Seventh Generation Pioneers Sustainable Solutions for Future Generations

5 min read

Seventh Generation Pioneers Sustainable Solutions for Future Generations

Seventh Generation was established in 1988 as an American company dedicated to producing eco-friendly cleaning paper and personal care products, selling them through natural food stores, supermarkets, mass merchants, online retailers and others.

As an industry leader when it comes to incorporating environmental and social sustainability into business operations, Pure Strategies helped them meet their goals with an engaging brand experience that engaged both new and existing customers, fostered a sense of climate justice among communities they exist within, and created brand ambassadors who take an active stance for climate advocacy.

Seven Generations Philosophy

Dedicated to developing eco-friendly and healthy products for consumers, Seventh Generation serves as a leader in environmental advocacy efforts with their mission of inciting greater world consciousness through positive changes that benefit Mother Earth.

The company’s philosophy is derived from the “Seven Generations” principle introduced by Iroquois tribe. This principle states that when making decisions that could have an impactful result for future generations, one should always keep this in mind when making such choices. It’s an invaluable concept all should take note of.

Principle of Seven Generations can be applied to almost every situation in life; be it environmental issues, business decisions or family planning. Many Native tribes hold this concept dear as it encourages considering how an action might impact both current generations as well as those born subsequent to them up to seven generations hence.

Seventh Generation has set aggressive goals as part of its 2020 Corporate Consciousness for reducing plastic and greenhouse gas emissions, such as cutting total plastic by 50 percent by 2025 and shifting all packaging towards recyclable or biodegradable materials.

Pure Strategies worked with the company to devise a framework that aligned internal stakeholders and set tangible goals, with four aspirational pillars: Nurturing Nature, Transforming Commerce, Building Communities, and Enhancing Health as goals to be met in this endeavor.

Seventh Generation has taken steps to meet its sustainability goals by joining NY Renews, an organization dedicated to climate change solutions. Furthermore, local newspapers featured advertisements about the importance of maintaining an eco-friendly environment.

Seventh Generation has long been recognized as an industry leader for their sustainability practices, boasting both financial and social success. This success story makes Seventh Generation an excellent learning opportunity for brands looking to incorporate sustainable practices into their business strategy and bottom line growth strategies. By integrating both financial and environmental performance metrics, obtaining leadership buy-in, and monitoring progress systematically over time, brands can strengthen both bottom lines and impact at once.

Environmental Advocacy

Seventh Generation’s environmental advocacy work is essential to safeguarding our planet. It encompasses an array of activities - such as raising awareness of important issues or informing the public on how they can make more sustainable choices - all designed to create change for a greener tomorrow.

They are committed to reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions while reaching 100% sustainability, bio-based or recycled materials in all of their materials and ingredients. Achieving this requires taking an integrated approach towards sustainability that encompasses banking, marketing, insurance, investments, philanthropy, tax dollars and corporate governance as part of business operations.

Seventh Generation stands as a leader in sustainable business, striving to advance an economy that supports all generations. Therefore, Seventh Generation strives to build a more sustainable future by leading by example - starting with its employees and suppliers.

As well as creating a greener supply chain, the company is also actively committed to sustainability through corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting. They strive to give an honest account of their efforts by publishing an annual 2020 Corporate Consciousness report which gives an in-depth look into their progress toward their goals.

This report uses Climate Fingerprints methodology, designed to account for all aspects of business that affect environmental outcomes and their relationships with stakeholders and related parties. Furthermore, environmental justice considerations were prioritized throughout, placing special attention on communities most affected by the climate crisis.

Seventh Generation environmental advocacy includes numerous day-to-day actions designed to support their philosophy known as the “Next Seven Generations.” These include encouraging consumers to switch from hot to cold water heating, using detergents designed for cold water usage and choosing laundry products with reduced energy requirements for cleaning clothing.

Small changes can make an immense impactful statement about our global environmental efforts and promote an approach that is more biocentric and sustainable.

A Greener Approach to Home Care and Baby Care

Seventh Generation’s commitment to sustainability is evident in their innovative approach to product development. They strive to create products that are both effective and environmentally friendly, using plant-based and renewable ingredients whenever possible. For example, their laundry detergent is made with 97% plant-based ingredients and their paper products are made with 100% recycled paper.

In addition to their focus on product innovation, Seventh Generation is also dedicated to reducing waste and promoting sustainable packaging. They have introduced a number of innovative packaging solutions, such as their 4X Concentrated Laundry Detergent, which uses less packaging and is more efficient to ship. They also offer a take-back program for their plastic packaging, which allows customers to send back their used packaging to be recycled.

Seventh Generation’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond their products and packaging to their entire supply chain. They work closely with their suppliers to ensure that they are also using sustainable practices and materials. For example, they have partnered with Natural Capital Partners to invest in reforestation projects in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley, which helps to offset their carbon emissions and support biodiversity.

In Conclusion

Seventh Generation is a company that has dedicated itself to producing eco-friendly and healthy products for consumers while also striving to be a leader in environmental advocacy. Through its “Next Seven Generations” philosophy and its 2020 Corporate Consciousness report, Seventh Generation has set aggressive goals to reduce plastic and greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainability in its business operations. The company has taken steps to meet these goals by joining organizations dedicated to climate change solutions and encouraging consumers to make more sustainable choices. Seventh Generation’s success story is an excellent learning opportunity for brands looking to incorporate sustainable practices into their business strategy. By integrating financial and environmental performance metrics, brands can strengthen both their bottom lines and impact at once and build a more sustainable future.

Shop now for your eco-friendly alternatives for home care and baby care at their website or follow them at Instagram.