Seventh Generation and MyBlogSpark

I know who wants cleaning products for Mother’s Day? Well, if your trying to go green or worried about your family’s health with other products you might. I know a stretch, but still a great gift to win for yourself.

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:

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. I am throwing away(well not in the garbage, my husband will take it somewhere and do it properly)all my old cleaners.

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.

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. I haven’t bought any paper towels in probably 6-9 months! It takes a little getting used too, but well worth it!

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. I read, you can even put them in the dishwasher too!

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.
I received, courtesy of Seventh Generation through MyBlogSpark, 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.

Would you like to win the same?

To enter, tell me what you are doing to keep your family safe from chemicals.

Additional entries are as follows:
2 extra entries – Subscribe to my newsletter. (leave 2 comments)( you will need to activate your subscription in order for entry to be valid)
2 extra entries – Blog about this giveaway on your blog or website, or tweet about it. Please leave a link to post.( leave 2 comments) (include @mommyhastowork for tweets)
1 extra entries – Follow my new blog – Mommy’s Reviews and More
1 extra entry – add my button to your blog and leave a link
1 extra entry – Follow this blog
1 extra entry – Follow me on www.twitter.com/mommyhastoworkand/or
become a friend/fan on Facebook

Contest ends April 30th at 9:00pm EST. Winner will chosen by Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond. US shipping only.I was not paid to do this review, however I did receive the above mentioned package for review and this did not affect my opinion. I would like to thank Seventh Generation through MyBlogSpark for the prize pack, information, and giveaway.

Anne

I'm a mother of 2 who likes to get involved in too much! Besides writing here I started a non-profit, I'm on the PTO board, very active in my community and volunteer in the school. I enjoy music, reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with my family. We just adopted our 3rd cat and love them all!

More Posts

Comments

  1. Love the sponge and microwave tip – I had never heard of it…. Great idea.

    love to you
    kelly
    http://www.ivebecomemymother.com

  2. Frugal Science Gal says

    We use reusable water bottles and glass storage containers. This keeps them away from chemicals that can leach into your food and water through the plastics.

    frugalsciencegal [at] gmail [dot] com

  3. Frugal Science Gal says

    I follow this blog.

    frugalsciencegal [at] gmail [dot] com

  4. I am trying to use all natural green cleaning products!

    Ulkieab at gmail dot com

  5. I follow your new blog

    Ulkieab at gmail dot com

  6. I am a follower of this blog

    Ulkieab at gmail dot com

  7. I totally did away with all household cleaning products. I now use only vinegar and baking soda.

  8. I subscribe via email

  9. Right now, I'm making the switch to natural cleaners. I have a 4 month old and I just don't want him breathing all the chemicals
    loobyamy(at)yahoo(dot)com

  10. I get your email updates
    loobyamy(at)yahoo(dot)com

  11. I get your email updates
    loobyamy(at)yahoo(dot)com

  12. I follow this blog
    loobyamy(at)yahoo(dot)com

  13. I follow the new blog
    loobyamy(at)yahoo(dot)com

  14. I am am email subscriber.
    sunniewoody plus2@msn.com

  15. I am starting to get natural cleaners, but not a whole lot. sunniewoody plus2@msn.com

  16. We participate in an organic produce co-op.

  17. I am an email subscriber.

  18. Right now we don't do anything, but I think this would be a great way to start.

    mrs.manley@gmail.com

  19. I follow this blog.

    mrs.manley@gmail.com

  20. cdziuba@aol.com I am staying away from buying processed foods, and try to have nothing but natural/organic foods in the house.

  21. cdziuba follow on Twitter

  22. follow

  23. Facebook fan carol p dziuba

  24. button ceeceeblogger.blogspot.com

  25. email subscriber 1

  26. email subscriber 2

  27. Follow new blog – Mommy's Reviews and More

  28. Pinching Abe says

    I've switched to an eco friendly dishwasher detergent.

  29. Pinching Abe says

    subscribed via email

  30. Pinching Abe says

    subscribed via email (and verified it 😉

  31. Pinching Abe says

    following via google friend

  32. we are trying all natural remedies to get rid of pests, i learned the other day that ants hate chili pepper, so ive been spreading it where they like to hang out

  33. i am a google friend connect follower of mommys reviews and more
    ohhhfire@hotmail.com

  34. i am a google friend connect follower of this blog
    ohhhfire@hotmail.com

  35. i am a twitter follower
    @ohhhfire
    ohhhfire@hotmail.com

  36. i am a email subscriber 1
    ohhhfire@hotmail.com

  37. i am an email subscriber 2
    ohhhfire@hotmail.com

  38. i just started an organic garden
    oheeyore at hotmail dot com

  39. email subscriber 1
    oheeyore at hotmail dot com

  40. email subscriber 2
    oheeyore at hotmail dot com

  41. blog follower
    oheeyore at hotmail dot com

  42. twitter follower @yourstowin
    oheeyore at hotmail dot com

  43. Hi there…I am your newest follower

  44. I clean a lot with baking soda. It's a wonderful cleaner!
    sweeps327(at)gmail(dot)com

  45. Email subscriber #1
    sweeps327(at)gmail(dot)com

  46. Email subscriber #2
    sweeps327(at)gmail(dot)com

  47. I follow Mommy's Reviews and More
    on Google Friend Connect
    sweeps327(at)gmail(dot)com

  48. I follow this blog on Google Friend Connect
    sweeps327(at)gmail(dot)com

  49. I follow you on Twitter @splashesofgrace
    sweeps327(at)gmail(dot)com

  50. Tweet #1: http://twitter.com/splashesofgrace/status/12616561437
    sweeps327(at)gmail(dot)com

  51. Tweet #2: http://twitter.com/splashesofgrace/status/12616561437
    sweeps327(at)gmail(dot)com

  52. hockey_mum says

    I use vinegar to clean with.

  53. I have stopped buying soaps with harsh chemicals and am using natural products to clean my home

    tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com

  54. Texa$aver says

    I would love this giveaway! I use some natural chemical-free cleaners like Method to wash hands and counters.

  55. Texa$aver says

    I have subscribed to your email newsletter.

  56. Texa$aver says

    I have subscribed to your email newsletter (2nd entry).

  57. Texa$aver says
  58. Texa$aver says

    I blogged about the giveaway here:

    http://texasaver.blogspot.com/2010/04/great-giveaways-going-on-now.html

    (2nd entry)

  59. Texa$aver says

    I now follow your other website through Google connect.

  60. Texa$aver says

    I added your blog button to my blog.

    http://texasaver.blogspot.com/

  61. Texa$aver says

    I follow this website through Google connect.

  62. Texa$aver says

    I now follow you on facebook!

  63. My latest order from Alice included all "green" cleaning products, including laundry soap, window cleaner, and all purpose cleaner. I also found pesticide-free ways to get rid of ants and snails!

  64. I subscribe to your newsletter #1

  65. I subscribe to your newsletter #2

  66. I follow Mommy's Reviews via GFC

  67. I follow this blog on GFC

  68. I have your button on my right sidebar: my1littleworld.blogspot.com

  69. i've been switching over to all green products when i run out of something.
    polly
    pkeintz@gmail.com

  70. follow gfc
    polly
    pkeintz@gmail.com

  71. email subscriber #1
    polly
    pkeintz@gmail.com

  72. email subscriber #2
    polly
    pkeintz@gmail.com

  73. jakiesmom says

    i am trying more and more new green chemicals to replace my old ones, and i only clean the bathroom at night when my son is asleep cause of the smell
    nannypanpan@sbcglobal.net

  74. jakiesmom says

    e-mail subscriber

  75. jakiesmom says

    e-mail subscriber 2

  76. i try and use all natural laundry detergent and cleaners when i can afford to

    cbrocious1984@gmail.com

  77. im subscribed entry 1

    cbrocious1984@gmail.com

  78. subscribed entry 2

    cbrocious1984@Gmail.com

  79. i follow your new blog

    cbrocious1984@gmail.com

  80. follow this blog

  81. i follow u on twitter @lovemy21b

    cbrocious1984@gmail.com

  82. fan u on facebook

    cbrocious1984@gmail.com

  83. Michele P. says

    I am trying to use more natural cleaning products, and using things like vinegar for some cleaning.

    micaela6955 at msn dot com

  84. Michele P. says

    your twitter follower @micaela6955

    micaela6955 at msn dot com

  85. Michele P. says

    tweeted #1 http://twitter.com/micaela6955/status/12852485764

    micaela6955 at msn dot com

  86. Michele P. says

    tweeted #2 http://twitter.com/micaela6955/status/12852485764

    micaela6955 at msn dot com

  87. i am trying to switch over to organic cleaning products
    emmy1981 at aol dot com

  88. fb fan!
    emmy1981 at aol dot com

  89. I have totally stopped one of my worst habits ever…microwaving food in styrofoam containers! One of my friends explained to me all the chemicals that are getting into our food from my one lazy habit…I was shocked and have been working hard to remember to never do it!

  90. My family is participating in a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) for the first time this summer. We essentially bought a share of a local farm that doesn't use chemicals/pesticides. I can't wait until we start getting our veggies/fruits/herbs/eggs!

    aseipel at pmmilwaukee dot com

  91. I'm now following your new blog!

    aseipel at pmmilwaukee dot com

  92. I'm now following this blog!

    aseipel at pmmilwaukee dot com

  93. Following you on Twitter! @mamatojj

    aseipel at pmmilwaukee dot com

  94. Fan on FB!

    aseipel at pmmilwaukee dot com

  95. I buy green, child safe products anytime that I can.

    amandasloan (at) gmail (dot) com

  96. It is difficult to keep a child away from chemicals, but I have my daughter wash her hands often, and do not microwave food in plastic containers.

  97. Anonymous says

    Christie
    ropp(dot)5@wright(dot)edu

    I don't clean very often 🙂 🙂 That protects my family from chemicals, but not from dust!

  98. I subscribed to this blog…thanks

  99. I like on Face Book

  100. I love green it is my fave color and I have been going green all my life…my parents raised us semi green…and, I have gone even further…I am soooooooo convinced that chemicals and fragrances are killing people and causing the rise in allergies, cancer, asthma and host of other serious health issues…even those nice smelling fabric sheets…sorry guys, those plug in air freshers…all of it..from paint to plastic…why, it killed my mom…cancer. I don't use anything that has a fragrance, perfumes, makeup, lotions,never use plastic, not even milk…and, my goal this year is to give up meat…I was shocked to learn the enviro damages that are done to the earth with raising typical meats found in all the grocery stores…not to mention the antibiotics and hormones in it, milk, eggs…yikes almost everything…don't understand why we haven't been told the truth about what is going on…I suppose it is as always about money.
    I would love to win this so I can take a break from making my own products…and have wanted to try this product line.
    IF anyone reads this they probably think I am a not…but, I don't think so… 🙂 LOL I am a peaceful activist though.

  101. #2…I became a fan on Stella and Dot too…gosh, what beautiful collections…especially the destination collection and charms…repped you. My fingers are crossed.

  102. also subscribed to your new blog Mommy's Reviews and More

  103. I am not using chemicals on my floor, just water and a microfiber cloth. This is for both my little ones and the pets.

  104. I have been using alot of just vinegar and baking soda to clean with. I have been wanting to try the Seventh Generation. My son is allergic to most chemical brands.

  105. I follow your blog

  106. I subscribe to your newsletter #1

  107. I subscribe to your newsletter #

  108. janetfaye says

    I have started using eco-friendly cleaning products.

    janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

  109. janetfaye says

    1. Subscribed.

    janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

  110. janetfaye says

    2. Subscribed.

    janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

  111. janetfaye says

    I follow your new blog – janetfaye

    janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

  112. janetfaye says

    I follow this blog – janetfaye

    janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

  113. janetfaye says

    I follow you on Twitter – Janetfaye

    janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

  114. janetfaye says

    Facebook fan – Janet Fri

    janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

  115. janetfaye says
  116. janetfaye says
  117. Trying to use more natural cleaning supplies. sandyt77@comcast.net

  118. Cheryl F. {The Lucky Ladybug} says

    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!
    theluckyladybug[at]gmail[dot]com

  119. Cheryl F. {The Lucky Ladybug} says

    Subscribed to Mommy Has to Work by email { 1 }
    theluckyladybug[at]gmail[dot]com

  120. Cheryl F. {The Lucky Ladybug} says

    Subscribed to Mommy Has to Work by email { 2 }
    theluckyladybug[at]gmail[dot]com

  121. Cheryl F. {The Lucky Ladybug} says
  122. Cheryl F. {The Lucky Ladybug} says
  123. Cheryl F. {The Lucky Ladybug} says

    Following Mommy's Reviews and More with Google Friend Connect [Cheryl F. {The Lucky Ladybug}]
    theluckyladybug[at]gmail[dot]com

  124. Cheryl F. {The Lucky Ladybug} says

    The Mommy Has to Work button is in my Blogroll, Buttons K – N
    theluckyladybug[at]gmail[dot]com

  125. Cheryl F. {The Lucky Ladybug} says

    Following Mommy Has to Work with Google Friend Connect [Cheryl F. {The Lucky Ladybug}]
    theluckyladybug[at]gmail[dot]com

  126. Cheryl F. {The Lucky Ladybug} says

    I like Mommy Has to Work on Facebook
    theluckyladybug[at]gmail[dot]com

  127. winterbabe98 says

    I'm using vinegar in the washer with my laundry detergent!
    barbs562 at gmail dot com

  128. winterbabe98 says

    e-mail subscriber, entry #1!
    barbs562 at gmail dot com

  129. winterbabe98 says

    e-mail subscriber. entry #2!
    barbs562 at gmail dot com

  130. winterbabe98 says

    following your new blog!
    barbs562 at gmail dot com

  131. winterbabe98 says

    added your button to my blog!
    http://flmoms-winterbabe98.blogspot.com/

    barbs562 at gmail dot com

  132. winterbabe98 says

    following this blog!! Barb
    barbs562 at gmail dot com

  133. winterbabe98 says

    following you on twitter!

    winterbabe98

    barbs562 at gmail dot com

  134. 3 Boys and an Old Lady says

    I have started using a lot more 'natural' cleaning methods thanks to some kitchen chemistry a friend sent me on Earth Day!

  135. 3 Boys and an Old Lady says

    Panda_SpaceCamp is following you on Twitter.

  136. 3 Boys and an Old Lady says

    1 I subscribe via Feedburner

  137. 3 Boys and an Old Lady says

    2 I subscribe via Feedburner

  138. 3 Boys and an Old Lady says

    I follow – Mommy's Reviews and More & CONGRATS on the new blog!

  139. I really try to avoid using harsh chemical cleaning products in food areas. Who wants to eat that?!

    whitney.lifferth{at}gmail.com

  140. Oh, and I'm a google follower!

    whitney.lifferth{at}gmail.com

  141. Tylerpants says

    To keep my family safe from chemicals, I look for BPA-free items and avoid anything I never heard of or cant pronounce! tylerpants(at)gmail.com

  142. Tylerpants says

    I'm a subscriber. tylerpants(at)gmail.com #1

  143. Tylerpants says

    I'm a subscriber. tylerpants(at)gmail.com #2

  144. Tylerpants says

    I'm a follower. tylerpants(at)gmail.com

  145. Tylerpants says

    I'm a Mommy's Reviews and More follower. tylerpants(at)gmail.com

  146. We are keeping safe from chemicals by trying to use mostly organice products.

    deborah150 at hotmail.com

  147. Christine H says

    We currently use shakely products, ever since It was shown on the Oprah show.
    chirth7@yahoo.com

  148. Christine H says

    2 extra entries – Subscribe to my newsletter. (leave 2 comments)( you will need to activate your subscription in order for entry to be valid)
    comment 1 chirth7@yahoo.com

  149. Christine H says

    subscribe comment 2

    chirth7@yahoo.com

  150. Christine H says

    1 extra entries – Follow my new blog – Mommy's

    chirth7@yahoo.com Christine H

  151. Christine H says

    1 extra entry – Follow this blog

    chirth7@yahoo.com

  152. Christine H says
  153. Christine H says

    become a friend/fan on Facebook
    christine Hundelt hirth

    chirth7@yahoo.com

  154. I'm trying to switch away from harsh chemical cleaners. It's just slow going at the moment!

    lauraoneill69 at yahoo dot com

  155. I follow this blog
    luv2donails@msn.com

  156. I use seventh generation diapers, and cleaners. I make my own baby food, I am breast feeding, we use reusable bags for shopping and we only use glass plates/bowls/cups.

  157. Carolina Girl Mommy says

    We keep all the chemicals locked away and nowhere near where my daughter could get to them

    Desiree
    carolinagirlmommy@gmail.com

  158. Carolina Girl Mommy says

    email subscriber 1

    Desiree
    carolinagirlmommy@gmail.com

  159. Carolina Girl Mommy says

    email subscriber 2

    Desiree
    carolinagirlmommy@gmail.com

  160. Carolina Girl Mommy says

    blog follower

    Desiree
    carolinagirlmommy@gmail.com

  161. Carolina Girl Mommy says

    follow you other blog as well

    Desiree
    carolinagirlmommy@gmail.com

  162. Carolina Girl Mommy says

    twitter follower- WeeShare

    Desiree
    carolinagirlmommy@gmail.com

  163. Carolina Girl Mommy says

    your FB fan- Desiree Glaze

    Desiree
    carolinagirlmommy@gmail.com

  164. Carolina Girl Mommy says
  165. Carolina Girl Mommy says
  166. shannon717717 says

    I child proof my cabnients and store chemicals up high.

    thanks,shannon
    shannpf1977@yahoo.com

  167. shannon717717 says

    subscribe via email

    thanks,shannon
    shannpf1977@yahoo.com
    #1

  168. shannon717717 says

    subscribe via email

    thanks,shannon
    shannpf1977@yahoo.com
    #2

  169. shannon717717 says
  170. shannon717717 says
  171. shannon717717 says

    follow your new blog

    thanks,shannon
    shannpf1977@yahoo.com

  172. shannon717717 says

    follow via gfc
    thanks,shannon
    shannpf1977@yahoo.com

  173. shannon717717 says
  174. shannon717717 says

    follow on twitter @shannon717717
    thanks,shannon
    shannpf1977@yahoo.com

  175. shannon717717 says

    facebook fan shannon flora
    thanks,shannon
    shannpf1977@yahoo.com

  176. miriam dot nussbaum at gmail
    we use dr bronner's pure soap as much as possible, with disinfectants only where needed, and don't use any spray like air freshener

  177. miriam dot nussbaum at gmail
    follow this blog

  178. miriam dot nussbaum at gmail
    Follow Mommy's Reviews and More

  179. I keep my family safe from chemicals by avoiding them when I can and buying organic products instead!

  180. 1 I'm an email subscriber

  181. 2 I'm an email subscriber

  182. I'm a follower

  183. I'm a follower of Mommy's Reviews and More!

  184. Waterlogged says

    We have been slowly switching our cleaning products to greener products.

  185. GrammyMouseTails says

    I do not buy products unless I know I do not have something else at home that will work. I reuse containers that are good or recycle them.
    Faythe @GMT
    gramousetails atgmail .com

  186. GrammyMouseTails says

    I am a new follower to Mommys Reviews & more.
    gramousetails atgmail .com

  187. GrammyMouseTails says

    I follow Mommy has to work.
    gramousetails atgmail com

  188. GrammyMouseTails says

    I get email newsletters.
    gramousetails atgmail com #1

  189. GrammyMouseTails says

    I get email newsletters #2.
    gramousetails atgmail com

  190. crystal says
  191. crystal says
  192. Anonymous says

    if i feel the need to use harsh cleaners, i do it after kids have gone to bed
    onecrypticmama AT yahoo DOT com

  193. The Wife says

    we make our own cleaners and buy organic foods

  194. The Wife says

    following your blog