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.
Through, MyBlogSpark, Seventh Generation gave me a “Disinfecting Cleaning Kit” that included a 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, and for the past two weeks I replaced my usual cleaners with the Seventh Generation products so I could give my opinion about the products.
What did I think overall? The cleaners are Lemongrass & Thyme scented, which smell horrible, but they work like a dream!
When we remodeled our bathroom we put in a white pedestal sink. Very pretty, but with 5 kids, it’s ALWAYS dirty. Not just in the sink, but all the way down the outside and down the pedestal to the floor! And the toilet after a 4 boys, one of which is newly potty-learned, well, I’ll just spare you the details and say it’s NASTY!!! And the shower after 7 people have used it… yeah it’s bad too! So, the first thing I did when I opened the Seventh Generation box was head to the bathroom with the Bathroom Cleaner to give it a go. I fully expected to be disappointed! Previously I was scrubbing everything in sight with SOS pads and then wiping everything down with vinegar, which is a lot of work, but it was keeping everything sparkling! Well, I wasn’t disappointed, and am actually VERY pleased!!! I didn’t have to scrub anything because I just let the spray soak for a few seconds and gently wiped everything off with a towel and it was like new again. Even the globs of toothpaste that had been living in the sink since early morning just wiped off without any scrubbing.
After cleaning the bathroom I figured I’d give the Multi-Surface Cleaner a go. The night before someone had spilled their apple juice under the table and didn’t tell me. A trail of ants led me to it. Ew! I sprayed the ants, the sticky juice-mess, and everything in a 3′ radius around it just to be safe and wiped it all up with ease. So then I was wondering what else I could test it out on… The microwave! The kids are always spilling something in there, but again cleaned with ease.
The Disinfecting Wipes work just as good as the other cleaners and I feel good knowing they kill 99.99% of germs botanically! And fortunately the smell doesn’t last long 
Though some of you probably like the smell of lemongrass and thyme…
I haven’t had a chance to read the book they sent me yet, but I am really LOVING the cleaners. The only thing I’m disappointed with is that I’ll have to go to Fenton, which is over an hour away, to buy more!
How would you like to win a Seventh Generation Disinfecting Cleaning Kit?
It includes a 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.
To enter you just need to tell me how you keep your family safe from chemicals before midnight CST on April 29th. You must do this entry to be eligible to win!
On April 30th, I will random.org the comments to pick a winner. After verifying that the winner has completed the mandatory entry I will email them. The winner will have 48 hours to respond before I use random.org to pick a new winner. US entries only please.
Want to earn extra entries? Here is how you can:
- Follow me on twitter & tweet about this contest. Leave the link to your tweet or your twitter name in the comments section here for 1 extra entry. You can do this one per day for the duration of the giveaway.
- Favorite my blog on Technorati. Leave your Technorati name in the comments section here for 1 extra entry.
- Subscribe to my blog via email for 1 extra entry.
- Add me to your blogroll. Leave the link to your blog in the comments section here for 2 extra entries.
- Blog about this contest with links to this post and Seventh Generation. Leave the link to your blog post in the comments section here for 3 extra entries.
- Leave a comment on any promotions or review post on my blog. Leave the link or post name in the comments section here for 1 extra entry. You can do this as many times as you want, as long as they are posts in the promotions or review categories. Comments in other categories DO NOT count.
Be sure to leave each entry in a new comment!
Seventh Generation provided you with the free product, information, and gift pack through MyBlogSpark.
I do purchase a lot of products that are dye/perfume free just because my son has sensitive skin.
I stay away from buying processed foods, and I try to find good natural cleaners to use, like the ones being offered here!
follow on Twitter cdziuba and tweeted http://twitter.com/cdziuba/status/12287498495
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I use scent free often because of skin problems! Love to try some low chemical cleaners!
we keep them locked up mverno@roadrunner.com
I keep the cleaning supplies that are dangerous up out of reach and am slowly changing over to more natural cleaners.
I use only green cleaning supplies and I buy organic when possible.
I try to clean while my boys are asleep and I do use friendlier products when they are on sale.
denise_22315 at yahoo dot com
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denise_22315 at yahoo dot com
I follow you and tweeted.
http://twitter.com/wiscmom24/status/12309165561
denise_22315 at yahoo dot com
I try to keep my family free from chemicals by using natural cleaners like vinegar but we do still use some cleaning supplies with chemicals that need to be replaced with ones that do not
I follow you on twitter (GRANDMA3710); TODAY’S TWEET http://twitter.com/Grandma3710/status/12313669680
daily tweet
http://twitter.com/Grandma3710/status/12330795928
I steam clean my hard surface floors.
daily tweet
http://twitter.com/wiscmom24/status/12338497109
denise_22315 at yahoo dot com
We have replaced all our plastic kitchen containers with glass ones. They are safe for microwave and dishwasher, and we don’t have to worry about chemicals leeching into the food.
We’ve been switching our household cleaning products over to natural alternatives, driving less, and growing our own organic veggies and fruits.
We are cleaning with fewer chemicals and keep them away from our kids.
We use a steam cleaner that only uses water to clean our floors..much safer for our cats!
I CLEAN USING A LOT OF BAKING SODA AND VINEGAR
I keep my family safe by educating them and making sure they understand that they are dangerous but also by keeping them in a locked unit!
I just don’t have dangerous chemicals in my house. Thanks for the giveaway!
We use baking soda and vinegar- mixed, its as powerful as Comet or Ajax!
I am subscribed to your emails!
I keep my family as safe as possible from chemicals by gardening organically, and not using any chemicals in our garden or lawn or in our home for cleaning.
we use as many natural cleaners as possible.
I try to use natural cleaners when possible, because with babies, pets and my migraine headaches from chemical scents I really can’t use anything super strong. I also use reusable wipes and baking soda, vinegar, and other natural items to clean with. They seem to work well, and get the job done okay.
twitter follower micaela6955 tweet http://twitter.com/micaela6955/status/12372623543
We only use vinegar and Murphy’s Oil Soap to clean.
bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
I subscribe via email.
bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
stay away from buying processed foods
we steam clean as much as possible!
autumn398 @ yahoo.com
We have asthma and food allergies in the family so we avoid getting products that have strong perfume and/or harsh chemicals, and we avoid buying processed/canned foods.
E-mail subscriber
daily tweet
http://twitter.com/Grandma3710/status/12388855371
I use only green cleaning supplies and I buy organic when possible.
daily tweet
http://twitter.com/wiscmom24/status/12400499780
denise_22315 at yahoo dot com
blogged here, entry #1
view post here
http://higrandma.wordpress.com/2010/04/18/are-you-ready-to-go-green/
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http://higrandma.wordpress.com/
blogged here, entry #2
view post here
http://higrandma.wordpress.com/2010/04/18/are-you-ready-to-go-green/
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http://higrandma.wordpress.com/
blogged here, entry #3
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http://higrandma.wordpress.com/2010/04/18/are-you-ready-to-go-green/
view as part of blog here
http://higrandma.wordpress.com/
You are on my blogroll, entry #1
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You are on my blogroll, entry #2
http://higrandma.wordpress.com/
I am subscribed by email
I use a lot of baking soda and vinegar for cleaning and buy mostly organic foods.
I keep my family (and pet) safe from chemicals by making most of my own cleaners – love vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice (from my own lemon tree), elbow grease, and old t-shirts!
I use only natural products.
today’s tweet http://twitter.com/micaela6955/status/12431030560
daily tweet
http://twitter.com/Grandma3710/status/12446112420
I’ve been buying more all natural cleaners.
daily tweet
http://twitter.com/wiscmom24/status/12454845246
denise_22315 at yahoo dot com
today’s tweet http://twitter.com/micaela6955/status/12468929092
I avoid using harsh chemicals around the house and yard as much as possible.
We have been working on that for a long time. I am very careful to read labels and make up “old time” recipes that take the place of chemical cleaners.
email subscriber
on blog
http://copperllamastudio.blogspot.com/
2 on blog
http://copperllamastudio.blogspot.com/
I commented on your review post
What a Juicy Deal
I commented on your review post
Dove Milk Chocolate with Peanut Butter
I commented on your review post
ecogear COHO bag
daily tweet
http://twitter.com/wiscmom24/status/12513580554
denise_22315 at yahoo dot com
today’s tweet http://twitter.com/micaela6955/status/12517850611
I read labels to keep my family safe
daily tweet
http://twitter.com/Grandma3710/status/12571150461
daily tweet
http://twitter.com/wiscmom24/status/12573718497
denise_22315 at yahoo dot com
today’s tweet http://twitter.com/micaela6955/status/12614237390
I try to use natural items like vinegar whenever possible
daily tweet
http://twitter.com/Grandma3710/status/12632161537
daily tweet
http://twitter.com/wiscmom24/status/12637790843
denise_22315 at yahoo dot com
I commented on your What a Juicy Deal post.
denise_22315 at yahoo dot com
twitter ID micaela6955 daily tweet http://twitter.com/micaela6955/status/12644247192
I try to buy “safe” cleaning items for our house.
Follower on google friends.
We paint with low or no VOC paint and try to use earth friendly cleaners.
jtmagmom73(at)gmail(dot)com
I’m an e-mail subscriber.
jtmagmom73(at)gmail(dot)com
daily tweet
http://twitter.com/wiscmom24/status/12700784767
denise_22315 at yahoo dot com
daily tweet
http://twitter.com/Grandma3710/status/12707534613
I try to reduce our (hubby & foster kitty) exposure to chemicals by buying organic, avoiding processed foods and plastics, and cleaning with baking soda and vinegar whenever possible. Still, I need to find a greener alternative to the 409!
today’s tweet http://twitter.com/micaela6955/status/12735455526
The major method of keeping everyone safe from chemicals is to switch to cleaning products that use only non-chemical ingredients. I am doing fairly well at that.
daily tweet
http://twitter.com/wiscmom24/status/12763550552
denise_22315 at yahoo dot com
We wash our hands a lot and try and not keep chemicals in the house.
daily tweet
http://twitter.com/wiscmom24/status/12823277407
denise_22315 at yahoo dot com
One thing I did was switch to a steam mop.
I use vinegar when I can to clean with.
Thanks for the giveaway >^..^<
We use white vinegar to clean a lot of things
I follow on Twitter and tweeted http://twitter.com/ljshores/status/12862417823
1 I blogged http://ljsin2win.blogspot.com/2010/04/enter-to-win-seventh-generation.html
I blogged http://ljsin2win.blogspot.com/2010/04/enter-to-win-seventh-generation.html
3 I blogged http://ljsin2win.blogspot.com/2010/04/enter-to-win-seventh-generation.html
You are on my blog roll http://ljsin2win.blogspot.com
daily tweet
http://twitter.com/wiscmom24/status/12880151136
denise_22315 at yahoo dot com
We use pressure locks on our under sink cabinets.
Twitter follower ky2here1, here’s my tweet:
http://twitter.com/ky2here1/status/12908435809
tweeted http://twitter.com/ljshores/status/12920857248
I’ve recently switched to natural cleaners.
Email subscriber.
daily tweet
https://twitter.com/wiscmom24/status/12943454663
denise_22315 at yahoo dot com
I keep my family safe from chemicals by purchasing organic produce
I follow you on twitter(terri142)and tweeted!
http://twitter.com/terri142/status/12962446759
I subscribe to your blog via email!
We use non-antibacterial soap and wash our hands often to protect ourselves!
I have become very chemically sensitive so I am moving away from dyes, perfumes and harsh cleaners.
I clean with only non toxic and organic cleaners and detergents to keep my family and pets safer.
Thank you so much for the chance to win.
jweezie43[at]aol[dot]com
I have favored your blog via Technorati as jsc123.
jweezie43[at]aol[dot]com
I am subscribed via email as jweezie43[at]aol[dot]com.
I try to cook whole foods from scratch. I also try to by local and organic produce. I have tried making my own cleaners with mixed results. I love 7th Generation products.
tweeted http://twitter.com/ljshores/status/12980335802
I keep my family safe from chemicals by avoiding them the best i can. I use mainly green products.
Email subscriber.
daily tweet
http://twitter.com/wiscmom24/status/13005897094
denise_22315 at yahoo dot com
To stay away from chemicals, we use natural products and try to eat organic
We buy green products to protect our family.
I buy natural cleaners and use a lot of baking soda and vinegar.
I’m switching over to natural cleaners when the chemical ones run out.
I clean with baking soda and vinegar
We currently make our cleaning supplies from items found in our pantry!
I keep my family safe from chemicals by cleaning the floor and counter tops with vinegar. Also, we have a water filter now, so that keeps us from drinking out of the plastic water bottles.
I am following you on Twitter and tweeted: http://twitter.com/shereck/status/13036473559
I protect my family from chemicals by not using them unless absolutely necessary, and keeping them out of the home or stored safely out of sight
*Thanks* for the giveaway!
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tweeted http://twitter.com/ljshores/status/13043730698
I never use chemical cleaners when anyone else is home
I keep my family safe by using as many natural cleaning products as possible.
rsgrandinetti@yahoo(DOT)com
I try to keep them free from chemicals by using natural products when possible. I’ve been trying different green/chemical free products searching for some that can effectively replace the ones I was using. Thanks.
When I use a chemical cleaner, I rinse the area with plain water afterwards, and dry it, too.
i try use baking soda and vinegar when i can
im following u @purplelover04 and i tweeted http://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/13052785023
I use al natural cleaning products and grow organic vegetables in my garden. Thanks.
The cleaning products are out of reach. We have been slowly turning to greener cleaners but still they are out of reach as well. Thanks!
daily tweet
http://twitter.com/wiscmom24/status/13067721289
denise_22315 at yahoo dot com
We have tried to use all natural cleaners like baking soda and vinegar.
I have switched to using steam cleaners as much as possible, I have a HAAN Stream Cleaner and The Shark for my floors.
I use seventh generation products!
ardelong2(at)gmail(dot)com
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ardelong2(at)gmail(dot)com
I use natural cleaning products like vinegar and baking soda
follow and tweeted
http://twitter.com/susan1215/status/13081305022
We try to use homemade cleaners instead of the chemical filled traditional cleaners! Vinegar and water is a favorite!
I use a steam cleaner for the kitchen and bathroom floors as well as the tub and shower.
I’m an email subscriber.
We only use green cleaning supplies.
i clean with natural products mostly and things, such as chemicals, i keep high on the shelf.
follow you on twitter @majameza
http://twitter.com/MajaMeza/status/13092276120
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i use a steam mop to keep chemicals off my floors
Well the truth is that I usually dont bring these type of cleaners into the house thats how I keep them safe from chemicals.
Subscribed by e-mail
tweeted http://twitter.com/ljshores/status/13101211303
only use mild cleaners.
We try to buy organic as much as possible and use natural cleaners
I keep them all locked up.
I try not to use chemicals around my house.I
clean with vinegar and baking soda
Following and Tweet:Swtlilchick
http://twitter.com/Swtlilchick/status/13111232662
Fave you on Technorati (Swtlilchick)
I subscribe via email
I use natural cleaners. I keep chemicals out of childre’s reach in the garage.
we try to make our own cleaning supplies