it's not easy being green

i've spared you, dear readers, from the story of the blow-up at the dry cleaners, but that does not stop the effects of that incident from lingering on forever in my little life.

long story short: there is a green dry cleaners 1/2 block from our house in l.a. we went there constantly because not only are they a non-toxic cleaners, but we could walk there, further reducing our carbon footprint and negative environmental impact. the cherry on top is that we were regularly supporting a neighborhood business. unfortunately, this joyful and serendipitious arrangement came crashing to earth with a resounding thud after the manager twice accused me (loudly and extremely rudely) of trying to rip them off after bringing back alterations that were done incorrectly.

so, we have been on the search for a new cleaners. there is an organic cleaners in palm springs very close to our place, but it's a hassle hauling the clothes there and back. then, thanks to a lengthy and extremely instructive feature on how to live greenly in los angeles magazine last month, i was directed to a website that lists all cleaners in southern california that don't use PERC. unfortunately, the closest one is about two miles away.

so, which principle do i forsake? the one that keeps me away from the horrible man 1/2 block away or the one that would argue that driving two miles to an organic dry cleaners is a wash if there is one 1/2 block away?

my eyes are crossed just thinking about it.

(and lest you think i am missing the forest for the trees in regards to the enlargement of our carbon footprint via frequent trips between los angeles and palm springs, that's where the prius comes in. and the downsizing from the behemoth that was our previous home to something small and very cute -- like me!)