We're big Seventh Generation devotees in this house, and I've blogged about their wonderful, green products on this blog in the past. If you've never heard of the company, they make eco-friendly cleaning and laundry supplies, as well as baby items like diapers, wipes, and more. They're really an amazing company, and we purchase their products all the time, especially their dish detergent.
As a member of My Blog Spark, I was given the opportunity to test out their liquid laundry detergent and fabric softener. To be honest, I already use Seventh Generation detergent in the laundry, but was really interested in conducting a little experiment with optical brighteners, comparing it to a conventional brand of detergent.
So what's the deal with optical brighteners? According to Seventh Generation,
"Optical brighteners are synthetic chemicals that make fabrics appear to glow in the presence of ultraviolet light. They don't have anything to do with getting things clean— they're only added to detergents to make us think our laundry is brighter and whiter than it really is."
~They can rub off on skin, causing sunburn-like irritation
~They wash into our waters and survive treatment facilities, accumulating in fish and water.
Not something you want to be wearing on your skin, huh?
I received a black light and 2 organic cotton shirts as testers, and washed one with Seventh Generation liquid detergent,
and the other with Target's brand of detergent. I added a hot sauce stain, just to test out the power of the detergents, along with the use of optical brighteners.
After washing, the results of the optical brightener test weren't so apparent to me, even under a black light.
You can see that the conventional detergent is only slightly brighter, however it's possible that Target's generic brand of detergent just can't afford to add optical brighteners and keep the detergent budget-priced. However, I'd like to try this on one of the big brands, that is if I can allow them into my home again, lol.
Testing photos from My Blog Spark made the difference between Seventh Generation laundry detergent and conventional ones much more apparent.
Regarding the second part of my experiment, when I checked the stains, I was pleasantly surprised that the one washed in the Seventh Generation detergent was gone,
while Target's brand still had a bit of residue, which is hard to see in the photo, but trust me, it's there.
I'm really pleased that our go-to detergent fared so well in the tests. No optical brighteners, good stain removal power, and considering we have mineral-rich water in our house, I'm happy to see that the detergent cleans well, and is easy on the environment.
Additionally, you can get a $1 off coupon for their laundry products by clicking here.
WIN IT!
Want to conduct your own experiment? Seventh Generation is providing a set of laundry products for one lucky reader.
To Enter
Visit Seventh Generation and leave a comment here telling me how you try to be eco-friendly in your household or your favorite tip for keeping your family healthy at home.
Extra Entries (you must complete the first mandatory entry before doing the extras. Also, leave a separate comment for each one):
~Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link (2 entries)
~Subscribe to my updates
~If you're a Fan of Katydid and Kid on Facebook leave a comment letting me know
~If you're a Fan of Seventh Generation on Facebook, leave a comment letting me know
~Follow my blog publicly via Google Friend Connect
~Follow @SeventhGen on Twitter
~Follow @katydidandkid and tweet this giveaway, leaving a link to your tweet in the comments. You can tweet once per day (leave a comment each day). You can copy and paste my tweet if you'd like: Win an assortment of eco-friendly, laundry products from @SeventhGen. Free of optical brighteners!
You must do the first entry in order to enter ("I want to win, thanks!" comments will NOT be considered). You will have until Sunday January 16th at 11:59pmEST to enter. The winner will be chosen via random number generator the next day and notified by email.I'll also post the winners on my blog HERE. If I don't hear back from the winner within 72 hours, I'll pick another.
Disclosure: I received liquid laundry detergent, fabric softener, 2 t-shirts and a black light from Seventh Generation though My Blog Spark for participating in this campaign.
Examples of Color Blocking in Decor
my fav tip for keeping family healthy is wash wash wash your hands, take vitamins, exercise!
ReplyDeletejmatek AT wi DOT rr DOT com
GFC follower
ReplyDeletejmatek AT wi DOT rr DOT com
LIKE u on FB: JUlie Matek
ReplyDeletejmatek AT wi DOT rr DOT com
LIKE Seventh Generation on FB: Julie M
ReplyDeletejmatek AT wi DOT rr DOT com
follow seventh generation on twitter: jmatek
ReplyDeletejmatek AT wi DOT rr DOT com
My favorite tip for keeping my family healthy is to clean with nontoxic products!
ReplyDeleteI'm a Fan of Seventh Generation on Facebook
ReplyDeleteI follow Seventh Generation on Twitter.
ReplyDeleteI ♥ Seventh Generation!
ReplyDeleteUsing their products on the floor is one way I keep my silly girls from getting sick. because they are constantly eating, or licking the floor :O)
We try to be eco-friendly by using homemade natural cleaning products like a mixture of water, vinegar, and baking soda.
ReplyDeleteandreapaetkau at gmail dot com
I follow your blog publicly via Google Friend Connect!
ReplyDeleteandreapaetkau at gmail dot com
I follow @SeventhGen on Twitter! (@ampaetka)
ReplyDeleteandreapaetkau at gmail dot com
I follow you on twitter and tweeted! http://twitter.com/ampaetka/status/23523893775962112
ReplyDeleteandreapaetkau at gmail dot com
We stay green by buying recycled paper products.
ReplyDeleteroblyn66 at yahoo dot com
washing full loads and recycling all we can
ReplyDeleteTips From Sue: How To Load a Dishwasher
ReplyDeleteemail
ReplyDeletefb you
ReplyDeleteGFC follow back
ReplyDeletehttp://aromaticspace150.blogspot.com/
button here
ReplyDeletehttp://aromaticspace150.blogspot.com/
I use reusable grocery bags and no bottled water!
ReplyDeletecrazyhippiegirl1@aol.com
Became a fan of Katydid and Kid on FB (Miranda Marchese)
ReplyDeletecrazyhippiegirl1@aol.com
Following 7th Generation on FB (Miranda Marchese)
ReplyDeletecrazyhippiegirl1@aol.com
Followed on Google Friend Connect
ReplyDeletecrazyhippiegirl1@aol.com
Following 7th Generation on twitter (mirandatweets)
ReplyDeletecrazyhippiegirl1@aol.com
We have starting eating a lot more organic foods, and using more eco friendly household items.
ReplyDeletejessycafoster@hotmail.com
GFC follower. Jessyca Foster
ReplyDeletejessycafoster@hotmail.com
I like you on facebook. Jessyca Foster
ReplyDeletejessycafoster@hotmail.com
I like Seventh Generation on facebook. Jessyca Foster
ReplyDeletejessycafoster@hotmail.com
I follow you and tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/Jessyca81/status/23626942116790272
ReplyDeletejessycafoster@hotmail.com
I follow SeventhGen on twitter @jessyca81
ReplyDeletejessycafoster@hotmail.com
we recycle a ton!
ReplyDeletesubscriber
ReplyDeletefollow blog
ReplyDeletetwitter follow them -kgail11
ReplyDeletetheir fan on FB
ReplyDeletetweet http://twitter.com/kgail11/status/23728259963293696
ReplyDeleteI try to be eco-friendly by reducing our use of paper products. We use cloth napkins instead of papertowels and cleaning rags.
ReplyDeletediamond42377{at}gmail{dot}com
I am a Facebook fan of Katydid and Kid
ReplyDeletediamond42377{at}gmail{dot}com
I am a Facebook fan of Seventh Generation
ReplyDeletediamond42377{at}gmail{dot}com
I follow your blog with GFC as Shan
ReplyDeletediamond42377{at}gmail{dot}com
if it's open to Canada...
ReplyDeletemy tip for keeping healthy is wash hands often & don't sneeze into your hands.
taraz9 at excite dot com
We recycle as much as possible and cut down on the use of paper products.
ReplyDeleteDove056 at aol dot com
I'm a fan of Seventh Generation on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteDove056 at aol dot com
I follow Seventh Generation on Twitter. @Dove056
ReplyDeleteDove056 at aol dot com
I follow you on Twitter. @Dove056
ReplyDeleteDove056 at aol dot com
Tweet - http://twitter.com/#!/Dove056/status/23769852493697024
ReplyDeleteDove056 at aol dot com
Keeping healthy is a matter of eating healthy, getting exercise, sleeping well, and getting the vitamins and minterals you need.
ReplyDeleteiridia718 at gmail dot com
We try to be more eco friendly by using cloth instead of paper towels and hanging dry all of our clothes!
ReplyDeletelmerritt49903@gmail.com
email subscriber
ReplyDeletelmerritt49903@gmail.com
I follow with gfc
ReplyDeletelmerritt49903@gmail.com
I follow seventh gen on twitter!
ReplyDelete@lmerritt49903
lmerritt49903@gmail.com
My biggest tip is to drink plenty of fluids, eat right and get enough sleep
ReplyDeletephyllis2win(at)gmail(dot)com
tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/phyllis2win/status/23795090673635328
ReplyDeletephyllis2win(at)gmail(dot)com
Tweet! http://twitter.com/ampaetka/status/23807232277741568
ReplyDeleteandreapaetkau at gmail dot com
My son has sensitive lungs and taking harsh chemicals out of the house has helped tremendously.
ReplyDeletelkziegler[at]gmail[dot]com
I subscribe via email
ReplyDeletelkziegler[at]gmail[dot]com
I follow with gfc
ReplyDeletelkziegler[at]gmail[dot]com
I like you on fb
ReplyDeletelkziegler[at]gmail[dot]com
i use all homemade cleaners and have been making my own laundry detergent as well
ReplyDeletesubscriber
ReplyDeleteyour facebook fan
ReplyDelete7th gen facebook fan
ReplyDeletefollow your blog
ReplyDelete7th gen twitter follower
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/cneiding/status/23831492123693056 tweet
ReplyDeleteWe reduce, reuse and repurpose!
ReplyDeleteEmail Subscriber!
ReplyDeleteFB Fan!
ReplyDeleteFollow with GFC!
ReplyDeleteI try to be eco friendly by using natural products for laundry, dishes, etc.
ReplyDeleteWe wash our hands regularly.
winit6 at hotmail dot com
I Subscribe to your updates.
ReplyDeletewinit6 at hotmail dot com
I'm a Fan of Katydid and Kid on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteI'm a Fan of Seventh Generation on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteI Follow your blog publicly via Google Friend Connect as nightowl.
ReplyDeleteI Follow @SeventhGen on Twitter
ReplyDelete@winsome6
tweeted
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/#!/winsome6/status/23857606615375872
Non toxic products are the only items allowed in our home and I favour Seven Generations products!
ReplyDeletephjones1954 at yahoo dot com
favorite tip for keeping family healthy at home is to keep the counters clean
ReplyDeleteI gfc
ReplyDeletetweeted http://twitter.com/#!/phyllis2win/status/24102006901702656
ReplyDeletephyllis2win(at)gmail(dot)com
http://twitter.com/cneiding/status/24139947988484096 tweet
ReplyDeleteTo be eco-friendly, we have a compost bin, and we recycle plastic and glass.
ReplyDeleteI follow you on GFC.
ReplyDeleteI use only eco friendly products for my household cleaning.
ReplyDeletehoneybeez80@yahoo.com
Follow GFC
ReplyDeletetry to not be as wasteful and recycle and use less water
ReplyDeletemsboatgal at aol.com
like you on fb
ReplyDeletemsboatgal at aol.com
like 7th generation on fb
ReplyDeletemsboatgal at aol.com
Tweet! http://twitter.com/ampaetka/status/24250157121937408
ReplyDeleteandreapaetkau at gmail dot com
We try to stay healthy by eating well and getting enough rest. It doesn't always work though...
ReplyDeletehmcnaron at gmail dot com
I follow seventh gen on twitter @creep4ward
ReplyDeleteI follow your blog on gfc.
ReplyDeletehmcnaron at gmail
tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/phyllis2win/status/24460485021667328
ReplyDeletephyllis2win(at)gmail(dot)com
I try to keep my family healthy by buying healthy foods and having hand sanitizer in every room of the house.
ReplyDeletesmchester at gmail dot com
I fan you on facebook-Susan Chester
ReplyDeletesmchester at gmail dot com
I follow you publicly on GFC.
ReplyDeletesmchester at gmail dot com
To keep my family healthy, I keep my kids signed up for soccer and swimming lessons during the year. Both are fun, and we all get a workout when we practice together.
ReplyDeleteI am an e-mail subscriber.
ReplyDeleteI follow your blog publicly via Google Friend Connect.
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/cneiding/status/24532318542626816 tweet
ReplyDeleteTweet! http://twitter.com/ampaetka/status/24542219222392832
ReplyDeleteandreapaetkau at gmail dot com
i visited seventh generation and love their diapers..
ReplyDelete* Wood pulp processed without chemicals containing chlorine
* Hypoallergenic
* Fragrance and latex free
* Premium fit and absorbency
my tip is i use peppermint oil with water to clean my floors no chemicals and it leaves the house smelling fresh
~Subscribe to my updates
ReplyDeletedone
~If you're a Fan of Katydid and Kid on Facebook leave a comment letting me know
ReplyDeleteyes i am
toni marie caravello
~If you're a Fan of Seventh Generation on Facebook, leave a comment letting me know
ReplyDeleteyes i am
toni marie caravello
~Follow my blog publicly via Google Friend Connect
ReplyDeletedone
~Follow @SeventhGen on Twitter
ReplyDeletedone
tonic67
like you on twitter and tweet
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/#!/tonic67/status/24546493042008066
Tweet - http://twitter.com/#!/Dove056/status/24563536046850048
ReplyDeleteDove056 at aol dot com
we try to buy natural products and natural foods as much as possible
ReplyDeleteWe buy organic as often as we can.
ReplyDeleteSubscribe to your updates
ReplyDeleteFan of Katydid and Kid on Facebook
ReplyDeleteFan of Seventh Generation on Facebook,
ReplyDeleteFollow blog publicly via Google Friend Connect
ReplyDeleteFollow @SeventhGen on Twitter
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/#!/aitmama/status/24623554083426305
ReplyDeleteI am trying to reduce the use of plastic baggies by using reusable cloth ones, returning bottles and cans for recycling, some light composting of household and yard waste and using reusable grocery bags for shopping.
ReplyDeletemicaela6955 at msn dot com
email subscriber
ReplyDeletemicaela6955 at msn dot com
your facebook fan Michele Pineda
ReplyDeletemicaela6955 at msn dot com
Seventh Generation FB fan Michele Pineda
ReplyDeletemicaela6955 at msn dot com
GFC follower
ReplyDeletemicaela6955 at msn dot com
Seventh Generation twitter follower micaela6955
ReplyDeletemicaela6955 at msn dot com
your twitter follower micaela6955 and tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/micaela6955/status/24624914631753728
ReplyDeletemicaela6955 at msn dot com
tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/phyllis2win/status/24805066871410689
ReplyDeletephyllis2win(at)gmail(dot)com
http://twitter.com/cneiding/status/24864386271154176 tweet
ReplyDeleteTweet - http://twitter.com/#!/Dove056/status/24889327532113920
ReplyDeleteDove056 at aol dot com
Tweet! http://twitter.com/ampaetka/status/24935617796251648
ReplyDeleteandreapaetkau at gmail dot com
I try to be more eco-friendly by making natural cleaning products rather than buying products with toxic chemicals. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeletejacy468 at aim dot com
I follow your blog!
ReplyDeletejacy468 at aim dot com
I like Katydid and Kid on facebook!
ReplyDeletejacy468 at aim dot com
tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/phyllis2win/status/25165262886014976
ReplyDeletephyllis2win(at)gmail(dot)com
http://twitter.com/cneiding/status/25238782638821376 tweet
ReplyDeleteTweet - http://twitter.com/#!/Dove056/status/25245646608924672
ReplyDeleteDove056 at aol dot com
Follow and tweeted
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/#!/winsome6/status/25252098987786241
Last year I bought new HE washer & dryer, and now only wash my clothes in cold water. And we stay healthy by washing our hands & using good hygiene!
ReplyDeleteI subscribe via email at annmarieweeks at verizon dot net!
ReplyDeleteI'm one of your facebook fans! (Annmarie Dipasqua Weeks)
ReplyDeleteI'm a Seventh Generation facebook fan! (Annmarie Dipasqua Weeks)
ReplyDeleteI follow on GFC! (amweeks)
ReplyDeleteI follow SeventhGen on twitter! (amweeks)
ReplyDeleteI follow you on twitter & tweeted! http://twitter.com/#!/amweeks/status/25261977416765440
ReplyDeleteTweet! http://twitter.com/ampaetka/status/25267000636866560
ReplyDeleteandreapaetkau at gmail dot com
We make sure to wash hands a LOT!
ReplyDeletekatiekarr at gmail dot com
We started composting this year!
ReplyDeletealeksa91 hotmail com
fan on seventh gen on FB - aleksandra n
ReplyDeletebusyworkingmama follows seventh on twitter
ReplyDeleteI have replaced laundry detergent with more natural alternatives like borax and soda for most loads.
ReplyDeletedchrisg3 @ gmail . com
I follow you on Google Friend Connect. (Debbie C)
ReplyDeletedchrisg3 @ gmail . com
tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/phyllis2win/status/25533762318106625
ReplyDeletephyllis2win(at)gmail(dot)com
http://twitter.com/#!/cneiding/status/25546776807219200 tweet
ReplyDeleteWe already do simple things like recycle and take reusable bags to the grocery store, but I'm trying to buy better products and also trade out more of my plastic containers for glass.
ReplyDeleterachelsgiveaways at gmail dot com
follow sponsor on twitter @MsgatorRN
ReplyDeleterachelsgiveaways at gmail dot com
I'm your FB fan (rachel r.)
ReplyDeleterachelsgiveaways at gmail dot com
I'm a FB fan of the sponsor (rachel r.)
ReplyDeleterachelsgiveaways at gmail dot com
GFC follower Rachel R.
ReplyDeleterachelsgiveaways at gmail dot com
I like to make sure I keep lots of disinfecting wipes on hand. If they are around, I tend to use them more. A quick wipe on a doorknob or a sink handle can help keep germs at bay!
ReplyDeletecoriwestphal at msn dot com
I follow you on Twitter @coriwestphal
ReplyDeleteTweet: http://twitter.com/coriwestphal/statuses/25620394534768640
coriwestphal at msn dot com
I like you on FB: Cori Eckstrom Westphal
ReplyDeletecoriwestphal at msn dot com
I like Seventh Generation on FB: Cori Eckstrom Westphal
ReplyDeletecoriwestphal at msn dot com
I'm a Google Friend (follower): Cori Westphal
ReplyDeletecoriwestphal at msn dot com
I follow SeventhGen on Twitter @coriwestphal
ReplyDeletecoriwestphal at msn dot com
I'm an email subscriber, coriwestphal at msn dot com.
ReplyDeletecoriwestphal at msn dot com
I try to be eco friendly by recycling, washing clothes in cold water, I unplug stuff I am not using like toaster, microwave, etc.
ReplyDeleteashleygatewood@mail.com
Tweet - http://twitter.com/#!/Dove056/status/25624445930446849
ReplyDeleteDove056 at aol dot com
Seventh Generation facebook liker
ReplyDeleteashleygatewood@mail.com
I follow you on GFC agatewood1
ReplyDeleteashleygatewood@mail.com
I follow SeventhGen on twitter @shuggysmommy
ReplyDeleteashleygatewood@mail.com
I follow you on twitter @shuggysmommy
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/#!/shuggysmommy/status/25625376201904128
ashleygatewood@mail.com
One way we are eco-friendly is that we recycle all our aluminum cans, cardboard, and paper products. As for keeping healthy, I make sure we wash our hands frequently and cough or sneeze in our sleeve. Thanks.
ReplyDeletepartymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com
email subscriber
ReplyDeletepartymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com
follow your blog
ReplyDeletepartymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com
i require everyone to wash their hands often... especially in the winter time!
ReplyDeletehockiemack at hotmail.com
google friend
ReplyDeletehockiemack at hotmail.com
Tweet! http://twitter.com/ampaetka/status/25669374983544832
ReplyDeleteandreapaetkau at gmail dot com
I try to be eco-friendly by recyling, using cloth grocery bags and replaing my regular lightbulbs.
ReplyDeleteFollowing on GFC
ReplyDeleteFollowing @SeventhGen on Twitter
ReplyDeleteFollowing on twitter
ReplyDeleteTweeted http://twitter.com/kittycardero/status/25731542475083776
ReplyDeletewe try to recycle and conserve electricity
ReplyDeleteaddictedtorodeo at gmail dot com
tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/phyllis2win/status/25907379207933952
ReplyDeletephyllis2win(at)gmail(dot)com
http://twitter.com/#!/cneiding/status/25920812603150336 tweet
ReplyDeleteAmong the best ways to keep everybody healthy are frequent handwashing, a good diet, and adequate sleep.
ReplyDeletecgclynsg0 @ gmail dot com
Follower via GFC
ReplyDeletecgclynsg0 @ gmail dot com
Tweet! http://twitter.com/ampaetka/status/25964852312801280
ReplyDeleteandreapaetkau at gmail dot com
Tweet - http://twitter.com/#!/Dove056/status/26012636558659584
ReplyDeleteDove056 at aol dot com
my tip is to keep your home cleaner by taking your shoes off before you enter your home. shadygrove79 at aol dot com
ReplyDeletesubscribed to updates shadygrove79 at aol dot com
ReplyDeletefan of yours on facebook shadygrove79 at aol dot com
ReplyDeletefan on 7th generation on facebook shadygrove79 at aol dot com
ReplyDeletefollowing your blog with gfc shadygrove79 at aol dot com
ReplyDeletefollowing 7th gen on twitter shadygrove79 at aol dot com
ReplyDeletefollowing you on twitter and tweeted http://twitter.com/meadowsgrove/status/26169689801494528 shadygrove79 at aol dot com
ReplyDeleteblogged http://andreanathan.blogspot.com/2011/01/win-eco-friendly-laundry-products-from.html
ReplyDeleteshadygrove79 at aol dot com
http://andreanathan.blogspot.com/2011/01/win-eco-friendly-laundry-products-from.html blogged post 2 shadygrove79 at aol dot com
ReplyDeleteWe try to recycle and use eco-friendly products when possible.
ReplyDeletemannasweeps
(at) gmail DOT com
tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/phyllis2win/status/26271690761699328
ReplyDeletephyllis2win(at)gmail(dot)com
http://twitter.com/#!/cneiding/status/26294156468944896 tweet
ReplyDelete