Corry's CO2 Dry Cleaning, Mercer Island

When the staff at Corry's CO2 Dry Cleaners realized they were responsible for the disposal of 192 gallons of hazardous waste every year, they knew it was time for a change. They overhauled all of their equipment in order to provide an option that avoided using the traditional dry-cleaning chemicals that are suspected of causing cancer and eating socks. Instead, their cleaning method uses carbon dioxide and nontoxic soaps to flush stains from clothes, which is kinder to clothing fibers and leaves behind no chemical smell. This technique has earned them votes from readers of Mercer Island Reporter as the "best place to take your dry cleaning." for several years, most recently in 2013.

Aside from the greener cleaning technique, the staff maintains a tiny carbon footprint with other services and process. To conserve energy, they've retrofitted the lighting and pickup and deliver clothing free of charge, saving their customers money on gas. They recycle 24,000 hangers a year and fold clothing into reusable bags instead of disposable shirt boxes. They also love to educate not only their customers, but other dry cleaners about their eco-friendly ways.