We have been put on notice
Rumblings coming out of Los Angeles about a possible ban on hydrocarbon solvents
should put the industry on notice that perc is not the only drycleaning solvent
in environmentalists
’ crosshairs. Reading the comments that various environmental groups submitted to
the California Air Resources Board last winter, as well as comments by board
members themselves and the board
’s staff, make it clear that none of the currently available clothes cleaning
methods, except for wetcleaning, obtain a full endorsement from the
self-proclaimed protectors of environmental purity.
Even liquid carbon dioxide cleaning had a question mark placed over it by one of
the CARB board members who said the CO2 emitted by those emissions, even though
they come from recycled sources, are just CO2 emissions delayed. Regarding some
of the other perc alternatives, they say that not enough is known about them at
this time, which seems just another way of saying they are yet to discover a
reason not to like them.
Hydrocarbon solvents in particular have come in for criticism because of VOC
emissions. CARB expressed concern about that issue, especially because
hydrocarbon has been the most popular alternative for cleaners switching from
perc to something else. However, CARB resisted the pressure from environmental
groups to take hydrocarbon out of the picture along with perc. While keeping
hydrocarbon in the picture seems like common sense and sound reasoning to
drycleaners, to environmentalists it was a defeat. To them, it was a battle
lost, but the war goes on.
It didn’t take long for the battle to be re-engaged on a local level in Los Angeles. We
wouldn
’t be surprised to see other fronts opening up, too. Although the issue has been
placed on the table, at this time it doesn
’t appear that new restrictions on hydrocarbon solvent are imminent. But don’t think that it will never happen. A few years ago, the idea of banning perc
seemed far-fetched, too.
Getting the odds in your favor
When it comes to gambling, it all boils down to odds. Slot machines, card games,
roulette
— even sports bets — are all broken down by numbers. When you’re in Las Vegas, it’s a good thing to pull the lever and line up three of the same thing (especially
lucky number sevens), or to have cards that add up to 21, or to cover the point
spread.
Sometimes the numbers work in the gambler’s favor; most of the time they don’t. Statistics from a few years ago indicate that Las Vegas took in $6.1 billion
in gross gambling revenue. Clearly the casinos bring in much more cash than
they pay out. Typically, the average Vegas visitor gambled almost four hours a
day, and the average gambling budget per trip was about $480 per visitor. Last
year, the city had roughly 39 million visitors, which means those numbers will
only go up. Despite the fact that most people realize gambling odds aren
’t generally in their favor, they continue taking the risk.
Speaking of risky ventures, the drycleaning industry is anything but a sure bet.
Many of the numbers indicate as much, such as 15, the number of years perc
drycleaners have left to operate in California. Last year, perc was used by 70
percent of the state
’s cleaners — and that number increases if you look at perc use on a national level. It’s quite possible that the vast majority of all cleaners may soon be forced to
rethink and adapt their business practices in a big way.
Being in business is risky, perhaps just as much as gambling in Las Vegas. The
only difference is that gamblers have no control over the roll of the die.
Plant owners can control their own destiny to a larger degree. The way to
increase your odds of success is to increase your acumen and knowledge. Sure,
luck is still involved, but keeping abreast of the latest and best technology
and information will certainly stack the deck in your favor.
In June, drycleaners will be given the opportunity for a fresh shuffle. When the
Clean Show comes to Vegas, attendees really can beat the odds. Chances are, it
won
’t be at the slots or the keno board where you make money. It will be at the
exhibit hall and the educational sessions. Sure, the trip is far from free.
Just like regular gambling, you have to wager something for the opportunity to
hit a jackpot. However, these numbers will definitely be in your favor: over 30
hours of seminars, about 245,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, and almost 400 (and
counting) exhibitors. It
’s time to book those reservations.
