Generation Conscious Hygiene Equity Program

What is Generation Conscious?

Generation Conscious implements laundry detergent refill stations that dispense toxic-free, hypoallergenic, and biodegradable detergent sheets at no cost to students. The purpose of Generation Conscious is to effectively reduce plastic and water waste, eliminate hygiene insecurity for lower-income students, and help foster a zero-waste culture on campus.

Since launching 18 months ago, more than 25 universities have adopted the Generation Conscious refill stations, including the University of California San Diego, Rice University, Duke University, Boston University and more.

This innovative closed-loop system gives students free access to hygiene products without contributing to packaging waste or the use of plastic. As a result, this system utilizes 97% less water and 95% less carbon in the production and distribution processes than the standard detergent pod. 

The washing machine is one of the only utilities that we as humans share with one another. It's time we tap into the untapped potential of community consumption by helping deploy the first package-free dispenser for laundry detergent sheets. With each dispenser that is deployed, Generation Conscious equitably employs first-generation low-income (FGLI)  students at $20/hour to build technical skills for climate tech careers.

As we partner with Generation Conscious for this initiative, we are passionate about combating the disproportionately negative environmental impacts on lower-income communities by developing infrastructures that tackle hygiene insecurity, eliminate plastic waste and address economic injustices.

Our plan

Reaching our fundraising goal will allow us to place two closed-loop detergent refill stations on campus and stock them with 30,000 laundry detergent sheets (a one year supply for 600-1,000 students). With this, we will implement a comprehensive pilot program that will give us insight into the tangible impact of Generation Conscious products on the well-being of Northwestern students, particularly those who come from a first-generation and low-income background. After collecting feedback from this pilot, we will assess its impact and use the data to encourage expanding this as a Northwestern-funded program in all dormitories on campus.

How you can help!

Making a gift of any amount to our cause will greatly help in our pursuit to make Generation Conscious stations a reality on campus! Your generosity will provide sustainable, hygienic alternatives to laundry practices without imposing financial burdens on students. By believing in our initiative, you believe in promoting a zero-waste, environmentally conscious community at Northwestern.