With going green the new trend in business, Evan Whelan decided the timing was right to open Eco Green Cleaners Corporation, 520 E. Woolbright Road, which is the second green business in Boynton.
Whelan said the idea for the green dry cleaners came by chance.
“I was researching businesses and a lot of people were complaining about the chemicals left on their clothing,” he said. “The chemicals are just not good for the environment.”
In fact, Whelan said regular dry cleaners couldn’t even be located next to certain businesses like a supermarket because of the chemicals.
Margee Walsh, Boynton CRA spokeswoman, said with Eco Green, customers could pick up their garments packaged in biodegradable plastic bags.
She said that customers’ dry cleaning comes back to them without the petroleum-based smell found with chemicals that many traditional cleaners might use.
Whelan formerly worked as a commercial real estate broker, but decided he wanted his own business. After research, Eco Green opened its doors Feb. 11.
Whelan said the added benefit of offering a product that is beneficial to his client’s health, as well as good for the environment, is a plus.
His business used water-based chemicals as opposed to PERC.
PERC, also known as perchloroethylene, is the main solvent used by 95 percent of dry cleaners. While commonly known as a cleaning agent, it also appears in consumer paint strippers. Use of the chemical has been outlawed in California, New York and Germany, and Florida is considering a ban.
Whelan uses Dry Solve, a liquid silicone and water-based solvent that is more expensive than PERC but not considered hazardous, toxic or flammable.
The extra cost of the Dry Solve does not carry over to the customer, Whelan said.
He said the average cost for dry cleaning at Eco Green is $3.99, which is common in the industry. They also launder shirts for $1.89.
Hours of operation are from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
For information, call 561-424-0200.
Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.