At a time when corporate responsibility is more scrutinized than ever, Seventh Generation stands as a beacon, embodying a commitment that extends far beyond its range of eco-friendly products. The company’s very name, drawn from the Great Law of the Iroquois Confederacy, reflects a profound dedication to considering the impact of today’s decisions on the next seven generations. This deep-seated philosophy underpins Seventh Generation's Environmental & Social Mission, which is not a single, monolithic entity, but a dynamic, two-pronged approach driven by both an innovative independent Institute and a vigilant corporate Social Mission Board.
This dual commitment showcases a unique model for driving environmental and social progress—one that blends rigorous, "new school" conservation science with unwavering corporate accountability, even after joining a global conglomerate.
At a Glance: Seventh Generation's Mission-Driven Core
- Two Pillars of Purpose: The mission is championed by two distinct entities: the independent Seventh Generation Institute and the Seventh Generation Company's Social Mission Board.
- "New School" Conservation: The Institute spearheads innovative, science-based, collaborative, and non-confrontational approaches to conservation, moving beyond traditional advocacy.
- Corporate Accountability: The Social Mission Board (SMB) ensures the Seventh Generation company maintains and expands its ambitious environmental and social goals post-Unilever acquisition.
- Key Focus Areas: Both entities prioritize climate justice, reducing toxic chemicals, promoting renewable energy, and fostering diversity and inclusion.
- Impact Over Rhetoric: Emphasizes tangible, on-the-ground impact, strategic partnerships, and efficient resource allocation to maximize effectiveness.
Beyond the Bottle: A Dual Commitment to Planet and People
Many brands claim to be green, but few embed environmental and social stewardship as deeply into their organizational DNA as Seventh Generation. Their commitment isn't just about selling plant-based detergents; it's about fundamentally reshaping how conservation is practiced and how global businesses operate responsibly. This mission operates on two distinct, yet harmonized, fronts: through the independent Seventh Generation Institute, and within the Seventh Generation Company itself, guided by its powerful Social Mission Board. Understanding these two facets is key to appreciating the full scope of their work.
Pillar One: The Seventh Generation Institute — Redefining Conservation for the 21st Century
Traditional environmentalism, while foundational, sometimes finds itself bogged down in polarized debates, litigation, and "winner-loser" outcomes that can hinder long-term progress. Enter the Seventh Generation Institute, which represents a refreshing "new school" approach to conservation. Its mission is clear: to build a vibrant future for people and nature by conserving, restoring, and promoting responsible resource use, ensuring healthy, inspiring nature thrives globally for future generations.
The "New School" Approach: Why Innovation is Key
The Institute identifies a critical need for innovative strategies that move beyond mere protest or legal battles. Their "new school" conservation integrates applied sciences, innovation, strategic collaboration, insights into human behavior, and common sense. This holistic perspective views these elements as interconnected and essential for achieving sustainable, lasting conservation outcomes. It's about finding common ground, building bridges, and developing solutions that work for both people and the planet, rather than fostering division.
Core Values Driving the Institute's Impact
At its heart, the Institute is nonpartisan, deliberately avoiding litigation, protest, and confrontational positions. This allows them to foster an environment of collaboration and mutual learning. Their approach is rooted firmly in science, collaboration, and a relentless focus on tangible impact. By maintaining a small, flexible structure, they can foster innovation and swiftly develop new techniques, adapting to evolving environmental challenges without the bureaucratic hurdles often faced by larger organizations.
How the Institute Operates: Practices that Pave the Way
The Institute's commitment to innovation extends to its operational model, which employs several distinguishing practices:
- Income Diversification: To ensure stability and independence, the Institute strategically diversifies its income through donations, appropriate business partnerships, occasional grants, and services. This multi-pronged funding approach minimizes reliance on any single source.
- Impact-Driven Programs: Rather than specializing in a narrow niche, the Institute builds programs around needs with the greatest potential for impact. They identify gaps in existing conservation efforts or areas where their unique approach can make the most difference, ensuring their work is always relevant and impactful.
- Integrated Knowledge: Grounding their work in robust scientific principles, the Institute also integrates insights from business, economics, and other fields. Before launching any project, they thoroughly review existing scientific knowledge, ensuring their efforts are informed and effective.
- Inclusive Engagement: The Institute actively seeks out new partners, especially those who might not traditionally identify as "conservationists." They engage through "best communication practices," emphasizing listening and mutual learning over "preaching to the choir," fostering a broader, more diverse coalition for change. Understanding how to communicate effectively is vital for realizing the full benefits of corporate social responsibility.
- Strategic Resource Use: Every resource is used with purpose. Volunteers are targeted for the "20% that get something done," ensuring maximum efficiency. Partnerships are forged strategically with entities that bring unique expertise or resources the Institute lacks, amplifying their reach and capabilities.
- Efficient Fund Allocation: Maximizing direct conservation work is paramount. The Institute keeps operational costs low by not maintaining traditional offices (staff work from home) and rejects overhead ratios as a misleading metric for evaluating nonprofit effectiveness. This allows a greater percentage of funds to directly support on-the-ground initiatives.
- On-the-Ground Work & Innovation: The Institute prioritizes difficult, impactful on-the-ground efforts. They embrace challenging projects, are willing to risk new methods, and importantly, accept occasional failures as a crucial part of the learning and innovation process. This iterative approach allows them to continually refine and improve their strategies for a more sustainable future.
Pillar Two: Seventh Generation Company's Social Mission Board — Holding a Global Brand Accountable
Seventh Generation has been a mission-driven company for over three decades, establishing itself as a leader in sustainable products. When it joined the Unilever family in 2017, there was a natural concern about how its core values would be preserved within a multinational corporate structure. This is where the Social Mission Board (SMB) steps in.
A Mission Endures: Post-Acquisition Commitment
The SMB was specifically established to ensure that Seventh Generation's mission and core values remain central, even under the ownership of a global consumer goods giant. Its purpose is not merely to maintain the status quo but to continually challenge the company to expand its reach, deepen its initiatives, and set even bolder goals.
The Power of the Social Mission Board (SMB): Guardians of Purpose
Composed of a diverse group of dynamic sustainability leaders, the SMB meets twice annually, complemented by additional conference calls with Seventh Generation leadership. This regular engagement ensures consistent oversight and strategic direction, driving the company toward ever-bolder social mission initiatives. The very existence and active involvement of the SMB demonstrate a powerful commitment to purpose-driven business that extends beyond quarterly earnings reports.
Driving Bolder Change: Key Initiatives and Goals
The SMB isn't just a sounding board; it's an engine for change. It actively pushes for ambitious targets and initiatives, including:
- Carbon Tax Increase: The SMB urged Seventh Generation to double its internal carbon tax from $6 to $12 per ton of carbon. This significant increase aims to expand the use of renewable energy in manufacturing and headquarters, and to fund other critical sustainability programs. Such initiatives are fundamental to advancing truly eco-friendly manufacturing practices.
- Ambitious 2025 Goals: The board has pushed for specific, impactful goals for 2025, including:
- Protecting Waterways: Ensuring that no Seventh Generation products contribute to water contamination, reflecting a deep commitment to ecological integrity. When you reach for Seventh Generation dish detergent, you're choosing a product designed with this goal in mind.
- Holistic Carbon Footprint: Incorporating consumer use into carbon footprint calculations, moving towards a comprehensive 100% renewable energy goal. This acknowledges the entire lifecycle impact of their products.
- Diversity and Inclusion: Building a more racially and gender diverse employee community, including the SMB itself. This reflects a commitment to social equity within and beyond the company.
- Focus Areas: The SMB maintains a sharp focus on critical issues like climate justice, recognizing that environmental burdens often disproportionately affect marginalized communities. They also prioritize addressing exposure to toxic chemicals, advocating for safer ingredients in products and throughout the supply chain. Understanding the nuances of what climate justice entails is crucial for truly impactful change.
Meet the Visionaries: Who Guides the SMB?
The impact of the Social Mission Board is a direct reflection of its members’ collective expertise and dedication. Here are a few of the notable individuals shaping Seventh Generation's future:
- Jeffrey Hollender: As a co-founder of Seventh Generation, Jeffrey brings invaluable historical context and deep expertise in corporate responsibility, sustainability, and social equity. He is now CEO of the American Sustainable Business Network.
- Ellen Dorsey: Executive Director of the Wallace Global Fund, Ellen is renowned for her creative philanthropic strategies, particularly in climate change and human rights. She's a key leader in the global fossil-fuel divestment movement.
- Lorna Davis: The former President/CEO of Danone North America, Lorna led its establishment as the world's largest B Corp, bringing extensive experience in multinational consumer goods and purpose-driven business. This background is invaluable for guiding companies aspiring to B Corp certification.
- Xiuhtezcatl Martinez: A musician and activist, and former Youth Director of Earth Guardians, Xiuhtezcatl is a powerful voice for Indigenous culture, environmental justice, and youth engagement, injecting vital perspectives into the board's discussions.
- Sharima Rasanayagam: As a scientist and Program Officer at the California Breast Cancer Program, Sharima brings a crucial scientific lens to the board, especially concerning toxic chemicals. She was instrumental in passing six California environmental laws.
- Ashley Orgain: Seventh Generation’s Chief Impact Officer, Ashley directly oversees the company's mission and environmental/social impact priorities. She notably transitioned the Seventh Generation Foundation to support Indigenous-led initiatives, demonstrating a commitment to empowering frontline communities.
These individuals, alongside other esteemed members like Kathleen O'Brien, Edu Campanella, and Jen Carnig, collectively drive Seventh Generation's mission forward, ensuring its legacy of positive impact continues to grow.
Addressing Common Questions: Your Guide to Seventh Generation's Impact
Navigating the landscape of mission-driven companies, especially those connected to larger corporations, can raise questions. Here are clear answers to some common inquiries:
Is Seventh Generation still independent after Unilever?
No, Seventh Generation is a subsidiary of Unilever. However, its unique Social Mission Board was specifically created to safeguard and expand its mission post-acquisition, ensuring its core values remain central to its operations and strategy. The SMB functions as an independent body challenging and guiding the company.
How does the Seventh Generation Institute differ from the Seventh Generation Company?
They are distinct entities. The Institute is an independent organization focused on "new school" conservation, applying science and collaboration to environmental challenges. The Company is the brand that produces and sells household products, and it is guided by its Social Mission Board to uphold its environmental and social commitments within the corporate structure. They share foundational values, but their operational methods and legal structures differ significantly.
What is 'climate justice' in Seventh Generation's context?
Climate justice, for Seventh Generation, is the recognition that the impacts of climate change disproportionately affect marginalized communities, particularly communities of color and low-income populations, who often have contributed the least to the problem. Seventh Generation’s mission, through both the Institute and the SMB, seeks to address these inequities by advocating for policies, supporting initiatives, and reducing toxic exposures in these vulnerable communities. It's about ensuring a fair distribution of the benefits of environmental protection and the burdens of environmental degradation.
How does Seventh Generation ensure product sustainability?
Seventh Generation prioritizes plant-based ingredients, aims for minimal environmental impact across the product lifecycle, and constantly seeks innovative packaging solutions (like their recycled plastic bottles). The SMB pushes for deeper analysis, such as including consumer use in carbon footprint calculations, to ensure a comprehensive approach to sustainability. For consumers looking for genuinely sustainable cleaning products, this holistic view is crucial.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
Seventh Generation's dual mission is a powerful force for change, but it operates in a complex world. The challenge of balancing profit with planet, especially within a multinational structure, is ever-present. Yet, this model also presents unique opportunities. The company's reach, amplified by Unilever, allows its message and mission to impact a broader audience. The Institute's agility and commitment to innovation mean it can tackle emerging environmental issues with cutting-edge solutions.
The ongoing need for innovation in conservation, coupled with the imperative for corporate accountability, means Seventh Generation's work is never truly done. Their journey highlights that true sustainability isn't a destination but a continuous process of learning, adapting, and pushing boundaries.
Making a Difference: How You Can Engage
Seventh Generation's journey offers valuable lessons and practical pathways for positive change. As a consumer and a citizen, you have a role to play:
- Support Aligned Brands: By choosing products from companies like Seventh Generation, which actively uphold robust environmental and social missions, you cast a vote for a more sustainable and equitable future with your purchasing power.
- Educate Yourself: Learn more about "new school" conservation and the integrated approaches that are proving effective. Understanding these methodologies empowers you to advocate for smart, impactful environmental policies in your community.
- Advocate for Accountability: Support initiatives that hold corporations accountable for their environmental and social impact. Encourage companies to establish similar mission-driven boards or to pursue certifications like B Corp status.
- Participate in Change: Whether through volunteering, supporting relevant nonprofits, or simply making conscious choices in your daily life, your actions contribute to the collective effort to protect our planet for the next seven generations and beyond.