With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the health and livelihood of millions every day, Seventh Generation is thinking hard about how best to support and uplift our communities, especially those who need help the most. First, we have significantly increased production of the essential cleaning and household products people and families need. We are working closely with our retail partners to continually restock product to meet the unprecedented increase in demand. We’re also continuing to assess where our voice as a business can be most effective in spurring and supporting systemic change that nurtures this and future generations.
For the past several years, you’ve seen us stand up for climate justice and equity because we know that vulnerable and marginalized populations are the first and worst affected by the climate crisis. Now, as we raise our voice and channel our resources in response to the COVID-19 crisis, we remain more committed than ever to supporting equity and justice. It is our strong belief that the solutions created to battle this crisis must be equitable, and that they must address the vulnerable and marginalized communities that are experiencing the effects of COVID-19 first and worst.
Now is the time to invest in people and the planet, and as solutions are proposed to respond to COVID-19, we need to push for stimulus and relief packages that put the people first. That’s why Seventh Generation has endorsed the People’s Bailout, a comprehensive approach to recovery and relief built around the needs of the everyday people who need the most support. We’re asking our elected leaders to act in line with the People’s Bailout principles, which put us on a path toward a society that leaves no one behind.
The People’s Bailout is built around five core principles[1].
(1) Health is the top priority, for all people, with no exceptions
That means free and accessible testing and treatment, expanded paid sick and family medical leave, and comprehensive health protections for all people, especially those likely to be hit first and worst by the COVID-19 economic downturn.
(2) Provide economic relief directly to the people
This means expanding the social safety net to shield vulnerable people and families, and beginning cash payments to all people, with larger payments directed to those disproportionately exposed to COVID-19 health risks and job insecurity.
(3) Rescue workers and communities, not corporate executives
Relief and aid to counter the economic effects of COVID-19, including financial assistance and federal loans, must be used to improve the lives of everyday workers, not executives.
(4) Make a down payment on a regenerative economy, while preventing future crises
Begin with a stimulus package that counteracts the economic downturn and creates millions of equitable new jobs, while also continuing to tackle the climate crisis still affecting economic stability and human health.
(5) Protect our democratic process while protecting each other
We need to protect both public health and the rights of citizens by ensuring that all Americans can vote safely in upcoming elections, safeguarding the 2020 Census, and creating continuity for all levels of government.
Curious to learn more? Explore the People’s Bailout principles and full platform in greater depth.
[1] https://thepeoplesbailout.org/