Back to School with Seventh Generation Giveaway
Is your child picking up more than the ABC´s in school? While you´re packing your child´s backpack with the pencils, notebooks and tools they´ll need for a great school year, don´t forget the supplies they´ll need to stay healthy and germ-free, too.
With nearly 22 million school days lost each year due to the common cold and flu (CDC) and as many as 2.7 million bacteria found per square inch on common school surfaces (NSF International), it´s no wonder that 82 percent of parents with kids in grades K-5 fret about the germs in their children´s classrooms (according to a survey conducted by Seventh Generation).
This school year, Seventh Generation is sharing tips from best-selling author and pediatrician, Dr. Alan Greene, to help parents protect their child´s health during back-to-school season. Dr. Greene suggests taking the following precautions:
Optimize the immune system
* Reap the benefits of probiotics like those found in yogurt. A recent study showed that children who received enough probiotics daily throughout the cold and flu season had a significant reduction in the number of illnesses they had and, when they did get sick, the symptoms were both milder and didn’t last as long.
* Be sure your child is getting plenty of vitamin D from the sun, from food, or from a supplement.
* Build a strong foundation. Good food, good sleep, and good physical activity all help the immune system to flourish.
Be wise about reducing unnecessary exposure to harmful germs
* Teach children the key times to clean their hands in the classroom. The most important times include after sneezing, coughing or using the restroom, upon leaving “high-risk” places (recess, naptime, play stations) and before meals or snacks.
* Sixty percent of teachers surveyed said that they request that parents donate disinfecting wipes to the classroom. Seventh Generation´s disinfecting wipes kill 99.99% of germs* naturally using the active ingredient thyme, a component of thyme oil which is derived from the herb thyme.
* Stress the importance of not touching their eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
* Demonstrate to your children how to cover their mouth and nose for every cough and sneeze. This simple maneuver has spectacular results in decreasing the spread of viruses and bacteria floating about the room, waiting to be inhaled.
*Refer to disinfecting product labels for full details
My Blog Spark recently invited me to review a few of the Seventh Generation products, as well as share a giveaway with my readers. The focus is how to be germ-free in this back to school season. My review pack came with a backpack, first of all, that is eco-friendly, made out of recycled material. 
It’s really a cute pack with a zipper and ropes to put your child’s arms through. It’s the perfect little bag for a walk in the park with the kiddos.
We also received a bottle of their Disinfecting Multi-Surface Cleaner, which kills 99.99% of germs botanically. It kills germs like Influenza A, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. This spray is good for things like toys, countertops, the highchair, etc. It has a Lemongrass and Thyme scent, which really isn’t strong at all, at least in my opinion. It’s a fresh, clean scent.
Another product that came in our pack was the Seventh Generation Paper Towels and a box of Seventh Generation Tissues. The paper towels are made from 100% recycled paper, hypo-allergenic, and unbleached. 
They are brown, and they’re a bit rough, but they really are tough, strong towels, in my opinion. One roll comes with 120 2-ply sheets. The tissues are also made out of 100% recycled paper, hypo-allergenic, and whitened without chlorine bleach. One box comes with 175 2-ply tissues. Personally, I like a tissue with a bit of lotion to soothe runny noses, but these tissues definitely do the job and are eco-friendly.
Lastly, we received two bottles of Disinfecting Wipes, one to give away to a teacher I know. These wipes also have the power to kill 99.99% of household germs, including Salmonella enterica, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Influenza A. I like the wipes because they’re nice for quicker clean-ups, but I also feel a bit safer using them on toys and things, rather than a bleach or other sprays filled with harsh chemicals. The wipes also have a Lemongrass & Thyme scent.
You can win a whole Back to School kit, with the products mentioned above, from Seventh Generation and My Blog Spark!
You can enter to win by doing one or more of the following; just be sure to leave me a separate comment for each way that you enter. I’ll draw the winner, via random.org, on Wednesday, September 22. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. Good luck, and have a wonderful day!
- Leave a comment, giving tips for keeping your kids healthy and germ-free.
- Leave a comment with ways that you keep your household clean during the school year.
- Visit Seventh Generation, and tell me your favorite product.
- Like Seventh Generation on Facebook.
- Follow @SeventhGen on Twitter.
- Tweet about this giveaway, being sure to link back to @SeventhGen, #myblogspark and @missmalu; in fact, you can tweet daily to earn extra entries.
- Follow Real Heart Prints, or subscribe to my posts.
- Follow @missmalu on Twitter.
- Blog about this giveaway, being sure to link back to Real Heart Prints.
- Digg or Stumble this post.
(Disclosure: The Seventh Generation product, gift pack, and additional gift pack to give away were all given to me, free of charge, by Seventh Generation through MyBlogSpark.)
Category: Giveaways from the Heart, Real Heart Prints, Reviews from the Heart | Tags: back to school, back to school kit, cleaning, contest, disinfecting, eco-friendly, facial tissues, germs, Giveaway, household cleaners, keeping house clean, keeping kids germ-free, My Blog Spark, paper towels, recycled materials, Seventh Generation 164 comments »
September 1st, 2010 at 5:59 am
Handwashing – lots and lots of handwashing!!
September 1st, 2010 at 6:00 am
I actually use Shaklee products for household cleaning. But I’ve been trying Seventh Generation for some to see if I want to switch since seventh Generation is cheaper.
September 1st, 2010 at 6:00 am
My favorite Seventh Generation product is the dish soap.
September 1st, 2010 at 6:01 am
I follow seventh generation on twitter @HDealHDay
September 1st, 2010 at 6:02 am
I stumbled this post!
September 1st, 2010 at 6:02 am
You are on my RSS feed
September 2nd, 2010 at 6:21 pm
I usually use Clorox to clean up, but for my kid I put in his backpack Wtones tissues.
September 7th, 2010 at 8:00 am
lots and lots of handwashing! Good ole soap and water!
September 7th, 2010 at 9:44 am
I always keep Wet Ones with me so that my daughter can wash her hands after playing on the playground.
September 7th, 2010 at 10:23 am
if they can have them in their desks or lockers and grab them in between classes and wipe down the lockers and the next desk- it can be done casualy without bringing attention but they know they are keeping germs away
September 7th, 2010 at 10:28 am
by making sure they wash their hands frequently, and using disinfectant wipes! myanjim@yahoo.com
September 7th, 2010 at 10:29 am
My favorite product is the diapers!!!
September 7th, 2010 at 10:30 am
“like” on FB!!! straykattt is my log in name…
September 7th, 2010 at 11:35 am
I try to see that my kids wash their hands as often as possible!
September 7th, 2010 at 1:24 pm
I encourage my kids to wash their hands frequently!
September 7th, 2010 at 1:25 pm
I am following SeventhGen on twitter @annedoggett
September 7th, 2010 at 1:26 pm
I am following you on twitter @annedoggett
September 7th, 2010 at 6:07 pm
We try to eat healthy meals, take a daily vitamin, get plenty of sleep and wash our hands frequently.
September 7th, 2010 at 6:08 pm
I’m an email subscriber.
September 7th, 2010 at 6:08 pm
I like Seventh Generation’s Natural All Purpose Cleaner.
September 8th, 2010 at 11:59 am
looks great. I love these products
September 8th, 2010 at 12:35 pm
I have my kids wash their hands before eating, after using the bathroom and whenever dirty.
September 8th, 2010 at 5:46 pm
Wash hands,wash hands,wash hands…that’s the best I can do with my grandkids. The schools in our county ask that children bring hand sanitizer to school also. We keep some in our car also
September 8th, 2010 at 7:14 pm
handwashing
September 8th, 2010 at 8:42 pm
I teach them to wash their hands
September 8th, 2010 at 8:43 pm
I keep the kitchen clean
September 8th, 2010 at 8:44 pm
Tub & Tile Cleaner — Emerald Cypress & Fir is my fave
September 8th, 2010 at 8:45 pm
I gfc
September 8th, 2010 at 10:31 pm
Make sure your kids get enough sleep and take their vitamins!
September 8th, 2010 at 10:32 pm
Every week I sanitize all knobs and handles in our house, hopefully that helps!
September 8th, 2010 at 10:32 pm
Their Lavender Floral and Mint Natural Dish Liquid looks great!
September 9th, 2010 at 10:31 am
wash hands often and well.
September 11th, 2010 at 4:12 pm
Since my children are grown, it is easy to keep my household clean but I will share how my sons and their families do it. One has a woman that comes in 2 hrs a day to clean up because both work and they have 5 children; the younger has 4 children and mom is home and she has each child assigned to an area and they have a short clean up time each night before bedtime with disinfectant wipes..kitchen area, bathroom areas,etc
September 11th, 2010 at 4:14 pm
A Seventh Generation product I am interested in is their Natural All Purpose Cleaner
September 11th, 2010 at 4:15 pm
I like Seventh Generation on Facebook (Betty N)
September 11th, 2010 at 4:16 pm
I follow Seventh Generation on Twitter (Grandma3710)
September 11th, 2010 at 4:17 pm
I follow Real Heart Prints with Google Friend Connect (higrandma)
September 11th, 2010 at 4:17 pm
I follow you on twitter (Grandma3710)
September 11th, 2010 at 8:57 pm
I have my kids wash their hands all the time…sounds boring, but it works. topgun34er(at)hotmail(dot)com
September 11th, 2010 at 10:27 pm
Natural Fabric Softener Sheets
Thanks for the giveaway >^..^<
September 12th, 2010 at 5:38 pm
I keep my house clean by constantly cleaning the kitchen table and my kitchen sink. topgun34er(at)hotmail(dot)com
September 12th, 2010 at 5:39 pm
I like Seventh Generations Lavender Dish Soap. topgun34er(at)hotmail(dot)com
September 12th, 2010 at 5:39 pm
Superfrugalette is following Seventh Generation on twitter. topgun34er(at)hotmail(dot)com
September 12th, 2010 at 5:41 pm
Superfrugalette is following you on twitter topgun34er(at)hotmail(dot)com
September 12th, 2010 at 5:47 pm
http://twitter.com/Superfrugalette/status/24322625531 daily tweet topgun34er(at)hotmail(dot)com
September 12th, 2010 at 7:32 pm
For years, it’s been a habit to wash hands as soon as we get home from school.
momznite_at_yahoo_daught_com
September 12th, 2010 at 10:03 pm
My granddaughter washs her hands with warm water and soap very often.
September 13th, 2010 at 7:21 am
http://api.twitter.com/Superfrugalette/status/24366735862 daily tweet topgun34er(at)hotmail(dot)com
September 14th, 2010 at 8:07 am
http://twitter.com/Superfrugalette/status/24460126535 daily tweet topgun34er(at)hotmail(dot)com
September 15th, 2010 at 2:06 am
I keep my kids healthy buy making sure thier immunizations are up to date. Teaching my kids proper hand washing techniques.
waitressdani (at) hotmail (dot) com
September 16th, 2010 at 9:22 am
tweet
http://twitter.com/Grandma3710/status/24667858794
September 17th, 2010 at 5:25 pm
daily tweet
http://twitter.com/Grandma3710/status/24796447363
September 18th, 2010 at 3:38 am
tweet
http://twitter.com/Grandma3710/status/24833780112
September 18th, 2010 at 3:39 am
daily tweet
http://twitter.com/Grandma3710/status/24833780112
September 18th, 2010 at 7:36 am
To keep my kids healthy I have them wash their hands frequently with soap and water, and I disinfect the doorknobs, light switches, faucets, and counters daily.
September 19th, 2010 at 6:01 am
tweet
http://twitter.com/Grandma3710/status/24926269142
September 19th, 2010 at 8:49 am
We wash hands a lot, take our shoes off so we don’t track germs inside, and keep our immune systems up by getting a good nights sleep and eating a well balanced diet.
September 19th, 2010 at 10:32 am
We maintain a clean household, use bleach based cleaners (although I guess I shouldn’t say that here), we use hand sanitizer, lots of handwashing and proper nutrition and hydration.
September 19th, 2010 at 10:32 am
Following SeventhGen on twitter as ky2here1.
September 19th, 2010 at 10:33 am
We keep our household clean during school times by sharing chores, including wiping down surfaces and sweeping/mopping.
September 19th, 2010 at 10:34 am
I like their natural fabric softener.
September 19th, 2010 at 10:38 am
Twitter follower ky2here1.
September 19th, 2010 at 10:39 am
Will tweet for cleaners: http://twitter.com/ky2here1/status/24944473574
September 19th, 2010 at 5:19 pm
I would say that the way I keep the family healthy is by serving lots of fresh fruits and veggies! tracietrump@yahoo.com
September 19th, 2010 at 5:21 pm
I like seventh generation on FB! tracietrump@yahoo.com
September 19th, 2010 at 8:48 pm
lots of handwashing and sanitizers!
September 19th, 2010 at 8:48 pm
fave product is the natural laundry detergent
September 19th, 2010 at 8:49 pm
like 7th generation on facebook
September 19th, 2010 at 11:01 pm
i like to disinfect backpacks after school
September 20th, 2010 at 9:01 am
I keep them healthy and germ free by having hand sanitizer everywhere and encouraging them to use it.
September 20th, 2010 at 9:02 am
I am constantly using disinfecting wipes on all “hot spots” in the home to keep us healthy all school year. Door knobs and light switches get pretty germy!
September 20th, 2010 at 9:04 am
My favorite Seventh Generation product is the Disinfecting Multi-Surface Cleaner. It’s not overly scented and does not ruin chrome finishes.
September 20th, 2010 at 9:04 am
I follow Seventh Generation on twitter @Aerated
September 20th, 2010 at 9:05 am
I follow you on twitter @Aerated
September 20th, 2010 at 9:05 am
I follow your blog with GFC.
September 20th, 2010 at 9:06 am
I tweeted. Thank you! http://twitter.com/Aerated/status/25027827299
September 20th, 2010 at 5:42 pm
i like seventh generation on facebook
September 20th, 2010 at 5:42 pm
we eat lots of fruits and veggies and i am always reminding them to wash their hands
September 20th, 2010 at 10:40 pm
I buy cleaning supplies in bunches! trashbags. wipes, everything! I clean once a week and recycle.
September 20th, 2010 at 10:41 pm
My favorite is the wipes. I love love love love wipes
September 20th, 2010 at 10:47 pm
Hand washing and hand sanitizer when you can’t wash!s
September 20th, 2010 at 10:56 pm
http://twitter.com/Superfrugalette/status/25087864849 daily tweet topgun34er(at)hotmail(dot)com
September 21st, 2010 at 12:00 am
We all wash our hands and learn good kitchen etiquette!
September 21st, 2010 at 5:52 am
Leave the shoes at the door and wiping everything off good(handles, switches, home phone, faucets, knobs).
September 21st, 2010 at 5:53 am
100 % Recycled Napkins.
September 21st, 2010 at 5:53 am
I Like Seventh Generation on Facebook.
id valancia arrelya
September 21st, 2010 at 5:54 am
I Follow @SeventhGen on Twitter.
id skyxsky27
September 21st, 2010 at 8:22 am
Must wash your hands! It is very important. suelee1998 @ gmail.com
September 21st, 2010 at 8:23 am
I follow Seventh Generation on Twitter suelee1998
September 21st, 2010 at 8:29 am
daily tweet http://twitter.com/Aerated/status/25118359750
September 21st, 2010 at 11:18 am
I don’t think there is any mystery on how to stay clean & germ free.
With a household of many cats, I swiffer often, wipe up hair balls on a almost daily basis and clean & change litter boxes twice a day. I use a
good strong cleaner & good scoopable litter. Just do everything often
and stay on top of dirt & dust.
September 21st, 2010 at 12:24 pm
tweet
http://twitter.com/Grandma3710/status/25137154328
September 21st, 2010 at 1:06 pm
Regular, proper hand washing.
September 21st, 2010 at 1:57 pm
I try to get “fun” soaps with my kid’s favorite characters on them to encourage mucho handwashing!
September 21st, 2010 at 1:57 pm
We stay healthy by eating lots of veggies and frequently washing our hands
September 21st, 2010 at 2:20 pm
http://twitter.com/Superfrugalette/status/25099449610 daily tweet topgun34er(at)hotmail(dot)com
September 21st, 2010 at 3:09 pm
i try to teach my children about proper handwashing, do it often and long enough.
September 21st, 2010 at 4:23 pm
Make sure to disinfect frequently used surfaces like phones, doorknobs, cabinet handles, refrigerators handles, etc., to prevent the spread of germs.
September 21st, 2010 at 4:52 pm
I taught my kids to not spread germs by sneezing into their elbow.
cherylfrancisco @ hotmail. com
September 21st, 2010 at 8:08 pm
Handwashing without saying. Also, teaching her to wipe up after herself.
September 21st, 2010 at 9:20 pm
Definitely HANDWASHING! I am constantly telling them to wash their hands.
)
September 21st, 2010 at 9:20 pm
How do I keep it clean during school?? Everyone has their chores and they are expected to do them! It is critical to keeping the house clean!
September 21st, 2010 at 10:21 pm
Use a sanitizing spray to help prevent cold germs from spreading.
September 21st, 2010 at 10:45 pm
I keep my kids health and germ free, by encouraging frequent handwashing and hands out off the face, mouth and eyes. Bring little wipeys to for when we are on the road.
September 21st, 2010 at 10:46 pm
My favorite product is the botanical handwash
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:05 am
I encourage my kids to wash their hands as much as possible
mightynaynay(at)cs.com
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:20 am
Antibacterial gel is a must for back to school in my household.
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:22 am
Everyone takes their shoes of at the door and puts them on the shoe bench.
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:23 am
I like the Hand Wash – Fresh Citrus.
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:23 am
I like Seventh Generation on FB (stacey pisciotta maniaci)
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:24 am
i follow Seventh Generation on twitter @samman324
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:25 am
Tweet:
http://twitter.com/samman324/status/25194245590
September 22nd, 2010 at 5:25 am
i keep a bottle of hand sanitizer in my sons backpack so he has one at school
September 22nd, 2010 at 5:26 am
i like the Natural Multi-Surface Concentrated Cleaner
September 22nd, 2010 at 5:27 am
like sg on facebook kathy l pease klp1965 (AT) myfairpoint (DOTNET)
September 22nd, 2010 at 5:27 am
following sg on twitter klp1965 klp1965 (AT) myfairpoint (DOTNET)
September 22nd, 2010 at 5:31 am
http://twitter.com/klp1965/status/25199853445
September 22nd, 2010 at 5:31 am
following you on twitter klp1965 klp1965 (AT) myfairpoint (DOTNET)
September 22nd, 2010 at 5:32 am
google friend klp1965 klp1965 (AT) myfairpoint (DOTNET)
September 22nd, 2010 at 7:14 am
daily tweet. thank you! http://twitter.com/Aerated/status/25205758041
September 22nd, 2010 at 7:49 am
T keep the kids healthy, we try to get enough sleep, and handwashing is essential.
September 22nd, 2010 at 7:50 am
I use lots of wipes to wipe down surfaces and doorknobs to keep the house less germy.
September 22nd, 2010 at 8:01 am
My favorite product would have to be Automatic Dishwasher Detergent Pacs.
September 22nd, 2010 at 8:01 am
I follow you via GFC as dwellenstein.
September 22nd, 2010 at 8:41 am
I think teaching your kids proper handwashing techniques is important to minimize the germs!
September 22nd, 2010 at 8:42 am
Make sure to disinfect high traffic items, like door knobs and tv remotes.
September 22nd, 2010 at 8:42 am
My boys are always into things, but one thing I stress is wash your hands often. We found the neatest thing at bath and body works. Its the small bottles of germ-x, and you can get a holder to put on your keys, or for them their backpacks. They are alittle older so its hard to find something cool, but with this, they have all of their friends wanting one too.
Tchoplin2009@gmail.com
September 22nd, 2010 at 8:43 am
“like” Seventh Generation on fb
Tchoplin2009@gmail.com
September 22nd, 2010 at 8:43 am
My favorite is the chlorine free diapers
September 22nd, 2010 at 8:43 am
GFC follower
Tchoplin2009@gmail.com
September 22nd, 2010 at 8:44 am
I Follow @SeventhGen on Twitter. (@trippyjanet)
September 22nd, 2010 at 8:45 am
I Follow @missmalu on Twitter. (@trippyjanet)
September 22nd, 2010 at 8:46 am
I follow through GFC!
September 22nd, 2010 at 9:59 am
We try to wash our hands every time we come home
September 22nd, 2010 at 10:25 am
I’ve taught my kids to wash their hands. Hand washing is the best way to prevent the spread of germs.
September 22nd, 2010 at 11:12 am
http://twitter.com/Superfrugalette/status/25195701083 daily tweet topgun34er(at)hotmail(dot)com
September 22nd, 2010 at 11:23 am
Frequent hand washing and spraying most everything with lysol helps keep us healthy
September 22nd, 2010 at 11:55 am
Lots of healthy foods and always washing her hands after we’ve been out and about, before she eats, etc. We also keep her away from people that are ill. Thanks for the chance at winning.
September 22nd, 2010 at 11:56 am
I already follow SeventhGen on twitter.
BSsMom
September 22nd, 2010 at 11:56 am
I follow missmalu on twitter.
BSsMom
September 22nd, 2010 at 1:55 pm
use lots of disinfecting wipes,wash hands A lot
ardelong2(at)gmail(dot)com
September 22nd, 2010 at 1:56 pm
fb fan of seventh generation
amydelong
ardelong2(at)gmail(dot)com
September 22nd, 2010 at 1:56 pm
follow seventh generation on twitter
amyhd29
ardelong2(at)gmail(dot)com
September 22nd, 2010 at 1:58 pm
follow you on twitter
amyhd29
ardelong2(at)gmail(dot)com
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:01 pm
We try to keep our kids healthy and germ-free with good fruits and veggies snacks and hand washing
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:21 pm
Last year we took the flu shots and we didn’t have a bad case of the flu for the first time in many years.
September 22nd, 2010 at 6:30 pm
Hand washing and keeping contact surfaces (like phones and light switches) clean.
September 22nd, 2010 at 7:19 pm
follow 7thgen on twitter 9ziggy
September 22nd, 2010 at 8:14 pm
Thanks for the giveaway…we like Seventh Generation’s Natural Dish Liquid-Lavender Floral & Mint.
September 22nd, 2010 at 8:14 pm
Like Seventh Generation on Facebook: Bryan Eason
September 22nd, 2010 at 8:15 pm
Follow @SeventhGen on Twitter: @brianpiero
senorpiero [at] yahoo [dot] com
September 22nd, 2010 at 8:17 pm
my best tip is hand sanitizer in your purse, car, in the house everywhere
September 22nd, 2010 at 8:17 pm
my favorite product is their diapers
September 22nd, 2010 at 8:18 pm
Following you via Twitter: @brianpiero
September 22nd, 2010 at 8:18 pm
i Like Seventh Generation on Facebook. (mrstinareynolds)
September 22nd, 2010 at 8:19 pm
Follow @SeventhGen on Twitter. @mrstinareynolds
September 22nd, 2010 at 8:24 pm
Lots of handwashing and using hand sanitizer.
September 22nd, 2010 at 8:25 pm
I currently use Seventh Generation products to clean with during the year.
September 22nd, 2010 at 8:25 pm
My favorite product is the Chlorine Free diapers.
September 22nd, 2010 at 8:26 pm
Like Seventh Generation on FB: Karen Bridges
September 22nd, 2010 at 8:26 pm
Following Seventh Generation on Twitter @SCMOMOF2BOYS
September 22nd, 2010 at 8:27 pm
I follow your blog.
September 22nd, 2010 at 8:27 pm
Following you on twitter @SCMOMOF2BOYS
September 22nd, 2010 at 9:11 pm
We make sure to wash our hands often and disinfect commonly used areas.