Yep, we’re giving away a ton of cool stuff courtesy of Seventh Generation. Squeee! It would take me about 5000 words to tell you about all of their products so I’m just going to highlight a couple of their baby items today, like the Seventh Generation wipes which are, hands down, my favorite brand. Their wipes are always really moist (especially the ones that come in the fill packs…my advice is to get those and forget buying the new box every time). Their disposable diapers aren’t bad either. (Did I just say disposable and diaper in the same sentence?) Oh yes, that’s right. I *gasp* do use disposables. I cannot tell a lie. I’ve also used cloth, as well, and go back and forth. Admittedly, I’m not perfect — so, if like me, you set out intending to use cloth diapers but you don’t quite make it happen and you’re looking for something disposable, then Seventh Generation is a pretty good option. First off, they work well. I have yet to have a leak and I have used them with my son overnight, after a marathon breastfeeding session, so I consider them well-tested! The diapers are fragrance-free, hypo-allergenic, and latex-free. Additionally, the wipes are hypo-allergenic, whitened without chlorine bleach, unscented and alcohol free. Also, because their diapers and wipes are chlorine-free, they won’t contribute to toxic dioxin pollution. In the name of full disclosure, Seventh Generation diapers, like other disposable diapers, are made with man-made materials that are petroleum-derived (not so great). So yes, cloth is definitely the greenest option, but if you’re not quite ready to do cloth yet, Seventh Generation is worth a look!

Find It Here: Seventh Generation

Win It! Win an awesomely huge prize package of Seventh Generation products worth $140, including a package of diapers and wipes; phosphate and chlorine free automatic dishwasher detergent; natural kitchen cleaner; natural all-purpose cleaner; natural glass and surface cleaner; natural shower cleaner; natural toilet bowl cleaner’ natural tub and tile cleaner; and natural laundry detergent. Click here to fill out our simple entry form. Just enter “SG55” as the giveaway name and provide the answer to this question: What is the name of your favorite Seventh Generation product? U.S. and Canadian residents eligible. Enter by 10/17/08.

By Cristina, October 8, 2008  
Filed under: Biodegradable, Clean, Win

Oh, the joys of school being in full swing… Just yesterday when I picked up my preschooler, I witnessed the germy wonders of pre-k learning which included mud being molded into pancakes, runny noses and shared sticky snacks — totally germolicious. However, there was a beacon of hope or rather a small 2oz pump bottle of  it… Clean George was quickly whipped out of the back pack and sprayed into several little hands. What the heck is Clean George, you ask? Well, it’s an awesome all natural and alcohol free hand purifier lotion that is good for humans and good for the planet! The mere mention of the three available scents, Grapefruit n’ Sage, Mint-alyptus & Lovin’ Lavender, will make you want to use some just so you can covertly sniff your hands! Created by a passionate gal who loves cleans hands and a clean planet, Clean George contains all natural oils with antibacterial properties, no harsh chemicals and it has some serious moisturization packed inside, too. It’s also kid friendly and does not promote germ resistance (although the “Sage” scent is not recommended for pregnant women). Priced at around $11.99 per bottle, I can tell you that it last for about 400 scentsational sprays and then some!

Find it Here: Clean George

By Deb, October 2, 2008  
Filed under: Clean, Kids

When I found out that the chemicals used in conventional disinfectants can be toxic, I was compelled to start searching for safer alternatives. At least one mom out there has taken it a step further and has created and bottled her own non-toxic disinfectant! Mompreneur Christine Stewart developed her All-Natural Alternative to Antibacterial Disinfectants after finding out about the health hazards of using chemical cleaners. Modeled after the well-known Vinegar of the Four Thieves formula, Christine’s disinfectant is made from white distilled vinegar and certified-organic herbs and spices grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers. That means you can spray it all over your house to kill germs and never have to worry about what kind of chemicals you (and your kids) are breathing in or getting on your skin. I’m actually considering sending a case of this stuff to my sister — she’s just completed a twelve step program for Lysol abuse and needs a good alternative.

Find It Here: For My Kids

Congratulations to Shirley, Bree, Beth and Kelly, winners of a bottle of All-Natural Alternative to Antibacterial Disinfectants courtesy of For My Kids!

By Izzy, June 23, 2008  
Filed under: Clean, Organic, Win

Replacing blades for my husband’s razor was as expensive as filling the tank — well, until *that* started costing as much as our monthly grocery bill. I decided to nip it in the bud the other day when I discovered this super new recycled-materials razor by Preserve (they also make those awesome recycled toothbrushes). It’s far less expensive for the replacement blades, and you can use the packaging to return the razor handle for recycling (postage prepaid!) when it’s time to send it to razor handle heaven. The husband is pretty pleased — he’s loving it en tandem with this shaving oil — and I’m pretty pleased because hair removal and eco-cool and wallet-friendly all in one shot? What’s not to love?

Find It Here: Preserve Everyday

By Debbie, May 31, 2008  
Filed under: Clean, Dads, Him, Recycle, Reduce/Reuse

Tea tree oil comes from the leaves of the plant Melaleuca Alternifolia and is native to Australia. With it’s antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal and antiseptic properties, tea tree oil makes a great all-natural household cleaner.

All-Purpose Cleaner: Use 15 drops of tea tree oil to 1 quart of water in a spray bottle. Use on counter tops or for general cleaning.

Mold Killer: Combine 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil in 2 cups of water in a spray bottle. Shake to blend. Spray on mold and don’t rinse.

Laundry Disinfectant: Add one teaspoon of tea tree oil per load to disinfect laundry such as diapers or to prevent transmission of fungal infections.

Happy green cleaning!

Find It Here: Healthy and Green Living

Do you have a great green cleaning recipe that really works? Share it with us in our brand-spankin’ new GMF Forum!

By Amy, May 25, 2008  
Filed under: Clean, Home, Resources, Tips

Did you know that many conventional household cleaners contain chemicals that are more dangerous and toxic than the germs we are trying to avoid by using them? According to the EPA, some of these toxins have been found to cause cancer in animals and are suspected, or are known, to cause cancer in humans. But before you get too freaked out, I want you to know that you DO have options; there ARE products made by companies who actually care about you, your family and the earth, one of them being Babyganics, which makes cleaning products that are plant based, organic, VOC free, non-caustic, free of harsh chemicals, fillers or dyes and are completely safe for you, your children, pets and the environment. You need it? They got it — all purpose cleaner, glass & surface cleaner, tub & tile cleaner, floor cleaner, dish soap, laundry detergent and even an odor eliminator/air freshener, which is one of the things I miss most since quitting conventional cleaning products. But one thing I won’t ever miss are those nasty chemical odors that we’ve come to think of as “clean smelling.” Now clean smells like…clean.

Find it Here: Babyganics

Congratulations to Kathie R., winner of a Babyganics Non-Toxic Cleaning Kit, courtesy of Go Natural Baby!

By Izzy, April 18, 2008  
Filed under: Baby, Clean, Home, Organic, Win

As a green mom I’ve got food and yard waste composting down pat, but what about all of the waste that dear old Fido produces? Yep, I’m talking dog doo. It’s a rather unsavory topic but if you have a dog, the doo is part of the deal and since a “Va-poo-rizer” has yet to be invented, the Doggie Dooley Pet Waste Digester System might be the next best thing. Made of heavy-duty plastic, the Doggie Dooley is installed underground and opened using a foot operated lid opener. Like a miniature septic-tank, it’s odorless and reduces pet wastes to a ground absorbing liquid. The Doggie Dooley keeps pet waste out of landfills and best of all — out of your yard — because there’s almost nothing worse than stepping on a canine landmine (except stepping on a canine landmine and tracking it into your house. Ewww!)

Find it Here: Doggie Dooley Pet Waste Digester System

By Amy, April 13, 2008  
Filed under: Clean, Home, Pet, Reduce/Reuse

I’m always looking for ways to green my life and home, especially when it comes to cleaning. I’ve known about the impressive cleaning properties of vinegar for awhile now but was curious about alternatives to detergents, fabric softeners, furniture polish (not that I actually do much furniture polishing), Drano and Comet; the last two being the more deadly of the bunch. And what do you know — I found it all in Healthy Child, Healthy World: Creating A Cleaner, Greener, Safer Home by Christopher Gavigan. Each chapter offers tips to make each area of life a little greener: preparing for baby; safer cleaning throughout the house; choosing, cooking and storing healthier foods; natural body care; safer toys, gear and clothing and so much more, all without breaking the bank. It’s kind of like having a whole neighborhood of green moms right at your fingertips and available 24-7!

Find It Here: Healthy Child, Healthy World

By Kris, March 30, 2008  
Filed under: Clean, Learn, Organic, Read

Finding safe household and body care products is not always an easy task, especially when one of the toxic ingredients you are trying to avoid doesn’t even have to be listed in the ingredients. That’s the case for 1,4-Dioxane, a carcinogenic by-product of the cancer-causing petrochemical ethylene oxide. Researchers have known for a while that 1,4-Dioxane can be found in conventional products, but now we know that it can also be found in some so-called “natural” and “organic” products as well. A new study released by The Organic Consumers Association found 1,4-Dioxane in products made by several well-known “natural” and “organic” brands, such as JASON, Kiss My Face, Giovanni Organic Cosmetics, and Nature’s Gate Organics. On the bright side, there were some products by natural/organic brands that were found to be free of 1,4-Dioxane.

So, how can you avoid purchasing products with 1,4-Dioxane if it’s not even listed as an ingredient? Try these tips: 1) Look for products that bear the “USDA Organic” seal or that are German Natural “BDIH” Certified. These products are not allowed to contain 1,4-Dioxane. 2) Avoid buying products with the following ingredients: myreth, oleth, laureth, ceteareth, any other eth, PEG, polyethylene, polyethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene, or oxynol.

Want more info?

Find It Here: Organic Consumers Association Results of Testing for 1,4 Dioxane

We realize that news alerts like this are anything BUT fabulous but in the continued interest of helping you green your world and keep your family safe, we feel it’s important to post them if they are relevant to our readers. We will resume our regularly scheduled eco-fabulousness tomorrow. Over and out!

By Cristina, March 18, 2008  
Filed under: Clean, Eat, Home, Learn, Organic, Resources, Tips

Tired of lugging around those plastic behemoths of detergent? Hate dealing with the messy powdered stuff? Then you’re going to love these tidy little detergent packets called Dropps that aren’t just amazingly convenient but earth-friendly, as well. Simply drop the pre-measured packet of liquid detergent right into the washer — one for small loads and two for large loads. No measuring, no mess and best of all they’re free of chlorine, phosphates, NPE’s and completely biodegradable. Additionally, thanks to their 6x concentrated form, they will help save tons of water every year, as compared to liquid detergents. And hello? No more ginormous plastic bottles!

My laundry is now fabulous — light, fresh and clean. And guess what? You, too, can share in the Dropps experience because they’re giving away samples! For free!

Find It Here: Dropps

Congratulations Kevin K, lucky winner of a year supply of Dropps Laundry Detergent!

By Debbie, March 17, 2008  
Filed under: Biodegradable, Clean, Home, Reduce/Reuse, Win

A natural and non-toxic dishwashing liquid that actually works on grease, Dishmate by Earth Friendly Products contains no dyes, no artificial scents, no petroleum-based chemicals and it biodegrades quickly and completely so it’s as easy on the environment as it is on your hands. Just a small squirt of this highly concentrated dishwashing liquid is all you need to wash your dishes and, as a total bonus…it can be used to gently clean hand-washable clothes, too. Earth Friendly Products is a family-owned company that sources it’s ingredients locally, does not test on animals and won the 2003 Socially Responsible Business Award for their ethical business practices. Can the multinational conglomerates that make those heavily perfumed and synthetically colored dishwashing soaps make such a claim? We’re thinking not.

Find It Here: Earth Friendly Products

By Kris, March 8, 2008  
Filed under: Biodegradable, Clean, Home

Keeping my toddler’s hands clean just got a little easier (and safer) thanks to CleanWell’s foaming hand wash. This non-toxic, non alcohol-based hand wash is a great alternative to those other run-of-the-mill antibacterial soaps. CleanWell products kill germs without the use of toxic or artificial chemicals, and unlike most other anti-bacterial soaps, CleanWell does not contain alcohol or Triclosan, which has been linked to a number of health concerns. Additionally, they’re free of artificial colors, artificial fragrances and parabens and are readily biodegradable and certified cruelty-free. But the best part is yet to come….*drumroll please*…my toddler can use this hand soap really easily thanks to the fact that it pumps out in a nice foamy lather. His hands are now super clean and his mommy is super happy!

Find It Here: CleanWell (also available at Target stores)

Congratulations to our 10 winners (Phyllis, Dana, Heather, Andrea, Emily, Liz, Jenna, Michelle, Lucy and Juliana) who are each getting a bottle of handwash in their choice of scent! 

By Cristina, February 25, 2008  
Filed under: Clean, Kids, Win