Seventh Generation Giveaway
Posted by: Lizzie
I am very, very picky with my cleaners around the house. While I like to remain eco-friendly with as many household products as I can, there are not many out there that can truly claim to be environmentally safe. A lot of the products on the market that claim to be “natural” contain fragrances and preservatives. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: that’s not “natural”. Fragrance oils aren’t green! Go for essential oils, people!
I digress.
I was asked to review and host a giveaway for Seventh Generation through MyBlogSpark, and they sent me a lot of stuff to try: disinfecting multi-surface cleaner, bathroom cleaner, wipes, a copy of The Conscious Kitchen, a cleaning caddy made from recycled plastic, and two rolls of 100% recycled, unbleached paper towels.
From Seventh Generation:
The disinfectants contain thymol, a component of the herb thyme, and can be used on hard surfaces including counter tops, plastic cutting boards, highchair trays as well as children´s toys. Best of all, they kill over 99.99 percent of germs* naturally and are effective against the Influenza A Virus, including H1N1.
Seventh Generation has partnered with eco-lifestyle consultant and author, Alexandra Zissu, whose new book, The Conscious Kitchen, discusses what´s good for your health, what´s good for the planet and what tastes great. Her book also includes great tips on maintaining a green and healthy kitchen, including:
- Change is Good–Choosing cleaning products without indoor air pollutants like volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, is a simple and effective way to reduce your indoor air pollution. If you´re not prepared to switch everything overnight, start by swapping out the one product you use the most, and moving forward from there.
- Think before you spray–Residues from cleaning products can last on a surface for longer than we we´d like to know and travel to areas that we sometimes don´t intend them to. Don´t contaminate your food by prepping it on a surface that may contain harsh chemical residues – rinse cleaning products from food preparation surfaces carefully or use botanical disinfecting cleaners that do not require a rinse step.
- Home is Where the Clean Is–Your standard cleaners are good for removing soils and dirt from kitchen surfaces, but to tackle germs you need a cleaner that is effective against microbes like bacteria and viruses. Many cleaners contain ingredients that have antimicrobial properties such as vinegar or hydrogen peroxide, but the germ killing power of these is not necessarily guaranteed. To be sure you are killing germs, use an EPA registered disinfectant. Seventh Generation tapped into the disinfecting power of the common garden herb thyme, to provide a disinfecting cleaner that kills germs* naturally.
- Make the Old New Again–Think twice about the items that you´re using to clean and dry your kitchen equipment and dishes. Use rags (like old t-shirts and washcloths) instead of paper towels. If you aren´t prepared to kick your paper towel addiction just yet, use only recycled versions that are unbleached or haven´t been whitened with chemicals containing chlorine and see how long you can make a roll last.
- The Writing is on the … Sponge–Be sure to read the fine print on sponges and only purchase those that do not contain antimicrobial pesticides. Remember to store sponges in a dry place and frequently clean them by popping plastic sponges wet in a microwave for two minutes or boiling sponges for three minutes in water.
- Mom Was Right, Wash Your Hands–Wash your hands with soap and water before and after prepping food, and always before eating. So much of what can be potentially harmful in a kitchen can be reduced by this simple act that doesn´t require any harsh chemicals whatsoever.
I have to tell you that the smell of these products is different. They are very herbal and one of my kids did not like them. In fact, he ran out of the room whenever we used the disinfecting wipes screaming, “OH GOD THEY STINK.” So, it’s not for everyone. I didn’t mind the smell so much.
Cleaning-wise, they did well. I still have yet to find something that will clean my hard water stains that isn’t full of chemicals, but theSeventh Generation cleaners did fine for counters and sinks–surfaces that get wiped down regularly.
Win it!
One of my readers will receive a Seventh Generation Disinfecting Cleaning Kit with everything you see here:
To enter, leave me a comment telling me what you have done to green your cleaning routine. Do you use eco-friendly cleaners? What kind? For additional entries, leave a comment for each of the following:
- Subscribe to any of my feeds
- “Like” my blog on facebook
- Share this giveaway with a friend using the “Share” button at the bottom of this post
- Tweet about this giveaway (unlimited)
I will close comments on May 16, 2010 and choose a winner shortly afterword. U.S. only, please.
Seventh Generation Disinfecting Kit provided for review by MyBlogSpark.
Tags: green cleaning
May 5th, 2010 at 2:13 pm
I try to find green products in the store now, for my mom and me, this would be a great prize. thanks
May 5th, 2010 at 2:14 pm
I am trying to buy what I can that isn’t harsh now, I want to keep this earth clean, thanks for the chance to win.
May 5th, 2010 at 2:15 pm
My wife is always trying to make things cleaner, especially now that we are having twin boys coming, keep it clean for the children. thanks for this chance to win.
May 5th, 2010 at 3:03 pm
I am new to “green” cleaning. I thought winning this might be a great way to learn about how effective these cleansers might be. I am skeptical and these products seem to cost more. Hoping I win, give them a shot and then get won over to them.
May 5th, 2010 at 5:12 pm
I liked your blog on Facebook
May 5th, 2010 at 5:26 pm
our garden is organic
May 5th, 2010 at 6:01 pm
I try to find product that are green. Thanks for the chance.
May 5th, 2010 at 6:02 pm
email subscriber
May 5th, 2010 at 9:21 pm
Safeway sells Seventh Generation products and I shop there to purchase items that promote health for our planet.
May 5th, 2010 at 9:47 pm
We use green dishwashing liquid and countertop cleaner… would love to do more.
(I subscribe to your feed too)
May 5th, 2010 at 11:37 pm
We’re now using about 70% eco friendly cleaners
May 6th, 2010 at 6:49 am
I stopped using anything non eco friendly, and believe it or not, I often use vinegar, as my mother taught me to do.
May 6th, 2010 at 6:49 am
Like you on Facebook carol p dziuba
May 6th, 2010 at 6:50 am
tweeted http://twitter.com/cdziuba/status/13480489703
May 6th, 2010 at 6:50 am
subscriber
May 6th, 2010 at 6:50 am
Carol P Dziuba I used your Share button and posted your giveaway on my Facebook page
May 6th, 2010 at 6:51 am
I tweeted http://twitter.com/cdziuba/status/13480489703
May 6th, 2010 at 8:15 am
I’ve been buying more all natural cleaners.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:31 am
I’ve used Seventh Generations cleaners – love them
May 6th, 2010 at 12:27 pm
Well I’ve stopped using harsh chemicals to clean my kitchen and bathroom.
May 6th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
I’ve gotten rid of most of the commercial cleaners and am using things like vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, etc.
May 6th, 2010 at 6:04 pm
I’ve been greening my cleaning routine by not using any toxic chemicals in cleaning any room in my house, focusing on natural cleaners that I made myself from kitchen products like white vinegar and lemon juice and using lots of elbow grease!!
May 6th, 2010 at 8:00 pm
i use eco-friendly cleaners like vinegar
May 7th, 2010 at 10:02 am
I am slowly switching over to green cleaning products as the old ones run out. So far I’ve switched over a few multi-surface cleaners and the dish soap and hope to switch others over soon!
May 7th, 2010 at 10:12 am
enter me thanks
May 7th, 2010 at 3:10 pm
I use the Martha Stewart green line right now. It has everything from all purpose cleaner to laundry detergent.
May 7th, 2010 at 3:12 pm
I tweeted http://twitter.com/cstironkat/status/13564683705
May 7th, 2010 at 6:52 pm
We try to use old rags to clean instead of paper towels. I’m looking forward to trying recycled paper towels for the times I do use paper towels currently.
May 7th, 2010 at 6:53 pm
I tweeted about this giveaway.
http://twitter.com/clcmrb/status/13574096693
May 7th, 2010 at 9:49 pm
use vinegar
May 8th, 2010 at 11:41 am
5/8 tweet http://twitter.com/cstironkat/status/13614658185
May 8th, 2010 at 10:51 pm
i use 7th gen multi-purpose spray
autumn398 @ yahoo.com
May 8th, 2010 at 11:57 pm
I’ve been using Seventh Generation for years. I recently switched to paper towels and toilet paper made from sugar cane!
chrisny2(at) aol(dot) com
May 9th, 2010 at 12:52 am
I mainly use Simple Green as my cleaning product, but I hate the smell of it.
Thanks for the giveaway >^..^<
bloggyig at gmail dot com
May 9th, 2010 at 1:02 pm
5/9 tweet http://twitter.com/cstironkat/status/13677750359
May 9th, 2010 at 9:48 pm
I use baking soda and try to buy organic products to use.
May 10th, 2010 at 12:29 pm
I’ve been green long before it was “fashionable!”
May 10th, 2010 at 3:12 pm
Today’s tweet http://twitter.com/cstironkat/status/13743048511
May 10th, 2010 at 4:02 pm
i use 7th generation products to clean! they’re great!
May 11th, 2010 at 12:47 am
i use vinegar alot to clean!
cbrocious1984@gmail.com
May 11th, 2010 at 12:49 am
subscrbed personal feed
cbrocious1984@gmail.com
May 11th, 2010 at 12:51 am
liked on facebook
cbrocious1984@gmail.com
May 11th, 2010 at 12:53 am
http://twitter.com/lovemy21B/status/13770403728
tweet
cbrocious1984@gmail.com
May 11th, 2010 at 12:58 am
http://twitter.com/lovemy21B/status/13770403728
tweet
cbrocious9184@gmail.com
May 11th, 2010 at 1:32 am
http://twitter.com/lovemy21B/status/13771944792
tweet,
cbrocious1984@gmail.com
May 11th, 2010 at 3:48 am
Tweet http://twitter.com/lovemy21B/status/13776242905
cbrocious1984@gmail.com
May 11th, 2010 at 8:13 am
I have been green forever, and so was my Mother!
May 11th, 2010 at 8:14 am
I tweeted @downeastah1
May 11th, 2010 at 11:24 am
I have switched to Skoy cloths and use vinegar, baking soda and lemons for a lot of my cleaning. I also use a lot of Simple Green products.
May 11th, 2010 at 3:48 pm
today’s tweet http://twitter.com/cstironkat/status/13805926817
May 11th, 2010 at 3:53 pm
http://twitter.com/lovemy21B/status/13806177917
tweet
cbrocious1984@gmail.com
May 12th, 2010 at 12:43 am
We are just starting to use Green Cleaners. And so far love it!
May 12th, 2010 at 1:36 am
http://twitter.com/lovemy21B/status/13834122883
tweeet
cbrocious1984@gmail.com
May 12th, 2010 at 2:16 am
I try to do little things to keep my cleaning routine green. I buy in bulk so that there are less bottles in landfills and try to remember to turn off the water when I’m not using it (especially while doing dishes)
May 12th, 2010 at 2:17 am
I like your blog on facebook (Jessica Wagner)
May 12th, 2010 at 2:37 am
http://twitter.com/lovemy21B/status/13836213355
tweet
cbrocious1984@gmail.com
May 12th, 2010 at 1:13 pm
Today’s tweet http://twitter.com/cstironkat/status/13861806098
May 13th, 2010 at 1:15 am
Awesome blog and thanks for the giveaway!
Would love love LOVE to win this!
=]
May 13th, 2010 at 1:55 am
I don’t really have a great green cleaning routine. I have been trying to work my way more and more towards green cleaning. I have started using a few green cleaning products and I am also trying to use things like vinegar and baking soda more often.
May 13th, 2010 at 11:26 am
Daily tweet http://twitter.com/cstironkat/status/13919590641
May 13th, 2010 at 1:01 pm
I honestly have not tried any eco-friendly cleaners and would love a chance to.
May 13th, 2010 at 3:23 pm
http://twitter.com/lovemy21B/status/13930253561
tweet
cbrocious1984@gmail.com
May 13th, 2010 at 6:15 pm
I clean with vinegar and baking soda.
May 13th, 2010 at 6:16 pm
google reader subscriber
May 13th, 2010 at 6:17 pm
like you on facebook
May 13th, 2010 at 6:17 pm
http://twitter.com/idahomom7/status/13937697547
May 13th, 2010 at 8:38 pm
I make my own household cleaners from mostly vinegar.
May 13th, 2010 at 10:10 pm
I’ve been trying more natural approaches. I use a combo of vinegar, baking soda and boiling water for drain clogs instead of pouring a ton of chemicals down there. Also the cleaners that I do buy are more natural.
May 13th, 2010 at 10:10 pm
I’m a fb fan of Suzy Q Homemaker.
May 13th, 2010 at 10:10 pm
RSS subscriber to Suzy Q Homemaker blog.
May 14th, 2010 at 12:20 am
I use products that specify green on the label.
bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
May 14th, 2010 at 2:31 am
http://twitter.com/lovemy21B/status/13961040520
tweet
cbrocious1984@gmail.com
May 14th, 2010 at 5:04 am
http://twitter.com/lovemy21B/status/13965896097
tweet
cbrocious1984@gmail.com
May 14th, 2010 at 11:31 am
I’ve been switching to more green cleaning products.
May 14th, 2010 at 4:23 pm
I’ve thrown out a lot of my toxic cleaning products and replaced them with baking soda
May 14th, 2010 at 4:59 pm
Daily tweet http://twitter.com/cstironkat/status/13997147876
May 14th, 2010 at 5:34 pm
I have been using baking soda and sometimes vinegar to clean with, and I am also using re-usable cloths instead of so many paper towels.
May 14th, 2010 at 5:35 pm
I liked your blog on facebook!
May 14th, 2010 at 5:36 pm
tweet!
http://twitter.com/terri142/status/13998790564
May 14th, 2010 at 10:28 pm
We use a steam cleaner that only uses water to clean our floors..much safer for our cats!
May 14th, 2010 at 11:58 pm
Does cleaning less often count? haha…
I try to use as little product/materials as possible because it’s cheaper and better for the environment that way.
May 15th, 2010 at 9:21 am
I use eco-friendly cleaners(homemade) and i recycle.
May 15th, 2010 at 9:22 am
I subscribe to your feed in Google Reader.
May 15th, 2010 at 11:21 am
I’ve been using SeventhGeneration products for over 10 years. Thanks.
May 15th, 2010 at 12:59 pm
Daily tweet http://twitter.com/cstironkat/status/14047947853
May 15th, 2010 at 4:05 pm
I am making my own laundry detergent right now.
May 15th, 2010 at 4:15 pm
We switched to all organic and green cleaners about three months ago. And I have found some really great alternative ways to clean using them.
I know that it makes me feel better knowing that my little ones are safer.
Thank you so much for the chance to win.
jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com
May 15th, 2010 at 4:16 pm
I am subscribed via email as jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com.
May 15th, 2010 at 4:16 pm
I am a fan via Facebook as Jill Myrick.
jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com
May 15th, 2010 at 4:44 pm
Using less water as possible when cleaning. I have eco cleaners but havent used them yet just got them.
May 15th, 2010 at 4:46 pm
I just shared this on twitter- http://twitter.com/skyxsky27/status/14057760360
May 15th, 2010 at 4:46 pm
I Like you on facebook- id- Valancia Arrelya
May 15th, 2010 at 4:56 pm
Currently, we make our cleaning products from items in the pantry!
May 15th, 2010 at 5:08 pm
We’ve greened up our clean up simply not by cleaning so often. A little dirt never hurt anyone, so why do I need to scrub the tile floor once a week when once a month will do just fine as long as you spot clean with water as necessary? I’d love to be even greener by using renewable and better products, but that’ll have to wait until I run out of our current cache… I hate throwing things away needlessly.
May 15th, 2010 at 5:39 pm
I make my own glass cleaner. I’m eco-friendly and cheap!
May 15th, 2010 at 5:40 pm
And here’s my tweet:
http://twitter.com/ky2here1/status/14059880284
May 15th, 2010 at 6:27 pm
When I had more time, I used borax, baking soda, and vinegar to clean my whole house. But, I have to admit, that it saves to much time to just buy the cheap bottles of cleaner! I really need to prioritize, which is why I’d like to win this!
May 15th, 2010 at 7:28 pm
Instead of using paper towels to wipe down countertops, I use washable kitchen towels.
May 15th, 2010 at 7:29 pm
Email subscriber.
May 15th, 2010 at 8:36 pm
I use vinegar and baking soda to clean
May 15th, 2010 at 8:45 pm
I have found baking soda sufficient for cleaning the stove.
May 15th, 2010 at 8:46 pm
As much as possible I simply use water, but vinegar is great for the floors.
May 15th, 2010 at 11:39 pm
I use steam to clean my floors.
May 16th, 2010 at 12:05 am
I try to use vinegar & baking soda to clean in my kitchen.
May 16th, 2010 at 12:06 am
I liked your blog over on FB.
May 16th, 2010 at 12:12 am
i have started using some of seventh generations products and found out they work better and are better for you. I really like their paper towels they are nice and thick and strong.
May 16th, 2010 at 2:46 am
http://twitter.com/lovemy21B/status/14083630488
tweet
cbrocious1984@gmail.com
May 16th, 2010 at 3:19 am
For a lot of the cleaning in our home, we have switched to more natural products including baking soda for the sinks and counters
May 16th, 2010 at 6:41 am
i use vinager and water to clean most stuff in my kitchen
May 16th, 2010 at 9:44 am
I’ve been trying out some of the eco-friendly cleaning products.
May 16th, 2010 at 10:26 am
I make my own green cleaners from the recipes on the Oprah website. If you go to Whole Foods, they’ll help you find everything you need
May 16th, 2010 at 10:27 am
I subscribe to your craft feed with google reader
May 16th, 2010 at 10:27 am
I like you on facebook – barbara wright
May 16th, 2010 at 10:29 am
I shared on facebook http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1291965387&v=wall&story_fbid=120053404693265&ref=mf
May 16th, 2010 at 10:30 am
I tweeted http://twitter.com/bsw529/status/14101131385
May 16th, 2010 at 11:58 am
I’m using more natural cleaning products like baking soda and vinegar
May 16th, 2010 at 11:59 am
facebook fan
May 16th, 2010 at 12:00 pm
http://twitter.com/susan1215/status/14105857751
May 16th, 2010 at 1:02 pm
I have tried switching to greener products but am still searching for a product that will clean well while still being green. Plus I sometimes use vinegar. Thanks.
May 16th, 2010 at 1:16 pm
Daily tweet http://twitter.com/cstironkat/status/14109657574
May 16th, 2010 at 1:50 pm
Besides switching to eco friendly products I also use steam cleam machine which require no chemicals.
leganoj@gmaiil.com
May 16th, 2010 at 1:58 pm
As I use up the big name commercial products I search for better substitutes. Some products I have tried work well but have such a strong scent I’m not comfortable using them. I keep trying though.
May 16th, 2010 at 2:00 pm
I like on Facebook.
May 16th, 2010 at 2:02 pm
I subscribe to your shopping blog feed via google reader.
May 16th, 2010 at 2:41 pm
I like to clean with baking soda & vinegar. It works great!
May 16th, 2010 at 4:13 pm
I stopped using paper towels and use rags that can be laundered.
May 16th, 2010 at 4:55 pm
Thanks for the great contest!
bahjeep@aol.com
May 16th, 2010 at 6:17 pm
To go green, we switched to vinegar and water rather than harsh cleaning products.
May 16th, 2010 at 6:18 pm
I like your blog on Facebook. My name: Sarah U.
May 16th, 2010 at 6:44 pm
Would love to win!!
May 16th, 2010 at 7:09 pm
One I use is a spray with vinegar and water.
May 16th, 2010 at 8:49 pm
Tell you the truth, this post was educating for me. I checked some of the natural cleaners under my sink for the things you mentioned. (Even so, I don’t like being addressed as “people,” thusly.) I do use vinegar to clean floors & windows, baking soda as an abrasive scrub & for other various household uses, as well as hydrogen peroxide & vinegar to disinfect surfaces. As much as I use them, I use other products, too, and can be more eco-friendly. I would like to try Seventh Generation.
May 16th, 2010 at 8:55 pm
We use white vinegar and newspapers to clean mirrors and windows.
May 16th, 2010 at 9:26 pm
I try to find product that are green
May 16th, 2010 at 9:47 pm
We green our routine by recycling and cutting down on energy use
May 16th, 2010 at 9:57 pm
to green my cleaning routine I’m using more washcloths over paper towels!
May 16th, 2010 at 10:35 pm
I made a cleaning solution with vinegar
May 16th, 2010 at 10:51 pm
To green my cleaning routine I use rags and cloth towels instead of paper.
May 16th, 2010 at 10:52 pm
I “like” your blog on facebook (Abbyyy86)
May 16th, 2010 at 11:34 pm
I purchased a Shark Steam Cleaner for my hardwood floors and I won a HAAN steam cleaner for counters and other areas. I also use Simple Green.
couponsiwant(at)verizon(dot)net
May 16th, 2010 at 11:39 pm
I use organic cleaning products.
May 16th, 2010 at 11:39 pm
I subscribed to your personal blog feed.
May 16th, 2010 at 11:40 pm
I became your Facebook fan.
May 16th, 2010 at 11:49 pm
I have been looking for green products to use in my home