Have you ever noticed your dry cleaning carries strong fumes? They come from perc (Perchloroethylene)—the solvent used in traditional dry cleaning—which the EPA has classified as a groundwater contaminate and potential human health hazard. It causes headaches, nausea, dizziness, and even reproductive problems.

Your best bet is to choose a green alternative:

• Wet cleaning uses water as the main solvent in specialized machines, along with specially-formulated detergents and additives. The process is one of two methods considered environmentally preferable by the EPA.While there are 100 percent wet cleaning operations, an increasing number of professional dry cleaning operations are incorporating wet cleaning into their businesses. Check with your local cleaner, or consult the Earth 911 directory for a zip-code searchable database (US and Canada).

• Liquid carbon dioxide (CO2) is captured from the production of other industrial chemicals, as well as natural sources, and used to clean clothes in high-pressure machines. This process is the other method considered environmentally preferable method by the EPA. Check for local listings on the FindCO2.com Web site. (UK members try the Cleaning Directory.)

• Green Earth involves a silicone-based solvent known as siloxane, or D5, which is used in machines specifically modified to work with this solvent. While Green Earth is marketed as an environmentally friendly process, the EPA has not determined whether the solvent can be labeled as safe for health or the environment until further testing is done. Some studies have shown siloxane can cause cancer in laboratory animals. Check for listings in your phone book.

If you opt to stick with dry cleaning, open your car windows on the drive home and air out your clothes before wearing them!