Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Have a Seventh Generation #HealthyBaby and Healthy Family {Prize Pack Giveaway!}

Seventh Generation Baby logo
There are a few current fads that I wouldn't mind if they quietly slipped away into the vault of What Were We Thinking? (which is currently filled with things like big bangs, stonewashed jeans and trucker hats).

For instance, when the fashion world opens their eyes and realizes that "jeggings" are 1. not attractive on anyone and 2. make you sound like a 12-year-old girl when you say the name, I won't be all that disappointed.

But a trend that is growing in popularity (and that's a good thing) is going green. As more and more companies have realized that consumers want to be eco-friendly and help out the environment, the number of products available in that category continue to rise.

After all, more and more parents everywhere have realized the staggering number of chemicals that all of us, especially children, are exposed to in our everyday lives and the detrimental effects that they cause. Scientific evidence has proven time and again that this exposure causes or contributes to the rise in childhood behavioral disorders and diseases.

Did you know that cancer is now the leading cause of child-related death in the U.S., exceeded only by injury? How can we ignore these stats and not do everything we can to protect our children?

Fortunately, I was recently able to attend a Seventh Generation Healthy Baby online presentation and it really opened my eyes to the effects and impact that our choices make on our children. If you need a major wake-up in your life, I urge you to watch this short video as well:


Amazing, isn't it? Why is it that there are more than 80,000 chemicals registered for use in the U.S., but comprehensive pre-market safety testing of these chemicals is not required under any federal law? Or that the primary U.S. law that regulates chemicals in everyday products hasn't been updated in more than 35 years?

Or, and this is what irks me the most, why is it that in the European Union, 1,328 chemicals have been banned for use in personal care products while in the U.S. only 11 chemicals have been banned or restricted by the FDA? How are we just okay with the other 1,317 chemicals?

toxic chemicals

As much as I'm not overly pleased with the idea of all of the chemical exposure to myself, it makes my stomach turn thinking about how kids are even more susceptible to the risks. With their smaller body size and rapid physical development, children are even more vulnerable to exposure to pesticide residues and other chemicals.

In fact, studies have shown that children begin environmental chemical exposure while still in the womb. In a study of 10 minority newborns, more than 232 chemicals were found in umbilical cord blood. And environmental chemical exposure persists throughout childhood — in a study of 10 children's face paints, all 10 tested positive for lead.

Wait. What? My kids adore having their face painted but all of this time it may have actually been harmful to them?

kids face paint

Unfortunately for many of us parents, it is hard to know where to even begin in lessening the chemical exposure that our families are receiving. However, Healthy Child, Healthy World offers five simple, affordable actions families can take daily at home (and more here):
  • Take off your shoes at the door: 85% of the dirt in our homes is tracked inside on the bottom of our shoes. It’s not just dirt, but toxins like lead, pesticides, gasoline residue and more. Keep your home safer by taking off your shoes, as it is the public health equivalent of washing your hands.
  • Buy safer body care: Children are exposed to an average of 27 care product ingredients on a daily basis that have not been found safe for developing bodies. Protect your family's health by avoiding products with ingredients like parabens, synthetic fragrances and triclosan.
    open windows
  • Open a window: People spend about 90%  of their time inside, but indoor air is typically far more polluted than outside. So, open those windows! Even a few minutes a day can improve indoor air quality.
  • Eat more whole foods: Processed foods may be convenient, but they're also loaded with sweeteners, artificial flavors and colorings, and synthetic preservatives. These lack nutrients and many are also linked to health issues like ADHD and even cancer.
    Stonyfield Organic offers an arrangement of foods for babies, kids and adults; pure, delicious organic yogurts, smoothies, soy yogurts, ice cream and milk. They are all made without synthetic hormones, toxic persistent pesticides, GMOs and artificial ingredients.
  • Ban the can: Bisphenol-A (BPA), a hormone disruptor that has been linked to everything from obesity to cancer, is in the plastic resin that lines most canned goods — from soups to sodas. Look for foods packaged in glass or eat fresh, dried, and frozen options.
Want to take even more steps to eliminate hazards and take precautions that can help benefit us all? Here are even more great tips from Seventh Generation:
  • Read labels to ensure that you are steering clear of harmful ingredients.
  • Avoid vinyl. Vinyl is known as the "poison plastic," so if you can, choose a different tablecloth or shower curtain.
  • Wash fruits and vegetables with water. Using a certain kind of food cleaner might actually be adding chemicals to the foods that you are about to eat.
  • Have a safe home. Make sure your house doesn't have lead paint and that your radon level in your basement is acceptable.
  • Urge Senators to strengthen and pass the Chemical Safety Improvement Act (CSIA). It's easy! Click here to find and message your senator.
  • Find out more and host your own Healthy Baby Home Party to spread awareness of the dangers of chemicals among moms and caregivers (and print out a $1 e-coupon while you're there)!
I was able to see a Healthy Baby Home Party Kit in person and was beyond impressed with the way that it can empower moms with the resources and tools to educate friends and family on how to create the best environment for their baby.

The information, educational materials, party planning tools, and product samples make it easy to educate others on the importance of reducing chemicals of concern in our environment!

Seventh Generation review

So what are you waiting for? Head over to Seventh Generation and Healthy Child, Healthy World to find out how you can better your world!

Plus, join in the Seventh Generation Healthy Baby Twitter Party, which brings Healthy Baby Home Parties online. The home parties were developed in partnership with Healthy Child Healthy World to give moms a platform to share parenting ideas and rally friends around topics that resonate deeply – like creating a healthy environment for our babies and kids.

So head over to the #HealthyBaby hashtag today, Tuesday, June 25th, at 1pm EST to learn great tips and advice for creating a toxin-free home environment for your kids, ingredients to avoid, recommended products and more. There will even be five prizes (of great Seventh Generation products) awarded throughout the party to participants who respond correctly to trivia questions!

Find out more details and RSVP at Twtvite and then I'll see you on Twitter today at 1pm EST!

Twitter Party

Thanks to the generosity of Seventh Generation one person will be also be prepared to make a change for the better, because...

One lucky person will win a Seventh Generation Prize Pack*!

Seventh Generation giveaway
*Prize Pack includes (1) full-size sample of each of the following Seventh Generation products: diapers (size 3 or 4 randomly included), 64ct Baby Wipes, Facial Wipes and Bar Soap. Total ARV $26.46.


I was compensated and provided product from Seventh Generation and The Motherhood for my participation in this campaign, however, all thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.

207 comments:

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Jessica Allen said...

It's important in our household to reduce chemicals because my son has a sensitive immune system & we have a toddler who puts everything in her mouth! Lol.

BrunoDogg2 said...

I always clean with natural cleaners!

MaryAnn said...

I use laundry detergent free of dyes, etc.

Madeline said...

I would like to start cleaning with more natural cleaners!

Madeline

jonesmadelinee@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

i would like to make my own cleaning products-for the counters
tcogbill at live dot com

kelly said...

I'm currently pregnant and as I run out of cleaners with chemicals I'm not replacing them.

Rita M said...

When the budget allows I switch to organic fruits & vegetables.

Unknown said...

I try to avoid cleaning products that contain chemicals...nature has great resources without resorting to harmful chemicals! This has been even more important to me since I am pregnant with our first child!

Cheryl @ Simply Shoeboxes said...

We are actively trying to reduce them in our personal hygiene products and our cleaning products.

cheryl lister said...

would like to avoid chemical bug/weed killers

mecarolks said...

By using natural cleaners

Elaine said...

I like to use all natural cleaners

Andrea said...

Growing our own or buying locally grown organic food!

jen said...

I have been wanting to make my own cleaning products and beauty care items. So far I have mastered the laundry detergent..working on other things :)

Chantelle Knick said...

We're starting to use all natural cleaning products

JC said...

Use natural cleaners, baking soda and vinegar for cleaning.

aperry said...

I want to leave shoes at the door...

Marti Tabora said...

I would like to get away from bleach. I'm a little addicted to cleaning with it.

Mandy said...

I would like to start using non-chemical cleaners, but I am having a hard time adjusting!

Sarah said...

I'd like to start using more natural cleaning products in our home and also on our skin.

ken ohl said...

converting my household cleaning supplies to natural cleaning products. thankyou, ken pohl19@comcast.net

Unknown said...

I would love to use the classic vinegar and water mixture instead of all the chemicals but am having a hard time bringing myself to do it :( We try to buy local produce as much as possible and we grow our own when we can too.

RC name Danielle Papsis

Unknown said...

I would like to start paying better attention to the foods that I allow into our house, and stop artificial ingredients!

Lori Taube
cltaube @ gmail.com

d schmidt said...

I think I could start to grow my own vegetables to reduce our exposure to toxins

CindyWindy2003 said...

going to switch to natural cleaners, even thinking of shampoo replacement heard of baking soda and apple vinegar. also get 7th generation products.

B. Wilson @ Windy {City} Wilsons said...

We're also doing all natural cleaners and vinegar/water mix.

Laurel said...

I've been trying to switch out chemical-filled household cleaners and personal hygiene products with all-natural products. I also try to purchase foods that are all natural or organic.
alwaysneedhim4evr@yahoo.com

Katie said...

i garden pesticide-free and use those fruits/veggies in home cooked meals

SueZH said...

I read the labels on products. Try to stick to natural.

Donna said...

I used dye free cleaners.

Darlene said...

I would like to see the chemicals that food growers use be eliminated.

Stephanie said...

organic food, cleaners, recycle
tvollowitz at aol dot com

Barker's Momma said...

We eat organic as well as make our own body wash, hand soap etc. I would like to find a recipe for making our own shampoo as the ones I have tried so far have not worked.

The Frugal Free Gal said...

We like to use cleaning supplies as chemical free as possible!

Helga said...

I use natural cleaners like Mrs Meyers.

sdavis said...

i want to use chemical free laundry detergent

laurie nykaza said...

i"d use eco friendly cleaning like vinegar lemons etc

Unknown said...

I would like to use more natural sunscreen and bug spray this summer!

Unknown said...

I try to use natural products. Thanks so much for the fantastic giveaway!
Reneewalters3 at yahoo dot com

momtoem said...

We use natural cleaners!

Debra said...

i try to buy all natural products or products that i trust

latanya t said...

use natural products

dawn keenan (newnameford) said...

We try to buy organic cleaners and produce as much as possible.

Unknown said...

I use baking soda to clean instead of high chemical sprays

bettycd said...

when you get sensitive to chemicals you find they are everywhere. My first step in reducing chemicals is returning to drinking water instead of soda or any variety of flavored, sugared, processed drinks.

llinda29 said...

I use mostly water to clean minor things

CAMWinters said...

I'd like to try more natural cleaning products.

K.Pugh said...

I reduce chemicals in our home by using vingear and baking soda for cleaning.
Thanks for the chance.

Growl Tiger said...

I try to buy products without artificial fragrances or colors or preservatives. I use vinegar and lemon and baking soda for cleaning and freshening

Dave said...

I would like to reduce the chemicals in our cleaning solutions, I try but it still seems scary all thats out there

captainliss40 said...

I would like to switch to more organic food.

Unknown said...

baby #3 is on the way and I do not like having toxic chemicals in the house and in the reach of 3 small children

Jenny Q. said...

I always pay attention to what cleaners I buy and what detergents I use

Tamar said...

Well for one thing I like to use water + towels instead of chemicals whenever cleaning unless I absolutely have to.

tina reynolds said...

I have really been making an effort to buy more natural things/products when ever possible.

lgm52 said...

By using more natural products. For example chemical free cleaners or using baking soda & vinegar asa cleaner

Unknown said...

I use natural products, walk not drive, shop farmers markets, recycle, all that good stuff

~The Bargain Babe from *Zucchini Summer Blog* said...

fewer chemical cleaners

susie said...

have fewer low-cal soda and sweeteners.

Marissa M said...

I use organic cleaning products!

Unknown said...

Using natural cleaning products and organic foods

Unknown said...

I would definitely lke to know how to make my own cleaning products.

Austin Baroudi said...

Natural cleaning products!
mcfallsk8er(at)aim(dot)com

Darlene said...

Balance Bar giveaway

Darlene said...

Cocco-Cola giveaway

Unknown said...

by buying organic foods and chemicals

Crazylicious85 said...

Using green cleaning products!

Unknown said...

Awesome contest!
Count me in. Good luck everyone :)

Unknown said...

We're only using natural lawn care products to keep our dogs and future children safer!

MELINA said...

I would like to buy all natural products for cleaning

Unknown said...

we use natural cleaners (vinegar, baking soda, etc) and try to limit our processed food intake. we also do organic gardening. thanks for such a nice prize and giveaway!

Brooke T said...

all natural!!

Anonymous said...

I would like to start using natural cleaners. I also want to start cooking with less processed foods.

Unknown said...

I use natural cleaners for the most part. I'm also using natural pesticides at this moment. I have chickens and other animals that would die if I use regular pesticides. I'm using peppermint oil inside to deter ants and diatomaceous earth outside to kill fleas and other pests around the house.

Rae Nelson said...

I would like to reduce the chemicals I use in our cleaning products by finding natural products that actually work well.

petchk79 said...

I use Norwex products so I can disinfect surfaces without chemicals!

Jennifer T. said...

I'm trying to stay away from PVC and other off-gassing chemicals that are found on lots of new items.
jtmagmom73(at)gmail(dot)com

Vanessa said...

We only eat local organic produce which reduces alot of chemicals in our bodies!

Sara said...

I'd like to reduce chemicals by eating more organic

Jennifer said...

Using different household cleaners

Shayna said...

We try to eat organic foods and use products that don't contain toxins :)

shebebes@yahoo.com

ReviewsSheRote said...

Avoid vinyl.

an unexpected turn said...

We cloth diaper so we don't have to use nasty generic diapers which are filled with chemicals!

Liz said...

I often use organic & natural products. Ive been doing that for quite some time!

Love3570@aol.com

Unknown said...

I use natural cleaning products like vinegar and baking soda. Trying to eat more natural and raw foods too.

Marian said...

I try to maintain a clean house and use natural products as much as I can.

Karen said...

I try to cook organically as much as I can afford to !!

ktgonyea at gmail.com

Jenn Aikens said...

I would love to start cloth diapering. There are so many chemicals in disposables and they have a bad impact on the environment.

Robert said...

WE try to use natural cleaners as much as possible

Unknown said...

I try to use natural products when I can. I still use bleach tho :\

B410berry1 said...

use natural cleaning products

irenec said...

We live in FL and I have 2 furbabies and of course we have bugs down here so we are trying to control the bugs with natural, home remedies.

Brandi said...

We make our own laundry detergent.

Ruby said...

I try to use as many natural products as possible.

Di said...

I'd like to find a good, natural laundry detergent

Tamara said...

I love opening the windows whenever the weather allows and I try to make as many of my household cleaners as possible (using mainly vinegar and baking soda).

Tracie Brown said...

i make my own baby shampoo and hand soap. Also use cloth diapers!

Unknown said...

I would like to reduce the chemicals in the products we use by finding more natural alternatives.

Unknown said...

I would like to use natural hygiene items- shampoo, conditioner, makeup..

Victoria Nyquist said...

I would love to eventually transition to all natural, organic cleaning products. We mostly use this type while cleaning but a few things I would like to start buying more of.

Stacy said...

Since going vegan 12 years ago, I am always trying to find ways to make my life more natural and chemical free.

Rachel said...

by using natural cleaning products

Denise S. said...

I want to start using more green and organic products.

Mirm said...

I use dishes instead of plastic plates/cups.

Tonic67 said...

I use thieves oil and vinegar blend to clean floors and counters instead of harsh chemicals.

reannenny@aol.com
toni marie caravello feimer

Anonymous said...

I use all natural products wherever i can.

Nicole said...

I made my own baby food

Kylie Carlson said...

We've switched to no-VOC paint and planted a small vegetable garden to supplement our groceries

Jessyca said...

We have started buying organic foods, and organic household cleaners to help eliminate. Thanks for the chance.

Unknown said...

We switched to no and low VOC paint.

Unknown said...

We've been starting to use more green products! lexbaylor17 (at) gmail (dot) com

Em Mahr said...

I would like to reduce the chemicals in my house completely. We make sure to wash our hands regularly, remove shoes before entering the house, and are mindful of the ingredients in products and food that we use and consume.

sgilmore01 said...

Eat more whole foods!!

Katrina J said...

I make my own cleaners for my house using vinegar!

Unknown said...

I would like to use more natural products to clean and do laundry

Christine Savinelli said...

Eat more whole foods!

DelaRae said...

I have begun using green cleaning products as well as naturally based beauty and bath products ( I am a Perfectly Posh consultant. Here's a link to my site: http://www.perfectlyposh.us/3682/ )

Shelby said...

I will be making my own cleaning products.

ab82 said...

eating organic when possible

Sunny Barnum said...

I would like to clean with mostly vinegar and baking soda

Unknown said...

Definately by eliminating chemicals in the cleaners I use.

Anne said...

We've been moving toward using BPA-free products, buying organic or at least domestic produce, and avoiding harsh and harmful cleaning products. Thanks for a very interesting blog post.

Unknown said...

Wow, wouldn't it have been nice to have known about this back before we screwed so much of the environment up? lol. Anyway, I think just simply ***taking your shoes off at the door*** is a great and extremely effective idea to put in to practice. What was it, 85% of the dirt in the home gets dragged in off shoes? Believable for sure, but not something you necessarily put much thought into.

Jessica said...

avoid vinyl

Unknown said...

I used to fuss about shoes piling up at the front door. Guess I will change my tune about that. I will also start opening the windows of my house more often.

Unknown said...

I'd like to reduce the number of chemicals in my household cleaners and food.

Unknown said...

Having 5 children I clean a lot! I would love to reduce the unknown harmful chemicals I use to clean up with daily to much more safer products like seventh generation.

AuroraCat said...

I try to read labels, buy organic, and eat more whole foods!

juliemurphy said...

I only use soft scrub cleaner all other are homemade

juliemurphy said...

I only use soft scrub cleaner all other are homemade

Anonymous said...

The aerosols!~ they're terrible!

Thriftyvee said...

I want to try and use more natural products: baking soda, vinegar, etc....

Sadie said...

I like to use vinegar to clean. I would love to have cleaners that are safe for my family.

Unknown said...

We try to eat healthier, more organic foods.

Colleen Maurina said...

We have been trying to change to non-toxic cleaners and laundry detergent in our house.

BrittBrill said...

I plan on cloth diapering to reduce chemicals.

Amanda Leach said...

We have started making our own laundry detergent to cut down on what on comes in contact with our skin.

Unknown said...

Using natural cleaning solutions & re-using biodegradable food & drink containers

amanda whitley said...

i have been starting to use green cleaning products

Shelley Q said...

As I need to replace cleaning products I would like to choose green products.

Treesa said...

We grow our own garden

cc_girly(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

I have been wanting to make my own cleaning products

Kim said...

Eating more whole foods.

family home with love and prayers said...

I am a mom of three looking to use less chemicals in my house!

Anonymous said...

We use all natural cleaners in the house

jmatek AT wi DOT rr DOT com

Anonymous said...

I want to keep my children safe from chemicals and anything unsafe - whether it be diapers or cleaners or food. It's not easy but you just have to do the best you can !

Katrina

nicolesender said...

I have a garden & I don't use insecticides.
nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

Roy F. said...

I would like to use safer natural cleaning products

Katie B said...

use less chemicals while cleaning

Kristy Thiel said...

I would like to use more all natural products in my house for cleaning.

Athena said...

I would like to reduce the chemicals by making my own products or using all natural/organic products as much as possible.

Katherine said...

I'd like to use a non-toxic cleaner to clean my bath tub

Robyn said...

All natural bug spray and sunscreen!

Melanie said...

I would love for meat to be handled differently. Less medicines, more natural, grain fed instead of corn fed, etc.

Kerry said...

I'd like to use more natural cleaners in the home. I use vinegar water in the kitchen.

fresh modern said...

Using natural cleaning products helps!!

Christine Sutor

fresh modern said...

Using natural cleaning products helps!!

Christine Sutor

Unknown said...

We make our own detergents, we don't use or eat anything with preservatives any longer...we have given up pop, fats food, processed convenience items... and I think we are all the healthier for it.

sweetsue said...

I have a floor steamer and don't use anything accept water to clean my floors.

Ryan said...

Using water steamer to clean floors and vinegar to disinfect.

Sherry said...

I use natural cleaning products.

Deal Bunny said...

we use natural cleaning products,and are transitioning into using natural bath and body products. it's trial and error

Tiffany Schmidt said...

Reusable cleaning rags

Unknown said...

We try to avoid artificial sweeteners and food dyes. I also use rewashable rags instead of paper towels unless it's something horrible like dog poo.

Unknown said...

We try to be as natural as possible with cleaning supplies, foods, health and beauty aids.

Conor said...

We try to use as few chemicals as possible when cleaning, and we make sure to wash our car with as few chemicals as possible

erica said...

Unfortunately my area has a huge spike in Puppies dying from Parvo so we have to keep bleaching down everything, our puppy just got her first round of shots and isn't truly protected from it yet, but maybe we could cut down chemicals in our laundry?

Traci said...

I hate using bleach, I wish there was something just as strong but without all the chemicles.

joyh82 said...

Using or making natural cleaners.

Kitty said...

I cook with fresh, organic produce!

Jennifer said...

We use vinegar and baking soda for a lot of our cleaning.

jennylovesjeff (at) hotmail (dot) com

Thriving not just surviving said...

I have always been good about using all natural ways to clean the house. The thing that I need to change is bug spray. We get ants really bad in the summer and all the natural ways I have tried haven't worked so we have been using the bad chemical stuff and they just make me so sick!
Thanks for this giveaway!

Rambles of a SAHM said...

We make food from scratch more often now!

Kaila said...

I would like to start using green cleaners.

Unknown said...

We try to buy organic whenever we can

annies home said...

we have started eating more organic grown foods to stay away from chemicals in our foods

Amy Z said...

I'm starting to buy skincare products and shampoos/conditioners that are paraben-free and have less chemicals.

EverythingSarah said...

ive been trying to switch to eco friendly storage containers and to eat organically as much as i can
crazyweirdo33@yahoo.com

Bo said...

We try to eat organic produce, dairy and eggs and have reduced our consumption of meat. We also buy eco-friendly cleaning products and laundry detergent.

maryjaco1 said...

I buy organic veggies and grass fed beef. I also try to use natural cleaning products.

Melanie said...

My daughter has sensitivity to soaps, bubble baths, etc. I have to use dye-free and more natural soaps for our family.

Kathy K said...

I use vingear and baking soda for cleaning when I can,and use natural insect repellents.

Anonymous said...

By using all-natural products for cleaning and laundry around my home. Homemade products, when using the right ingredients are much better than store bought products. And they're safer too.

Dee Mauser
http://www.bellasavvy.net
bellasosavvyATgmailDOTcom

Anonymous said...

I would love to switch all of our grocery and produce items to all organic.

curvacious said...

We just try to cut out what we can, especially as we learn about new things. One way we've recently changed is by using zinc oxide based sunscreens as many of the other common sunscreens have endocrine disrupting chemicals in them.

Unknown said...

We drink a lot of juices from vegetables and fruits in our home to flush our body of chemicals.

cman said...

Almost everything is homemade.

Teresa Thompson said...

I buy organic every chance I get.

Deb S. said...

I would like to use more organic cleaning supplies.

Anonymous said...

We are starting to do clean eating and making our own cleaning products

Unknown said...

I would really love to stop using so many cleaning products made with chemicals.

Unknown said...

I would like to find a toilet cleaner that works but is chemical free.

brendaelsner said...

I would like to start with using cleaning products that are all natural.

Erica C. said...

I'd like to ride my bike more.
ericacarnes(at)gmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

We are in the process of starting our own indoor garden (apartment) so that we can control our food :)

Belinda said...

I'd like to use more natural cleaning products like vinegar instead of ones with harsh chemicals

Kathy P said...

we like to use natural products as much as we can

blew415 said...

use all natural products

wallindeb said...

I would like to eat all organic, but I can't afford to do that right now.

/\Heather/\ said...

I'm a fan of steam cleaning, so I reduce the chemicals used significantly.

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