815,224 Plastic Bottles Have Been Eliminated From Landfills & Oceans
Free Shipping on Orders $100+
Episode-033-Podcast-Artwork-Landscape

Rank & File Podcast: What Nonprofits & Business Can Learn from the Other

Plaine Products co-founder Lindsey McCoy was recently featured on the Rank & File podcast. With host Kari Enge, Lindsey discusses how her nonprofit background played into starting a business. Lindsey also shares her tips for a successful start-up. You can check out her article on the same topic in the Rank & File magazine. The quarterly Rank & File digital publication and weekly podcast feature authentic, vulnerable and practical advice from purpose-driven entrepreneurs. Rank & File is a place for purpose-driven entrepreneurs who believe people are worth serving and business can create change. If you like what you read, Kari is offering a 20% OFF a Rank & File magazine subscription for our Plaine Products community with the coupon code: PLAINEPRODUCTS. Rank and File is much more than a magazine. Check them out!

Rank & File Podcast with Plaine Products: Listen here

The Rank & File Podcast is essential listening for Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurs with our Editor-in-Chief Kari Enge. Tune in each week as we dive deeper into Rank & File Magazine’s current themes to help you build a business that is socially impactful, financially sustainable and personally fulfilling. Expect behind-the-scenes interviews and conversations with fellow entrepreneurs on lessons learned from experience, practical business advice, and game-changing yet approachable strategies. When you transition from a past career to the life of a social entrepreneur you bring a lot of baggage with you — some good and some bad. You will have great working habits and mindsets that you want to carry with you into your new venture, and you will have really negative working habits and mindsets that you need to get rid of if you are going to be successful in the entrepreneur space. After all, working in the corporate world or in the nonprofit sector where you are not the founder and CEO requires a totally different way of thinking than launching and running your own company. Today, I am joined by Lindsey McCoy the co-founder of Plaine Products. She has a master’s degree in nonprofit management and spent 10 years working on environmental education in the Bahamas, before her and her sister co-founded a company, Plaine Products, that offers premium personal care products in aluminum bottles that can be returned, refilled and reused. Lindsey and I are going to talk all about traditional nonprofit mindsets — both good and bad — and how those mindsets need to be applied to social enterprises in order to make us more effective (and which ones need to be ditched and done away with altogether). This conversation is jam-packed with practical information about how to build a great product and loyal customer following using the customer relationship and is full of “aha” moments for anyone who has worked in the nonprofit sector and has transitioned to life as an entrepreneur. But, it’s also really helpful for all of us, because it helps us to see the baggage that we might have taken from our past careers and the mindset shifts that we need to make.

natural shampooIn this Rank & File podcast episode, you’ll learn:

-The good nonprofit mindsets that all purpose-driven entrepreneurs should adopt to grow their business bottom-lines -How to use the customer “donor” relationship to increase feedback, loyalty, and sales -The most common negative mindsets that nonprofits have, which hold social entrepreneurs back from success. -How to replace poor nonprofit mindsets with better mindsets and habits
Important links from this episode: 5 Things You Don’t Want in Your Shampoo — by Lindsey McCoy How Nonprofit Mindsets Have Hurt and Helped Me As a Purpose-Driven Entrepreneur by Lindsey McCoy — Co-Founder of Plaine Products — Rank & File Issue #14 You Are Good Enough: Empower Your Brand with Authentic Story — Lindsey McCoy on the Rank & File Blog

Tags: Podcasts
Previous Post Next Post

Related Posts

Why doesn’t Plaine Products Carry a line for Kids?

Why doesn’t Plaine Products Carry a line for Kids?

The short answer is all of Plaine Products are baby safe because we want our products to work for EVERYONE. If a product is toxic for children, it probably isn’t so great for you either so let’s make one product that everyone can use! 

Learn more
From Shower to Cycle: The Essentials of a Waste-Free Bathroom

From Shower to Cycle: The Essentials of a Waste-Free Bathroom

A Cleaner Routine for You and the Planet If you're striving for a more sustainable lifestyle, the bathroom is a great place to start. From the products you use in the shower to how you manage your period, everyday routines offer countless opportunities to reduce waste and opt for non-toxic, reusable solutions. In this guide, we’ll take you through the essentials of creating a waste-free bathroom using eco-conscious products from two trailblazing women-owned, B Corp Certified companies: Plaine Products and Saalt.     Why Start in the Bathroom? Bathrooms generate a significant amount of plastic and disposable waste. Shampoo bottles, body wash containers, disposable razors, period products - these all contribute to landfills and ocean pollution. Transitioning to a zero-waste bathroom helps you reduce your environmental impact while also switching to products that are safer for your body and better for the planet. The bathroom is one of the smallest rooms in the home but also one of the biggest contributors to plastic waste. Most personal care items are over-packaged, under-recycled, and replaced monthly. Not to mention, conventional products often contain hormone-disrupting chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and microplastics. That’s why it’s crucial to be mindful not only of what we consume - but also how it’s packaged, produced, and disposed of. With a few thoughtful swaps, your bathroom can become a hub of sustainability and wellness.     Sustainable Showering with Plaine Products Plastic-Free Personal Care Let’s talk about the shower. Most hair and body products come in single-use plastic containers that are rarely recycled. Plaine Products changes that with a refillable, aluminum bottle system that allows you to return empty bottles for sanitization and reuse - closing the loop on waste. Must-Haves for a Zero Waste Shower: Shampoo & Conditioner Plaine Products offers sulfate-free, biodegradable formulas packed with aloe, jojoba oil, and essential oils. Their refillable bottles eliminate the need for plastic altogether. Body Wash & Lotion Infused with clean, non-toxic ingredients, these products leave your skin nourished - without the synthetic fragrances or parabens. Hair Repair Use this lightweight detangler as a leave-in treatment. It’s especially helpful for maintaining healthy hair between washes. Why It Matters: Not only are these products made with natural, non-toxic ingredients, but their circular model means you never throw a bottle away again. Refillable packaging reduces both plastic production and waste. Beyond waste reduction, switching to non-toxic, refillable personal care supports healthier skin, hair, and overall wellbeing. Many conventional shampoos and lotions contain sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances that can irritate sensitive skin or disrupt your hormonal balance. By opting for biodegradable, cruelty-free, and vegan formulas like those from Plaine Products, you're also keeping harmful chemicals out of the water supply - important for both ecosystems and future generations. Plus, their carbon-neutral shipping practices and partnerships with plastic-offset programs make it easy to feel good about your impact.   Switching to Reusables for Your Cycle with Saalt Rethinking Your Period Routine The average person who menstruates uses more than 10,000 tampons in a lifetime. That’s a lot of waste. Saalt offers innovative, reusable alternatives to pads and tampons that are better for your body and the planet. Menstrual Cups & Discs: Sustainable, Safe, and Comfortable If you’re looking for tampon alternatives, a menstrual cup or menstrual disc is a game-changer. These soft cups collect, rather than absorb, menstrual fluid and can be worn for up to 12 hours. Reusable menstrual cup: Made with medical-grade silicone, Saalt cups are designed to be ultra-comfortable and easy to insert. Reusable menstrual disc: This low-suction option sits higher in the vaginal canal and offers mess-free period sex. Whether you're curious about how to insert a menstrual cup or want to find the best menstrual cup for beginners, Saalt’s website offers tutorials and sizing guides to help. Bonus: Less Waste, More Freedom - One period cup can last up to 10 years. - They’re ideal for travel, exercise, and even swimming. - Fewer purchases mean more savings over time. Saalt’s menstrual products aren’t just sustainable - they’re life-changing. Users often report fewer leaks, less cramping, and a better understanding of their cycles. And because you can wear a menstrual cup or disc for up to 12 hours, you don’t have to plan your day around changing tampons. It's discreet, mess-free, and empowering. When paired with Saalt’s reusable period panties, you have a comprehensive, customizable solution for any flow level, lifestyle, or stage of life - from the first period to postpartum to perimenopause. Period Underwear: Everyday Confidence Not ready for a cup? No problem. Period underwear - also referred to as leakproof underwear or period panties - offers built-in protection that’s absorbent, breathable, and stylish. What Makes Saalt’s Underwear Stand Out? - Non-toxic period underwear made without PFAS - Available in options like sweat proof, moisture wicking underwear, leakproof (or not!), and even teen and maternity/postpartum styles.  - Seamless designs and inclusive sizes for women, girls, postpartum, and beyond Whether you’re wondering how period underwear works or how to wash period underwear, Saalt has made it easy to transition to reusables with confidence. With dozens of styles - from hipsters to high-waist to seamless bikinis - there’s a pair for every body and every occasion. Whether you're sleeping, working out, or managing heavy flow days, Saalt’s period underwear is designed to feel just like regular underwear - only better. Looking for the best period underwear for girls or teens? Their Starter Kits make first periods less intimidating and more empowering. All products are machine washable and come in inclusive sizing to support dignity and comfort at every age.     Additional Zero Waste Bathroom Tips That Stick 1. Ditch Disposable Razors Switch to a safety razor with replaceable blades. They're not only waste-free but cost-effective in the long run. 2. Add a Bidet You might not think about your toilet routine when going zero-waste, but switching to a bidet can drastically cut down your toilet paper use. Not only does this save trees and water (yes, TP production is incredibly water-intensive), but it’s also more hygienic. 3. Compostable Toothbrushes & Silk Floss Bamboo toothbrushes and natural silk floss (without plastic coatings) help reduce landfill waste. 4. Choose a Natural Loofah Instead of a plastic loofah, choose a plant-based one. Plastic loofahs are inspired by the plant version, and yet, a natural loofah is totally compostable. You could even grow them yourself! 5. Mindful Disposal Even when you replace products, consider how you dispose of them. Can they be composted, recycled, or upcycled?     How to Make the Transition to a Low-Waste Bathroom Overhauling your bathroom all at once can feel overwhelming, but a gradual approach works best - and helps build habits that stick. Start with what you’re about to run out of: if you’re finishing up shampoo, replace it with a refillable option from Plaine Products. Looking to stop buying tampons? Try a menstrual cup or period panties from Saalt. Set a goal to replace one item each month, and before you know it, your bathroom will be zero-waste and toxin-free. Don't forget to educate family members or housemates, and keep a small bin for compostables or recycling to make sustainable choices even easier.     Two B Corps Leading the Charge Plaine Products and Saalt aren’t just sustainable brands - they’re Certified B Corporations, which means they meet the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility. As women-owned companies, they’re leading with both purpose and performance, proving that sustainable self-care can also support ethical business.     The Impact of Your Choices By switching to refillables and reusables, you can prevent hundreds of plastic containers, pads, and tampons from ending up in landfills or waterways every year. Plus, you support companies like Plaine Products and Saalt that are proving ethical, sustainable business models can thrive. With every swap, you're not just simplifying your routine - you’re casting a vote for a cleaner planet and safer products. Small choices, big impact.     Ready to Create Your Waste-Free Bathroom? Transforming your bathroom into a low-waste zone isn’t about perfection - it’s about progress. Whether you start by swapping plastic shampoo bottles for Plaine Products’ refillables or exploring Saalt’s collection of period cups, soft cups, and non toxic period underwear, every small change adds up. By choosing brands committed to sustainability, transparency, and innovation, you’re doing more than just reducing waste - you’re investing in a cleaner future.

Learn more
Help, what is making my skin so itchy!?

Help, what is making my skin so itchy!?

Everything from beauty care products to laundry detergents contain chemicals that can exacerbate skin irritation.  People with conditions like eczema or psoriasis know these issues are much more than a minor annoyance. Look for items like Plaine Products that are all natural, toxic free and moisturizing.  Products where the main ingredient is aloe or shea butter can provide a deep skin-soothing experience because they are packed with vitamins. 

Learn more