DOWN TO EARTH
“Paper or plastic?” That’s a thorny dilemma for tree huggers. But it doesn’t have to be a choice between two evils, thanks to the eco-conscious peeps at Seventh Generation. The Vermont-based company derives its name from the Great Law of the Iroquois: “In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations.” With products ranging from chlorine-free baby wipes to petroleum-free cleaners, Seventh Gen has become the nation’s leading manufacturer of nontoxic, recycled and all-natural household products. While other corporations may “greenwash” their brands and pay lip service to an environmental ethos, Seventh Generation walks the walk, right down to its LEED-certified corporate headquarters in Main Street Landing. If the company can’t make a product sustainably, it won’t make it at all.

- Ken Picard