I haven’t been to the dry cleaners in years. That “after-smell” on my clothes was so nauseating that I switched to a wardrobe that could be cleaned more simply. According to Greener Choices, over 80% of dry cleaners use perchloroethylene, or perc, a solvent which is associated with environmental and health risks. Perc has been classified by the EPA as both a hazardous air and water pollutant. It can potentially contaminate surface water, groundwater and drinking water, and it’s known to be toxic to plants and aquatic animals. To learn more about this polluter, and dry cleaning alternatives, visit Consumer Reports Greener Choices — click here.