment associated with chemicals used in traditional dry cleaning methods, many cleaners have not made the switch to safer alternatives,” stated Rep. Jennifer Callahan, D-Sutton. “I applaud Mark for switching to the safer 'wet-cleaning' method and for undertaking a cost-analysis to convince other cleaners to do the same.” Over the past year, Isabelle has demonstrated professional wet cleaning technology to over 80 dry cleaners in Massachusetts. During that time, Isabelle has been collecting cost and performance data to help TURI analyze the differences between using perchloroethylene and wet cleaning solvents. TURI was also a catalyst for Silver Hanger Cleaner’s conversion to wet cleaning, offering a matching grant for the conversion several years ago. The Toxics Use Reduction Institute invites proposals from Massachusetts community organizations and municipal departments to gather support under the Institute's Community Grant Program. Organizations, including non-profits; municipalities; youth groups; and individuals associated with non-profits may all apply for the community grants, which assists projects' completion. Interested parties may download applications at www.turi.org/community/grants for next year's awards. Additional information can also be found at www.turi.org/community/grants/further_information/past_projects. |
