Barth’s Dry Cleaning Ensuring a GREEN Future

Jim Emmons owner of Barth’s Dry Cleaning is not content with the status quo. In fact he aspires to a higher level not only for his customers but also for his own personal accomplishments. Since acquiring Barths in 2008, Emmons has revaluated all the processes in the facility and has implemented new ways to make his establishment Eco Friendly.

Because of his commitment to the environment and the premise that “little things make big differences” Barths has garnered a nomination in this year’s Business Excellence Awards for Environmental Excellence.
Little things like discontinuing twist ties used to hold hangers together after dry cleaning that are given to customers. Twist ties that would then be disposed of in the garbage, are now replaced with a simple pin that can be recycled as well keeps the hangers from crushing together

But that was only one of the many changes Emmons has implemented to help with his carbon footprint. In November 2009, Barths installed a freeloader, a revolutionary system that recycles water used in the cooling systems of dry cleaning machines, and converts it into water that supplies the Laundromat for general washing. This water is only used for cooling and comes out of the machine only warmed and not contaminated. This change has reduced water consumption as well the load on the sewer system.

“Very few laundry facilities have this machine,” Emmons said. “Not only do we save on water costs, but water consumption is lower as well we have reduced natural gas consumption.”

Emmons is an entrepreneur. Hailing from British Colombia, Barth’s Dry Cleaning is the seventh business that he has transformed during his career. It all began with a men’s wear clothing store, then a food processing plant, a fast food chicken establishment, an insurance business, a search and registry business and a Mailbox etc. Then in 2008, after looking at over 100 business opportunities, Emmons took the leap packed up his bags and headed for Ontario with his wife to take on a new challenge.

“I believe that entrepreneurs should never own a business for more than seven years,” Emmons said. “Sometimes when you stay too long in a business you become too comfortable and you don’t aspire to a higher standard.”

Emmons is also an involved member of the Chamber of Commerce. He shares his passion for golf as a committee member for the annual Golf Tournament. But he is also a firm supporter of the Chamber and believes that every business should be involved in an organization that helps support the business community.