The owners of Plaza Cleaners pride themselves on being the first green cleaners in the city of Thousand Oaks and in Ventura County. Both the Board of Supervisors of Ventura County and the City of Thousand Oaks Green Business Program have awarded this family owned and operated dry cleaning/laundry drop-off, pick-up and delivery service for its environmentally friendly practices. To educate their peers, Plaza Cleaners owners shared their 35 years of experience and business processes by hosting a Professional Wet Cleaning Demonstration in collaboration with the UCLA Sustainable Technology & Policy Program. Since removing perchloroethylene from their cleaning procedures and converting to natural, professional wet cleaning in 2006, Plaza Cleaners has made additional reductions in energy usage and waste. For example, Plaza Cleaners utilizes daylight and air flow to eliminate unnecessary light fixtures and reduce the need for air conditioning. The business has significantly reduced waste by encouraging customers to reuse laundry bags, garment covers and hangers. As a result of this effort, the dry cleaning operation has decreased the number of plastic poly bags needed per week from three rolls to one. At 1,800 sheets and $30 per roll, the owners have made a positive impact on both the environment and their weekly cash flow.
