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Written by Julianne Dodge
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Friday, 15 August 2008 |
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Even before “going green” was the thing to do, the folks at Corsicana Cleaners have understood the value of recycling. James Acker, owner, and Mark Acker, manager, began what has become known as the Hanger Program over fifteen years ago. The program encourages customers to bring back their hangers in good condition to the cleaners. For every returned hanger, Corsicana Cleaners makes a donation to the Parks and Recreation department for the city of Corsicana. James Acker estimates that the business has donated an average of $500 per year. Evidence of the success of the recycling program can be found at the entrance to Community Park. The large oak near the park’s sign was the first tree to be planted fifteen years ago from donations received from Corsicana Cleaners.
Besides funding beautification projects for Corsicana parks, the Hanger Program provides an added benefit by recycling hangers used in the dry-cleaning and laundry business. The cost of the hangers has doubled in price over the past year, Acker explained. Suspended tariffs on hangers imported from China caused most American manufacturers to close seven years ago. But in March of this year, Congress reinstated an exorbitant tarriff on the foreign manufacturers immediately driving prices up, which continue to climb. So, don’t throw away your old clothes hangers. Drop them by Corsicana Cleaners at 215 N. Main and then enjoy the fruits of the program at parks around the city. |
