Dry Cleaning - Is there a safer alternative

Me and my husband have a wedding to attend this weekend so I am in need of getting our formal wear cleaned. Since we began living non toxic I have not needed to use or even think about a dry cleaning. So today I started researching the real dirt on dry cleaning. The chemical used in dry cleaning is called "perchloroethylene" (PERC) and according to the EPA it can cause some pretty serious damaged not only to our health but the environment. The below quote was taken directly from the EPA site for PERC .

Breathing PERC for short periods of time can adversely affect the
human nervous system.  Effects range from dizziness, fatigue, headaches and
sweating to incoordination and unconsciousness.  Contact with PERC liquid
or vapor irritates the skin, the eyes, the nose, and the throat.  These
effects are not likely to occur at levels of PERC that are normally found
in the environment.

So what can we do to avoid this. Below are some alternatives to dry cleaning:

• Wet Cleaning - uses water and non toxic biodegradable detergents to clean delicate fabrics such as wool, silk..ect. And also finishes using steam pressing
• Liquid Carbon Dioxide (CO2) - This can be used in place of PERC.
• Hydrocarbon Solvents and Siloxane - Also can be used in place of PERC

However for were I live I would have to travel 40 miles to get to a wet cleaner or someone that uses the alternatives. So for me I am going to do the next best thing listen to what the Sierra Club recommends for reducing your exposure.

• Remove the plastic bag outside and let the garment stay outside for 24 hours to air out.
• Hang garment outside for 24 hours to allow PERC is dissipate
• Dry Clean as little as possible
• Avoid purchasing clothes that say "Dry Clean Only"

Keep in mind that the EPA reports the danger of breathing PERC as "in a short period of time". If you would like to read the full EPA write up on PERC here is the link http://www.epa.gov/chemfact/f_perchl.txt