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Sustainable Back-To-School Guide: College Edition
It’s time to pack those bags and head off to college! Whether you’re a first-year or a senior, the start of a new semester means new experiences and new routines. We’re here to help you keep those routines environmentally friendly with our sustainable back-to-school guide - College Edition! Get Your Dorm Essentials Second-Hand Lamps, coffee pots, rugs, bean bag chairs, cookware, tapestries…the list of dorm essentials goes on. Shopping for all of these items can be expensive and wasteful, especially if you only plan on using the item for a few semesters. Instead of buying new, see if you can get any of these items on Facebook Marketplace or other similar resale sites. Some college campuses are even creating their own second-hand markets, so do some digging and see if that’s an option at your university! Stock Your Shower Caddy Sustainably Be the talk of your shared bathroom with a sustainable shower caddy! Make your routine more environmentally friendly with our line of sustainable shower essentials, including shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in aluminum bottles. Take it a step further by switching to a reusable razor and natural loofah! Thrift Your Back To School Fits New year, new (to you) fits! While it can be tempting to buy brand new clothes for a new semester, consider buying second-hand to reduce your impact on the planet. Check out local thrift stores and consignment shops, or shop online with second-hand retail sites like Poshmark or ThreadUp. Rent Textbooks Buying textbooks every semester can be unsustainable for your wallet and the planet. Before you drop your money on a textbook, investigate if you can rent from your university bookstore or library. If not, see if the textbook is offered as an e-book, or buy the book second-hand from a peer. Don’t forget to sell it to the next student when you’ve completed the class! Participate in Campus Recycling Some waste is inevitable, like all the paper from those essays your professors assigned. When you can’t reuse something, make sure to recycle! Most universities offer recycling options on campus and in dorm buildings, so make sure you familiarize yourself with those processes once you arrive on campus. Join Student Green Clubs Joining clubs and organizations in college is a great way to meet new people and help enact change on campus. See if your campus has an existing sustainability club, and if they don’t, look into creating one! Sustainability clubs can help educate fellow students about the environment and are a great tool to work with university leadership on larger sustainability projects and policies. Cheers to a new, sustainable school year! For more back-to-school sustainability tips, check out this post: Go Back-To-School Plastic-Free
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Sustainable Summer Camping Ideas
Heading out camping this summer? We've got a few sustainable summer camping ideas to make your outdoor camping experience your most eco-friendly yet! Plastic-Free Toiletries Pack a two-in-one biodegradable shampoo + body wash. Plain Products Sage Hair + Body Wash is the perfect camping companion because it takes up very little space, has multiple uses, and is safe to use in natural water because it is completely biodegradable! Solar Lights Use solar-powered lights, lanterns and rechargeable batteries. And don't forget to bring a solar charger to keep your phone charged for emergencies, and pictures. Food Pre-portion snacks and prepare food ahead of time. Pack snacks in reusable containers and prep what food you can ahead of time to avoid food waste and waste from packaging. Recycle Bring a bag with you for any recyclables like glasses, cans, bottles or cardboard so that you can ensure they are properly recycled when you return home. Reusables Bring a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter. Skip the plastic water bottles and invest in a high-quality stainless steel water bottle with a built-in filter like one from Clearly Filtered. Or bring a larger filtration system like a Berkey if you are staying at one campsite for your trip. Essentials Borrow, rent or thrift. If you only go camping a couple of times a year consider renting or sharing your gear with friends. And if you do need to buy something, shop secondhand first! Sustainable camping is fun and easy. Be sure to share your sustainable camping pictures with us, especially if you pack your Plaine Products!
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Circular Economy: What Is it & How Does it Help?
Plaine Products is designed to be part of thecircular economy, a goal that reduces waste and conserves valuable resources. In a circular model, nothing is wasted. That was the goal when we designed all of our packaging to be reused for as long as possible. Once they are no longer reusable we ensured that our packaging is able to be fully recycled. Linear Versus Circular Economy Currently, the way we consume most products is based on a linear model. Resources, like fossil fuels, are extracted from the earth. They are made into products, those products are consumed, and then they are thrown away, never to be used again. Plastic packaging, bottles, and toys are all examples of this. But it's more than plastics. When products made from wood, glass, cloth, or paper are thrown away instead of being repurposed, or reused, that is the linear economy at work.Recycling can extend the use of some of the resources, but unfortunately, plastic can only be recycled once, maybe twice, before the materials become unusable and have to be sent to the landfill. Happily, aluminum and stainless steel can be recycled without any quality loss so they can be recycled infinitely and never need to end up in the waste stream.However, due to the energy required by recycling (which is less than the energy required to make the original products from virgin materials), it is still better to reuse than recycle. So far our process of reuse has meant more than 400,000 plastic bottles (that would have gone into the waste stream eventually) were never used. We've also developed a Plaine Products wholesale program, with bulk and retail sizes, to increase access to our products around the USA.Another way to reduce waste is to repair products. Groups like Fitxit.org are fighting for right to repair bills, which means access to manuals and support for small mom and pop repair shops. The bill requires original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to provide consumers and independent repair businesses equal access to repair documentation, diagnostics, tools, service parts, and firmware as their direct or authorized repair providers. Reducing Waste At Plaine Products, we place a priority on sustainability throughout our company and voluntarily report on our impact each year. For Plaine Products, reuse is about more than just the bottles. It's about the intent with which we created our ordering system to make sure unnecessary extra pumps are not sent out with every bottle. As much as we can, we reuse boxes, lids, and office supplies. Not only does this keep items out of the waste stream it also means less will be created in the first place.In the past, it’s often been the environment versus the economy, but the Plaine Product’s model supports both. By cleaning and reusing our bottles Plaine Products is able to create jobs.Research indicates that reuse and remanufacture create 8 – 20 jobs per thousand tons of material compared to 5-10 jobs created per thousand tons of material by traditional recycling.Since we do send bottles back out once they have been cleaned and refilled, they may have small dings when they arrive at your door. We hope you’ll appreciate that they are ensuring a lighter environmental footprint on the planet. However, if a bottle does acquire more dents while in your possession, it is always better to go ahead and recycle it than waste resources sending it back to us. A good rule of thumb is if it’s more dented than you’d want a bottle to be, go ahead and recycle it. Box Reuse Our boxes are sustainable. They are made from a 100% recycled containerboard which means absolutely NO new materials are used in their manufacture. We also worked to develop boxes that fit our bottles, so we limit the amount of extra fill required to keep them safe during shipping. In most cases, they are shipped fill-free.We also reuse our boxes as much as possible. Sometimes that means patching them up with paper tape so we can send them back out. Again, this means your box may look a little loved. But we hope you’ll appreciate the care and time it took to help these boxes make one more trip. To help us with those efforts it's best not to use plastic packing tape when you are sending bottles back. Instead, use the return label to seal the box closed the same way we send the bottles to you.In a circular economy, the focus is on preventing waste from even being created in the first place, and this is what we strive to do. Thank you for your continued support of Plaine Products and our mission to reduce waste on the planet.
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Why You May Want To Avoid Black Plastic
Why it’s a good idea to avoid black plastic to protect our health—especially those items that come in contact with our food.
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Sustainable Mother’s Day Gifts
Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and we’ve got the sustainable gift ideas you’ve been looking for. From repurposing what you already have to creating memorable experiences, these sustainable Mother's Day gifts are perfect for the eco-minded mom in your life. Give An Old Memento New Life Mother’s Day is a chance to let the mother figure in your life know how much you love and appreciate them. One of our favorite ways to do that sustainably is to give an old memory new life! You could make a scrapbook of your old photos, sew old baby clothes together into a cozy blanket, or edit together your favorite home movies into a sentimental highlight reel. Get creative! Donate To Her Favorite Cause Let your mom know you care about what’s important to her. If she has a favorite charity or cause, consider making a donation in her name. This one is a win-win-win: a gift for her, a gift for a cause close to her heart, and zero negative impact on the planet! You could even consider donating to one of our nonprofit partners, Beyond Plastics ! A donation to Beyond Plastics will help them protect moms and babies of all species from the dangers of plastic pollution and they'll send the person you've chosen to honor an adorable e-card to let her know you care. Dedicate a Tree In Her Name This one’s for the nature-loving mamas out there! We love the idea of dedicating a tree in her name. Not only is it a unique way to express your love, but it will continue to positively impact the planet for years to come. Check out The Trees Remember to dedicate a tree in her name! Sustainable Self Care Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to treat your mom to a little self-care! Give her an at-home facial with our Facial Care Trio set, or go all-in with our Day At The Spa set. Not only will your mom feel relaxed and rejuvenated, but all of the products come plastic-free, so she’ll feel good knowing she’s protecting the planet at the same time. While all of these sustainable Mother's Day gifts are sure to bring a smile to her face, don’t forget that the most important gift you can give your mom is time. Take the day to slow down, enjoy some quality time, and let her know how thankful you are to have her. Happy Mother’s Day!
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Our Newest Product: Hair + Body Wash!
Our goal at Plaine Products is to help you reduce the amount of plastic in your bathroom. Our newest product does just that! With the launch of our 2-in-1 Hair + Body Wash, we’re making it easy for you to stick to your plastic-free routine. Our Hair + Body Wash has been specially formulated to provide a luxurious cleanse for your scalp and body. This product features the premium aloe-based ingredients of our Shampoo and Body Wash, along with a few new ingredients that make it especially suitable for both your hair and body. This 2-in-1 product comes in a lovely Sage scent—the same scent as our Beauty Oil—that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. What's In It? Bambusa Vulgaris Extract (bamboo) contains more than 70% organic silica, a protein found in skin tissue and crucial for thick, strong, smooth hair. It also promotes speedier hair growth and gives more elasticity to hair. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of bambusa vulgaris extract help to soothe the scalp and improve blood circulation. Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract offers anti-oxidant, nutritive, and emollient benefits to enhance skin’s tone and texture. It also acts as an exfoliant and hair growth promoter while preventing premature graying and dandruff. Apple Amino Acids create a foam that conditions hair and skin. It leaves the hair easy to comb, soft and shiny while retaining volume. Lauryl Glucoside is a sugar and coconut oil based replacement for Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) which are cosmetic detergents. Lauryl Glucoside cleans the hair without stripping or weighing the hair down. This ingredient helps the hair and body wash work for a wide range of hair types. Why Use Hair + Body Wash? Simplify your routine We’re big fans of “Less is More.” We use concentrated ingredients in all our products, so you can minimize bottles and maximize the life of your product. And now with our 2-in-1, you can embrace a minimalist routine in the shower, maximizing your contribution to our planet’s health. Great for Travel Our Hair + Body Wash helps you travel lightly, making it especially suitable for camping, van life, and more. The best part? The ingredients are biodegradable, so you can wash up outdoors without the guilt. Suitable for Low Maintenance Hair Types This product is great for those who typically have low-maintenance locks, or those looking for a minimalist lifestyle. You can even replace conditioner for those with fine hair. Shop our new 16oz Hair + Body Wash here or give it a try with our travel size version! What other new products would you like to see from Plaine Products? Let us know by connecting with us on social at @PlaineProducts!
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Sustainable Spring Break
Whether you are traveling for the week or just a weekend these tips are sure to help you pack for your spring break sustainably! Bring your own water bottle Wherever you find yourself this spring break bring your own water bottle with you to avoid the need to purchase a plastic water bottle. If you are flying somewhere you can actually bring an empty bottle with you through security and then fill it up before boarding! Pack a set of utensils We all love enjoying delicious food while vacationing but with many places still using plastic disposable utensils and carryout containers avoiding all of the unnecessary waste can be difficult. Instead of investing in a fancy set of reusable flatware in a carrying case just pack a set of utensils from home and wrap them in a dishtowel that can double as your napkin! Airports will even let you travel with your own spoon and fork, but leave the butter knife at home to avoid any trouble. Download your books Instead of placing an order for some new reads to keep you occupied on a flight or by the pool, download your books onto your phone or tablet instead! Doing so will save you space in your suitcase and save on emissions from the printing and shipping of the book, a win-win. Need some suggestions? Check out some of our recommendations here. Pack a sunscreen that is safe for you and the planet Did you know many sunscreens actually contain ingredients that have been linked to skin cancer and, when worn in the ocean, can damage coral reefs? Yikes! Luckily many cleaner sunscreen options are becoming available. Our favorite brand is Raw Elements which you can purchase in either a traditional tube or in a plastic-free tin. Don’t forget your plastic-free toiletries Skip the hotel's plastic-laden toiletries and bring your own products from home. You can either repurpose mini bottles that you already own and refill them with your favorite products or buy a low waste option that you can use for years to come. This zero waste travel kit is our favorite option because the lotion’s main ingredient is aloe which is perfect if your skin gets a little too much sun! No matter where you end up this spring break, get outside, soak up the sun and leave wherever you are better than you found it by picking up litter when you come across it. Small habits lead to great change, happy travels!
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Beach Cleanups to Biology: Celebrate Kaysha With Us!
Recognize this girl? If you follow us on social media, chances are you’ve seen her face. But it’s time to get to know her a little bit more! Kaysha Kenney has been with Plaine Products since June of 2021, helping to create the engaging and informative posts you see on our social channels today. She even helped kickstart our TikTok! In addition to being a fab TikTok star, Kaysha is an extremely passionate environmentalist. A native Californian, Kaysha has devoted her life to protecting our oceans and beaches through education and advocacy. Kaysha worked as a tidepool educator for the Laguna Ocean Foundation while also cleaning up some serious trash from our beaches. In 2021, Kaysha set an ambitious goal to pick up 1000 lbs of trash via individual and community beach cleanups. Not only did she reach that goal in just 6 months, but she more than doubled it! Kaysha, alongside 274 volunteers, spent over 100 hours picking up trash across 96 miles of shoreline at 17 different beaches. All of this hard work led to Kaysha cleaning up 2500 lbs of trash from California’s beaches in 2021! (cue the applause) While the solution to ending plastic pollution is to stop plastic production altogether, beach cleanups are still a helpful tool in the fight against plastic pollution. They help reduce litter, protect wildlife, and most importantly, raise awareness about litter and plastic pollution. Individual actions like these are important, because a bunch of individual actions added up together can equal major progress. Just look at Kaysha and her volunteers! “I hope that if you take anything away from this, it’s that we have a tremendous problem, so much bigger than ourselves, but we have the power to create change. No action is too small.”- Kaysha Kenney We’re so proud of her hard work and dedication. But Kaysha’s story doesn’t end there! It has always been her dream to get a Masters in Marine Biology. COVID did its best to derail those plans…until now. Kaysha has been accepted to James Cook University for a Masters in Marine Biology in Australia, starting in February of 2022! We’re so excited for her to follow her dreams and continue to advocate for a healthier planet. We are SO excited for our TikTok star! If you want to follow along on her journey through Australia, follow her on social media here. And check out all the fun videos she’s made on our TikTok!
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Celebrating Valentine's Day Plastic-Free
Are you celebrating Valentine’s Day with a significant other or gathering with a group of friends for Galentine’s Day? We’ve got you covered with some great plastic-free and sustainable ideas whether you are gathering together or celebrating from afar! Decorations We know all the themed heart-shaped balloons can be hard to pass up but making your own decorations out of paper or scrap fabric saves you money and you can reuse them every year! Try making a heart banner out of pink, red, and white cardstock or using fabric to make a pompom banner. If you are hosting a party try finding cute items at the thrift store for your table like pink glasses, white plates, red napkins, and heart-shaped bowls instead of using disposable items. Or upcycle a plain table runner or old sheet to create something fun and festive! Gifts Instead of gifting the typical candy and flowers that will inevitably get thrown away, opt for a long-lasting gift like a potted plant, a subscription that you can share, or a handwritten card. You can also pass on the physical gifts and focus on simply spending time with the people you love! Make a meal together, finish a project around the house, bake some treats to gift to others, or plan a fun day trip to reconnect. If you like to send out cards to loved ones or have a child who exchanges cards in school consider purchasing plantable cards. Plantables and Paper sells lots of options that are great for kids on their Etsy shop! Self Love Regardless of how you are spending Valentine’s Day this year don’t forget to show yourself some love too! Take time to relax by bringing the spa right to your bathroom with our Day At The Spa bundle, put on a face mask, and unwind with your favorite book, show or podcast. Here’s an easy DIY face mask that you can make for yourself on a night in or for your friends at a Galentine’s Party: ½ avocado ½ very ripe banana 1 Tbsp. olive oil Just mix all three ingredients together and apply to a clean, dry face for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off. Follow with a moisturizer or a beauty oil for extra hydration! Regardless of how you spend the day or who you spend it with, remember that it is simply about spreading love, no need to overcomplicate it!
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DO YOU NEED A RETURN LABEL?