The Climate Initiative

Plaine Products is proud to add The Climate Initiative (TCI) to our list of nonprofit partners. The Climate Initiative (TCI) is a nonpartisan, solutions-oriented organization that educates, equips, and activates youth to pursue local, tangible solutions to the climate challenge. In the summer of 2026, they are launching a new plastics-based Learning Lab module that gives educators a ready-to-use, science-grounded resource on plastic pollution.

Who Is TCI

Through its core Learning Lab educational modules and direct to youth climate leadership programming, TCI reaches young people where they are, in classrooms and communities alike. TCI recognizes that young people are essential to addressing climate change because they build climate awareness among their parents, communities, and decision makers. Through intergenerational conversations and youth-led climate action, TCI creates more vibrant and resilient communities across the country and the world.

Plastics Learning Lab

TCI’s newest Learning Lab module, co-created with biological oceanographer and microplastics researcher Dr. Jenni Brandon, gives educators a ready-to-use, science-grounded resource on plastic pollution. It reframes microplastics from an ocean issue into a human health issue, helping students see the direct line from plastic waste to their own communities and bodies. The module fits into existing curriculum without a full overhaul, making it easy for teachers to bring this science into the classroom right away.

6th Annual Climate Educators Retreat

Plaine Products is proud to be a part of TCI’s flagship event that brings experienced climate educators and pre-service teachers together for three days of hands-on professional development. All of the attendees will get refillable travel-size shampoo and conditioner, and our gallon-size hand wash will be available in the LEEDS Certified dormitories. 

Educators build climate knowledge, connect with colleagues from across the country, and leave with real curriculum and projects they can bring straight into their classrooms. The retreat takes place at The Ecology School’s living building campus in Saco, Maine, with farm-fresh meals and on-site dormitory lodging included. It always sells out, and this year it leads right into TCI’s Changemakers Evening for Action on July 28th. 

Changemakers Evening for Action

Plaine Products is thrilled to be sponsoring The Changemakers Evening for Action, which closes out TCI’s annual Climate Educators Retreat Week and brings TCI’s whole community together to celebrate the educators doing extraordinary work with Learning Lab resources. Each year, TCI recognizes a small group of teachers with its Changemaker Award, honoring the work they’re doing to build climate resilience in their own classrooms and communities, often with limited time, limited budget, and a whole lot of heart.

This event is a chance to put names and faces to the work happening in classrooms across the country, and to bring sponsors, donors, and supporters into the room with the people actually doing it. The evening is open beyond retreat attendees, too, so local supporters, partners, and friends of TCI are part of the celebration.