Seventh Generation is a company that is committed to being the most trusted brand of household and personal-care products for your home. Their products are healthy and safe for the environment, surfaces, fabrics, pets, and most importantly, our family.
Right now, Seventh Generation is looking for real life “Mother Nature” inspirations by offering a “Search For Mother Nature” contest- celebrate someone you know who’s an inspiration when it comes to caring for our families and the natural world we all depend on by entering them as a candidate. The contest, which runs from now until May 31, includes a grand prize of a $5000 green home makeover! Both the nominated Mother Nature and the winner will also receive a year’s supply of Seventh Generation products, and a $2,500 donation in the winner’s name will be made to an organization working to make the world a safer place. Six finalists will also receive a year’s worth of Seventh Generation products to help them protect planet home.
Seventh Generation is also offering a giveaway of a green cleaning kit here on Penelope’s Oasis. I had the opportunity to try out Seventh Generation disinfecting wipes, natural all-purpose spray, and natural dish liquid, along with their recycled paper towels, a microfiber rag, and a scouring pad. Seventh Generation products are non-toxic and safe if ingested (though icky, so don’t do it and don’t let your babies do it). The line-up of their green-cleaning artillery:
The natural all purpose cleaning spray is good at removing dirt and grease, and can also be diluted with water to mop with. The disinfecting wipes are safe for use on non-porous surfaces and will kill over 99.99% of germs, including salmonella, pseudomonas, and influenza A. It smells incredible (lemongrass and thyme) and are great for use on anything from kitchen counters to high chairs and changing tables- anyplace where it’s important to both clean and disinfect. I spent about an hour yesterday cleaning all the surfaces in my house, enjoying the herb scent, and they did a great job of cleaning the grease off my stove top. Finally, their natural dish liquid, with lemongrass and clementine zest, has a fresh, citrus scent that makes washing dishes more enjoyable. Seventh Generation offers green cleaning tips for the top five hot spots in your home, and I used the all-purpose cleaner to follow this one:
Oven cleaners are among the most hazardous available, and heat intensifies their toxicity. Make ovens sparkle by first wiping them down to remove loose material. Spray on Seventh Generation Natural All Purpose Cleaner and add a light sprinkling of baking soda if you’ve got serious baked-on grime. Wipe everything clean after a 5-minute soak, and use a final vinegar wipe to make it all gleam.
The other 4 tips offered by Seventh Generation:
The Microwave. Toxic cleaner residues in the microwave can contaminate any foods that follow. Clean yours with Seventh Generation Natural All Purpose Cleaner and rinse with vinegar to keep these hazards off the menu.
The Cutting Board. Wooden cutting boards often harbor dangerous bacteria, but did you know that they can also absorb the chemicals from conventional cleaning products? In order to keep toxic ingredients away from food surfaces, clean your cutting board naturally with Seventh Generation Natural Dish Liquid and follow up with a vinegar rinse.
Stainless Steel. Skip the specialized products and clean stainless steel surfaces by applying Seventh Generation Natural All-Purpose Cleaner to a microfiber cloth. Use the cloth to scrub then wipe with the grain in one steady direction.
Windows. Make short work of this housekeeping headache by first removing spots, grease, and stickers (moisten with Seventh Generation Natural All-Purpose Cleaner and scrape off stickers with a spatula). When dry, spray on Seventh Generation Natural Glass & Surface Cleaner. Wipe in one direction only with a rag, microfiber cloth or recycled paper towel—not newspaper (it’s better to recycle the newspaper!).
Enter! Enter the Search For Mother Nature Contest and tell Seventh Generation, in 1000 characters or less, about the person who’s inspired you to protect your own Planet Home. Share their story and tell them how they’ve led by example and shown you the way to a safer family and healthier planet.
Win it! To win an all-natural cleaning kit of your own, exactly the same as the one featured in this review, please leave a green tip of your own in a comment below.
Review and giveaway sponsored by Seventh Generation. The review items featured in this post were given at no charge by Seventh Generation for the purpose of this review.
Any cleaning person would love to win these. Thank you pepsi_mom_6@yahoo.com
Since we're potty training my son, I've been battling urine spots on our new carpet. Water and vinegar have worked well to get rid of the smell!
Only run the washing machine and the dishwasher when they are completely full.
I'm a follower, and I use baking soda when I clean as a scrubbing agent.
Lemon & salt for those crusty pans
lemon juice to clean your sink
Green tip: use baking soda and vinegar to unclog drains.
urchiken at gmail dot com
would love to try
Wash your clothes in cold water since 90% of energy is heating up water.
teenytig@sbcglobal.net
We use recycled paper towels when we need something disposable (for really yucky messes), but use old washcloths and rags for cleaning up regular spills. Even my 2 year old knows to grab one of those to clean up whatever he has spilled!
HORTON111@AOL.COM
I CLEAN WITH A LOT OF BAKING SODA AND VINEGAR
I wash my clothes in cold water, take Navy showers (where you turn the water off in the middle), and reuse paper towels.
My green tip is to use vinegar for a lot of cleaning.
nanuary16 (at) gmail (dot) com
I microwave a bowl full of water with about a cup of vinegar to loosen stuck on food. Makes it easy to quickly clean the microwave.
enter me thanks
Replace your household lightbulbs with those high-tech LED ones.
brandon_ralston@hotmail.com
Use one of those showerheads that decrease the flow when it gets warm but resume it when you are ready to get in.
My green tip is to wash your laundry in cold water and hang them out to dry.
hi_joan_elliott at hotmail dot com
My green tip is to shop at yard sales
Install low flo shower heads to conserve water.
tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com
Save all your empty bottles, paper towel rolls, etc. to use in craft projects. Then recycle them after you're done reusing.
katiekarr at gmail dot com
I use borax instead of expensive, chemical laden cleaners for my toilet cleaning. If I have a bit of a stain or ring, I add some lemon juice (from my own lemon tree) and let it sit for a while… presto clean!
sksweeps (at) earthlink (dot) net
We have an at home counter top compost bin we purchased from a green shop online!
six_one_nine_girlie86 (at) yahoo (dot) com
Make a commitment to consume less-buy used, and trade for what you need. Thanks!
I keep cloth towels on the counters for quick and easy clean ups or to dry with instead of paper towels.
thank you
tatertot374@sbcglobal.net
When my bath towels get worn out I cut them up to use them as clean up rags.
Check out the photos of Edward Burtynsky. It may change the way you see the planet and inspire you to think differently about basic choices such as cleaning products.
Entered the search for mother nature contest 1.
Entered the search for mother nature contest 2
Entered the search for mother nature contest 5.
make sure you turn the water off when you're brushing your teeth
autumn398 @ yahoo.com
I replaced most of my household cleaners with water/vinegar solution in a spray bottle and a package of baking soda. It works great!
I entered the grill daddy giveaway!
onecheaplady@yahoo.com
refill water bottles
Nobody else has inspired me more than seeing the way the planet looks. And watching people just toss bottles and cans out. Fast food wrappers. If that doesn't inspire you to live better and be green, nothing will…
mzpaw@yahoo.com
I make my own cleaner from vinegar – saves plastic bottles and money!
katie_kitty[at]msn[dot]com
Button #2
katiescatharsis.blogspot.com
katie_kitty[at]msn[dot]com
Button #3
katiescatharsis.blogspot.com
katie_kitty[at]msn[dot]com
Blogroll #3
katiescatharsis.blogspot.com
katie_kitty[at]msn[dot]com
I ask to take the items I've purchased without a bag whenever possible.
Start a garden or at least try to buy local veggies at a farmer's market. Also, start a compost heap with your veggie scraps. Thanks for the giveaway.
maryDOTavingerATgmailDOTcom
Filling up your gas tank at night helps with emissions.
My green tip is that I make my own compost to use in my garden. I don't use paper plates and use vinegar & baking soda for most of my cleaning
follow and tweet (2)
we make our own laundry detergent with borax, plain white soap and arm & hammer washing soda. you only need a tablespoon a load!! (and it actually works)
Use canvas bags instead of plastic bags when shopping.
sundaygirl at gmail dot com
definitely don't use the plastic shopping bags!!!
linds727@gmail.com
Recycle everything you can! It's really easy to do and makes a huge difference for the environment.
Recycle as much as possible.
I follow you on twitter(terri142)and tweeted!
Using a reusable shopping bag is my favorite 'green tip'
I line dry almost all of our clothes!
Twitter follower ky2here1, here's my tweet:
You don't need as much laundry detergent as indicated by the cap. Use less and your clothes will still get just as clean.
lemon juice to clean ty.
vivianbl@olg.com
Tip: Bring own reusable containers to restaurants to bring home leftovers.
lmarston AT yahoo DOT com
Do all your laundry once a week. That way your dryer only has to heat up one time, and saves a lot of energy
I follow you on twitter and tweeted
I follow you on twitter and tweeted – #2
hang out your clothes instead of drying them in the dryer
addictedtorodeo at gmail dot com
Bring your own totes to the grocery store as opposed to using bags. msmith572@yahoo.com
Button:
msmith572@yahoo.com entry 3
Use reusable bags at the store!
My green tip is to fill up a personal water bottle instead of using water bottles that you have to dispose of.
Don't waste food. Eat what you buy and only buy what you can eat. Freeze food if you cooked too much or bought too much.
We've been using cloth napkins and rags to reduce waste. Thanks!
Here's my tweet #2:
Save boxes and other packing material from the packages that you receive so that you can recycle by using for the packages that you need to send out. Save money too. Email: yona(at)pricelesswriters.com
I use baking soda and vinegar to clean my drains. Easier on your pipes and the environment.
My green tip is to eliminate disposable items such as paper towels, plates, or napkins, and replace them with reusable items. Thanks so much! pamelashockley(AT)netscape(DOT)net
Voted for you #2.
Thanks so much! pamelashockley(AT)netscape(DOT)net
I never throw fabric in the trash. If it's still in good shape, it can go to a thrift store. Sometimes pieces can be cut out of something that's stained or torn, and the pieces can be used as cleaning rags or as patches for a nice quilt (depending on your free time and ability). A nice piece of fabric can be used to wrap a gift (that old satin skirt that doesn't fit any more makes a very stylish wrap). Use your imagination and don't let anything go to waste.
Making your own cleaners is easier than you think, laundry detergent for example is easy, cheap, and green.
lkziegler[at]gmail[dot]com
I voted for you at Top Baby Blog
Jesskaufman at hotmail dot com
I voted for you at Top Baby Blog
Jesskaufman at hotmail dot com
I voted for you 2
Jesskaufman at hotmail dot com
My green tip is that baking soda works as a great cleaner and can even scub off scuff marks with it.
Jesskaufman at hotmail dot com
I voted for you at Top Baby Blog
Jesskaufman at hotmail dot com
I voted for you 2
Jesskaufman at hotmail dot com
My green tip is that baking soda works as a great cleaner and can even scub off scuff marks with it.
Jesskaufman at hotmail dot com
My green tip is that baking soda works as a great cleaner and can even scub off scuff marks with it.
Jesskaufman at hotmail dot com
I voted for you at Top Baby Blog
Jesskaufman at hotmail dot com
I voted for you 2
Jesskaufman at hotmail dot com
My green tip is that baking soda works as a great cleaner and can even scub off scuff marks with it.
Jesskaufman at hotmail dot com
I voted for you 2
Jesskaufman at hotmail dot com
I voted for you at Top Baby Blog
Jesskaufman at hotmail dot com
My green tip is that baking soda works as a great cleaner and can even scub off scuff marks with it.
Jesskaufman at hotmail dot com
I voted for you 2
Jesskaufman at hotmail dot com
Hang your clothes outside to dry on laundry day.
Buy rechargeable batteries – you will find yourself gaining back your investment in no time.
don't buy bottled water-use a clothesline for drying clothes outside
aunteegem@yahoo.com
# 2 voted for you-good luck 🙂
aunteegem@yahoo.com
I use the water from my fish tank to water the garden. My plants love it.
president(dot)peaches(at)hotmail(dot)com
My own green tip is that instead of using detergents in your carpet cleaner..try to use just plain old hot water..it gets out a lot.
We now use a water filter with our tap water instead of using plastic water bottles and use aluminum refillable bottles when we are on the go.
My tip:
get the whole family involved! I found my kids are really motivated to help our household maximize our recycling efforts. My son loves "scoring" recyclable items into our bins in the garage. Both kids are great about helping to make sure no recyclable items make it into our trash!
thanks for the opportunity!
tsue1136 at yahoo dot com
voted for you on top mommy blogs.
you are ranked 35 with 472 votes! Good luck!
entry 2
tsue1136 at yahoo dot com
follow you on twitter as tsue1136 and retweeted
entry 2
tsue1136 at yahoo dot com
grabbed your cute new button, is on my right sidebar @
entry 1
tsue1136 at yahoo dot com
commented on babies at 6 months post.
what a cutie!
tsue1136 at yahoo dot com
I grow my own fruit, veggies and herbs.
Thanks for the giveaway…save orange peel, or cut up a lemon into wedges and save in the freezer: use a few of the frozen orange peelings or lemon chunks as a garbage disposal freshener by turning on the faucet, turning on the disposal, and throwing a frozen chunk or two in !
senorpiero [at] yahoo [dot] com
Following you via Twitter: @brianpiero
Tweeted:
senorpiero [at] yahoo [dot] com
We recycle egg cartons by making them little mini planters for the kids they love it. thanks for the chance to win eaglesforjack@gmail.com
We grow veggies, and plant trees.
clarkmurdock@yahoo.com
Add a splash of vinegar to your dish water. Also use vinegar in the dishwasher as a rinse aid.
We stopped buying bottled water and went back to using a cup and getting it out of the spigot. When I even stop and think of why we spent money to buy water it seems ridiculous..lol. We also wash all of our clothes in cold water and recycle any plastic and paper. TY for the giveaway!
Voted for you on Top Baby Blogs, you are in 33rd place! 🙂 entry #2
Use white vinegar for fabric softener.
spencer1953 at gmail dot com-carol.
you can reuse bread sacks and things like that, save a ziploc
susansmoaks at gmail dot com
I refill my water bottles and take a bag to the grocery store.
Tweet!~http://twitter.com/dresdenrain/status/15134198102
Wash laundry in cold water. They will still get clean.
After using baking soda box to freshen your fridge dump it down the drain to freshen/deodorize too.
lighthousee27(at)gmail.com
I have your button
lighthousee27(at)gmail.com
#2 Following you on Twitter (id- litehouse27) & Retweeted.
Reusable shopping bags used for giftgiving instead of GiftBags. My friends and family now look forward to receiving the most colorful ones I can find. cyndismith@bellsouth.net
Elbow grease is the most important and least toxic cleaner that exists.
voted on top baby blogs 5/31
janel_marie at yahoo dot com
tweet:
Elbow grease is the least toxic cleaner there is