Seventh Generation is a manufacturer of baby, household cleaning, feminine hygiene, and laundry products that is committed environmentally responsible and cruelty-free items for everyday needs. The company derives its name from the Great Law of the Iroquois Confederacy, which states, “In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations.”

Their line of eco-friendly, natural products include toilet paper and 100% recycled paper towels that have not been bleached by chlorine, as well as non-toxic and phosphate-free cleaning, dish, and laundry products. They also offer diapers, training pants, and feminine care products that are free from chlorine. Ten percent of Seventh Generation’s pre-tax profits are donated to non-profit organizations that work towards a positive change in our communities and in our environment.

I’ve been using their products for several years now. Their products definitely get the job done and I feel good that when I buy their products I’m making less of an impact on the environment while also providing my family with safer cleaning alternatives. I love that Seventh Generation gives full disclosure into their ingredient lists. We’re currently using the Natural Laundry Detergent with Blue Eucalyptus and Lavender. I usually buy products that are free and clear of dyes and perfumes, but I grabbed this one by accident. The scent was fragrant, but never overpowering and did not linger on clothes. Products are scented with 100% whole essential oils and botanical extracts.

The ingredient list includes: Aqua (water), sodium laureth sulfate, coconut alcohol ethoxylate and glycerin (plant derived cleaning agents), sodium citrate (water softener), oleic acid and glyceryl oleate (plant-derived anti-foaming agents), sodium hydroxide (alkalinity builder), sodium borate (alkalinity builder and soil dispersant), amylase, cellulase and protease (non-animal derived enzymes), calcium chloride (cleaning enhancer), essential oils and botanical extracts (lavender), lavendula hybrida (lavandin), eucalyptus dives, eucalyptus radiata, eucalyptus polybractea, pinus sylvestris (pine), preservative (less than 0.05%, details online).

Visit their website and you can read more about trace materials, preservatives, and fragrances used in Seventh Generation products. Although they are currently using hexahydro-1,3,5-tris (2-hydroyethyl)-s-triazine (also known as THT), Seventh Generation is researching alternative preservatives that won’t release formaldehyde by the end of this year. Currently, THT releases very small amounts of formaldehyde “which controls microorganisms. The formaldehyde released is far below the standards set by the Food and Drug Administration for formaldehyde in cosmetic products, and below levels naturally found in fruits and vegetables.”

Seventh Generation’s website is incredibly informative and offers blogs, videos, and a Q&A section known as “Ask Science Man,” also known as Martin “Scienceman” Wolfe. There are also guides that discuss electronics recycling, green parenting books, and how to live in a toxin-free home. Each time you go to a new section, a new window appears with a counter at the bottom which tabulates the amount of trees and gallons of petroleum Seventh Generation products have saved. As I’m writing this article, current trees saved: 28,3835; gallons of petroleum saved: 568,539. Talk about reducing your carbon footprint! There is even a Label Reading Guide — type in any ingredient you find on a cleaning product and the ingredient information will pop up. I performed a search for “nonionic surfactant,” an ingredient found in Clorox Greenworks Natural All Purpose Cleaner. Turns out this ingredient is a chemical that removes dirt and soil and often found in detergents. It “may or may not be biodegradable. This term is often used to avoid revealing that actual ingredients in the product.”

You can also join the Seventh Generation Nation and post newsworthy topics and tips in blogs and post comments in the forums. There is even a section where you can voice your ideas about new products you’d like to see.

Read the blog, Inspired Protagonist, written by Seventh Generation President and Chief Inspired Protagonist, Jeffrey Hollender. His blog relates personal discoveries and like-minded companies dedicated to environmental and human rights. Read Seventh Generation’s Corporate Consciousness Report 2007 here, where achievements, goals, labeling practices, and their regenerative system is outlined.

Be inspired and inspire those around you. Bring Seventh Generation products into your home. They may not be as inexpensive as traditional cleaners, but you’ll be proud to clean the counters with something that won’t make you sick and will reduce your impact on the environment. Let’s hope more companies will adopt Seventh Generation’s philosophies.

For more information, visit Seventh Generation.

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Sustainable Life Media