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Ingredient Transparency at Plaine Products
At Plaine Products, we pride ourselves on being a sustainable low-toxic brand you can share with the whole family. We take ingredient sourcing very seriously and work with a small U.S.-based manufacturer that shares the same ingredient standards. Often we have to make difficult choices about ingredients to keep our products safe and effective. We know there are trade-offs that come with every decision, and we want to be transparent about those choices so you can make informed decisions as a consumer.There are a few ingredients we use that make some "ingredients of concern" lists. They include phenoxyethanol, polysorbate, and synthetic dye. All of these ingredients are at or near the end of our ingredient list, making them less than 1% of the total product. Still, we want to be transparent about what they’re used for, any risks with using them, and our rationale behind including them. Phenoxyethanol Phenoxyethanol is used as a preservative in our styling gel and face moisturizer. Preservatives are an important part of any manufactured product to prevent the growth of mold or bacteria, resulting in a safer product and longer shelf life. In most of our products, we use potassium sorbate for this purpose. Unfortunately, that didn't work with the styling gel formulation so we opted for phenoxyethanol instead. With our face moisturizer, we recently made the switch. We were having some issues keeping it stable. Customer safety is of upmost importance to us, and switching to phenoxyethanol was the best way to ensure that.The good news is, according to the EWG Skin Deep Database we are not using it in ways that are the most concerning. EWG gives phenoxyethanol a safety rating of 2 - 4 (1 being perfectly safe, 10 unsafe), depending on its usage: This ingredient's score is higher if used in product forms that are inhalable (e.g., sprays, powders) because of respiratory concerns. The score is lower if used in product forms that have a lower risk of inhalation (e.g., solids, liquids). This ingredient's score is higher if used in products that may not meet industry safety guidelines or U.S. and international government requirements. The score will be lower if used in products that meet these safety guidelines and requirements. Fortunately, styling gel is not intended for the mouth and its gel form does not lend itself to inhalation. We felt it was a good trade-off to offer an effective, sustainably packaged styling gel option.There are also concerns that phenoxyethanol can be commonly contaminated with ethylene oxide or benzene, both known human carcinogens. We have had conversations with our manufacturer regarding this. They have assured us they are purchasing from high-quality sources where contamination is not a concern. Polysorbate 20 & 80 Polysorbate is an ingredient that we use as an emulsifier in our hand wash and styling gel. This ingredient is relatively safe on its own, withEWG giving it a rating of 1-2/Fair. The main concern is with contamination. Polysorbate may contain ethylene oxide, a known human carcinogen or trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane, a probable human carcinogen. Again, we have had conversations with our manufacturer regarding this. They have once again assured us they are purchasing from high-quality sources where contamination is not a concern. CI 60730 (Violet No. 2) This is the dye we use in our new purple shampoo, which helps neutralize brassy tones while revitalizing blonde and white tones. When formulating this shampoo, we experimented with using natural dyes at first. Unfortunately, they didn’t give the desired results, which led us to experiment with synthetic dyes instead. It’s important that our products be sustainable but also effective, which this dye helped us achieve.When looking at the safety of this ingredient, we once again look at the context of usage. According to EWG, CI 60730's score is between 3-6. It's in the higher range if it's in products intended for use around the mouth, around the eyes, or on damaged skin. This is due to increased risk of absorption which can cause irritation, allergies & immunotoxicity, and/or non-reproductive organ system toxicity. CI 60730 is considered to be safe for limited use in cosmetics. It is not suspected to be an environmental toxin or bioaccumulative. There are other shampoos on the market that also have this ingredient and were given an overall safety score of 1 & 2 by EWG. It's also listed as the last ingredient in these products, similar to ours. Our Promise to You Above all else, at Plaine Products we value openness and transparency with our customers. We strive to do our best for both people and the planet in an industry that makes it hard to do so. It’s not easy, and sometimes we have to make tough choices to ensure our products are effective while maintaining their sustainability. We’re always learning, growing and adapting.If you love learning about ingredients in your personal care products, stay tuned for our monthly ingredients blog posts!
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Ridwell: Revolutionizing Recycling
Looking for an innovative way to recycle tricky plastics and other hard-to-recycle materials? Plaine Products and Ridwell have teamed up to offer a fantastic solution! With Ridwell's doorstep pickup service, recycling has never been easier. Plus, Plaine Products shoppers can enjoy a special offer: a free month of Ridwell through August 31 ! Discover how this partnership can help you reduce waste and contribute to a cleaner planet. What is Ridwell? Ridwell recycles differently. With simple doorstep pickup, Ridwell helps busy people recycle tricky plastics and much more that can’t be recycled curbside. So far, the Ridwell community has saved more than 22 million pounds of waste from landfills—things like soft plastic film, crinkly plastic food packaging, lightbulbs, cords and chargers, and textiles. Special Offer for Plaine Products Customers Just like Plaine Products makes it easy for you to send back your empty bottles to be refilled by including a return label with your order, Ridwell makes it simple to get rid of your stuff responsibly. To celebrate our new friendship, Plaine Products shoppers can get a free month of Ridwell. Simply visit this link to sign up and enjoy hassle-free recycling. The promo will last through August 31, so don't miss out! A Unique Recycling Approach Many people think all plastic can be recycled curbside. In reality, traditional recycling machinery isn’t made for many types of plastic—things like bubble wrap, chip bags, and ziptop bags. These items typically end up in landfills. Ridwell solves that problem! Ridwell seeks out partners who use creative techniques to recycle more, turning hard-to-recycle plastic into new decking planks and other useful products. Current Availability Ridwell's services are currently available in and around: Atlanta Austin The Bay Area Denver Los Angeles Minneapolis-St. Paul Portland Seattle Not in your area? Enter your info on their website to request service!Plaine Products and Ridwell are changing the game of refilling, reusing, and recycling. They each provide an easy, effective way to reduce waste and recycle responsibly. Don't forget to take advantage of the free month of Ridwell offered to Plaine Products shoppers through August 31. Join the movement and make a difference today!
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The Ultimate Guide to Deep Conditioner
Are you tired of dealing with dry, brittle hair? Looking for a solution that can restore your hair's natural shine and softness? Look no further! Deep conditioners are the answer to your hair woes, providing intense hydration and nourishment to rejuvenate your locks. Plus, we have exciting news: Plaine Products' Deep Conditioner is now available in two delightful scents, Meadow and Cherry Almond. In this guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about deep conditioners, from their benefits to how to use them. What is a Deep Conditioner? A deep conditioner is a hair treatment designed to deliver intense moisture and repair to the hair shaft. Unlike regular conditioners, deep conditioners penetrate deeper into the hair, targeting damage and dryness from within. They are typically used once a week or as needed, depending on your hair's condition. Benefits of Using a Deep Conditioner 1. Restores Moisture Balance Dry hair can result from various factors, including environmental stressors, heat styling, and chemical treatments. Deep conditioners replenish lost moisture, making your hair feel soft and silky. 2. Strengthens Hair Ingredients like proteins and vitamins in deep conditioners help strengthen the hair shaft, reducing breakage and split ends. 3. Improves Elasticity Healthy hair has good elasticity, allowing it to stretch without breaking. Deep conditioners enhance hair elasticity, making it more resilient to damage. 4. Enhances Shine By smoothing the hair cuticle and adding hydration, deep conditioners can give your hair a glossy, healthy-looking finish. How to Use a Deep Conditioner Using a deep conditioner correctly is essential for getting the most out of it. Here’s a step-by-step guide: Shampoo Your Hair: Start with clean, damp hair. Shampooing removes dirt and buildup, allowing the deep conditioner to penetrate better. Apply the Deep Conditioner: Apply the product evenly from mid-length to ends, avoiding the scalp unless it's a scalp-friendly formula. Leave it On: Follow the instructions on the product label. Most deep conditioners need to be left on for 5-30 minutes. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse your hair thoroughly to remove all product residue. Style as Usual: Proceed with your regular styling routine. Enjoy your soft, hydrated hair! How to Choose the Right Deep Conditioner Choosing between Plaine Products Deep Conditioner in Meadow or in Cherry Almond is completely up to you and your scent preferences. Both of our deep conditioners are good for all hair types. Meadow is great for those looking for extra hydration and nourishment, and increased luster. Cherry Almond is good for those looking to combat dryness, improve shine, and strengthen hair. Incorporating a deep conditioner into your hair care routine can make a significant difference in the health and appearance of your hair. All hair can benefit from a good deep conditioner. A few extra minutes (whether it be 5 or 30) with our Deep Conditioner will leave you with healthier, shinier, and more nourished hair. Don't forget to check out our related blog posts for more hair care tips and tricks!
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Tips to Avoid Eating Microplastics
Microplastics are found everywhere. Every body of water, deserted beaches, the air we breathe, the food we eat, and even inside of us. While we may not be eating a credit card's worth a day, we can all agree the less we ingest the better. Here are some ideas from Plaine Products to help you avoid eating microplastics. Avoid Plastic Bottled Water As this infographic from Statisa.com shows, the biggest known source of microplastics which enters our bodies is bottled water. Based on 4 separate studies, the average number of particles per liter is 94. Carrying a reusable glass or metal water bottle is the best for hydration on the go.While switching over to tap water will reduce your exposure to plastics, research has found microplastics there too. To help minimize that risk, the NY Times has a list of water filter picks that are certified to reduce microplastics. Which means they’ve been rigorously tested in an accredited lab. They’re certified only to reduce since the filters cannot guarantee total elimination. Their picks include under-sink filters, such as the Aquasana AQ-5200, and the Brita Elite, a pitcher filter. Tips in the Kitchen to Avoid Eating Microplastics While much of our food storage these days is in plastic, it's best to switch to glass for cooking and reheating food. Extreme temperatures can cause plastic to break down and be more likely to end up in our food. To avoid this: Don't microwave or cook in plastic containers Wash plastic by hand instead of putting it in the dishwasher Use bamboo or metal cooking utensils Use bamboo or glass cutting boards Some research suggests that plastic cutting boards can be a significant source of microplastics in your diet since repeated cutting on their surface can dislodge particles that stick to food. Wood cutting boards also have some other advantages: They’re better for your knife blades and last longer than plastic when properly maintained. Health Concerns about Microplastics To date, most of the concerns for human health has focused on additives, like phthalates, BPAs, and PFAs in the plastics, but not the plastics themselves. However new studies have found that in certain small marine species, microplastics have been shown to reduce growth, hinder reproduction, and shorten the lifespan . According to The Conversation, laboratory toxicology experiments, particularly among mammals, are few, but they have shown that high doses of microplastics adversely impacted liver function, altered metabolism and other important biological reactions in mice, and tended to gather in certain tissues in a manner that was related to the size of the particles.
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Oceanic Society
We'd like to introduce you to one of our newest nonprofit partners, Oceanic Society. Oceanic Society's mission is to improve ocean health by deepening the connections between people and nature to address the root cause of its decline: human behavior. For over 50 years, the Oceanic Society has worked to inspire and empower people worldwide to take part in building a healthy future for the world’s oceans. And, they are America’s oldest non-profit organization dedicated to ocean conservation! Through a variety of programs that include everything from reducing ocean plastic pollution, curbing climate change, and saving sea turtles, they are connecting people to the ocean and solving the key ocean problems of our time. One of the ways Oceanic Society drives its mission is through conscientious nature travel. As pioneers of eco-tourism, their expeditions are designed to positively impact the natural areas and human communities they visit, all while delivering transformative nature experiences for their travelers. Their trips focus on deepening the connection between people and nature, and promoting the adoption of ocean-friendly “Blue Habits” – personal actions that improve ocean health. For every traveler that joins an Oceanic Society expedition, they fund four days of beach cleanups through their Plastic Pollution Offset Program, resulting in the removal of an average of 200 pounds of marine debris from the environment, per person. As our founders have a love of travel and the ocean the partnership felt like a natural fit to co-founder and CEO, Lindsey McCoy. "I've lived on a sailboat and we chartered sailboats for family trips whenever we can, so making sure that our products were biodegradable and we could safely use them to shower on the back of the boat were so important to us. We're thrilled that our partnership with the Oceanic Society will mean that more people will get the chance to use our products to ensure less plastic and toxin-free showers while out on the ocean." We are thrilled to support the work of the Oceanic Society through our 1% Percent for the Planet membership and they are also part of our Plaine Promoters program. If you use the coupon code OS20 while shopping online at Plaine Products, you’ll get 20% off your order and an additional 10% will be donated to Oceanic Society.
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Book Report: Total Garbage
Hi, it's Lindsey McCoy, Co-Founder & CEO of Plaine Products. I recently read Total Garbage: How We Can Fix Our Waste and Heal Our World , by Edward Humes and there were so many great ideas, suggestions, and revelations I had to share a few.Humes starts by reminding us we've swallowed around 285 pieces of plastic today. We do so every day. Plastic is in the water we drink, the food we eat, and the air we breathe. But he quickly moves on from plastic alone and talks about waste in general, which is why I enjoyed it. His premise is that waste, itself, is the enemy. Combatting waste is an untapped opportunity to improve our health, economics, and the environment. And, since waste is driven by habit and choice, not necessity, it's a problem we can solve. The book covers five areas to explain how we can fix our waste: how we heat, cool, cook, how we power our places, how we get around, the stuff we buy, and what we eat and drink.I'll share a few highlights from each section, but the book is well worth the read! In addition to ideas, it shares the entertaining and inspiring origin stories of a few Plaine Products partners including GoGo Refill in Maine and Ridwell in the Pacific Northwest. How We Heat, Cool & Cook The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 provides for tax rebates on a variety of home appliances, including heat pumps and electric and induction stoves. I've never been a fan of electric stoves, but the new induction ones get rave reviews from chefs in the book. Switching away from a gas stove, both for health and environmental reasons, is now a purchase we're looking into making! How We Power Our Places Solar panels are also available for rebates under the Inflation Reduction Act, and many utilities are supporting consumer solar as a way to drop their own carbon footprint. Hop online and check out the options in your area.Some ideas are counterintuitive to me, but science supports them. I recently learned that the most effective thing we can do to affect the carbon footprint of laundry is to set the washing machine to cold instead of hot. And, if you have a modern dishwasher, it's more efficient to use it full than it is to hand wash your dishes. How We Get Around For short trips consider biking, e-biking, or walking. It's not only good for the planet it's so important for our bodies to move. We spend so much time sitting each day, finding places to shop or eat that we can get to without driving is a win on many levels.More and more communities are allowing electric golf carts. Golf Carts are a great way to move away from fossil-fuel cars if walking and biking aren't an option. The Stuff We Buy Gabby Buckley, founder of Fill More, Waste Less in Cincinnati, Ohio.Check out local low-waste store options for new ways to consume. They have products that support reuse, refill, plastic swaps, and low-toxin living. There is a list of stores that carry Plaine Products on our site and a longer list of options on the Refinery Collective Directory.Join local secondhand and borrowing groups. There are lots of local Buy Nothing groups on FaceBook, as well as second-hand options for sale on Facebook Marketplace, one of the pros of social media. Websites like Craig's List also have second-hand items. Most cities also have thrifting and second-hand shops as options.Avoid plastic containers where possible, paper and metal are more sustainable packaging options. What We Eat & Drink Making a meal plan is always a goal in my life, but I never thought about it as a way to reduce food waste. If you know what you're cooking over the week you won't buy more than you need. It's just important to be realistic about meals you have time to prepare at home each week.Consider switching over some portion of your lawn to growing food or native plants. It saves money, helps local animals and insects, and can be a good reason to get outside and move during the week. Knowing We Can Fix Our Waste Gives Me Hope In addition to these tips, Humes gives us 8 new R's to reframe our thinking: Rethink, Repower, Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle, Rot. All of these are powerful steps towards helping us understand how we can fix our waste. The world doesn't have to function as a trash dump. It's within our power to create a better future through the choices and purchases we make, and the businesses and groups we support.
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Strawberry Chia Seed Jam
Welcome back to our monthly series of easy recipes from our partner Lexi, a loyal Plaine Products customer and vegan home cook. This month’s recipe is Strawberry Chia Seed Jam. If you're looking for the perfect summer recipe for all those fresh strawberries, try @lexi.harpin’s easy and delicious strawberry chia seed jam! You only need 4 ingredients. In addition to helping eliminate single-use plastic from your routine with our premium quality bath and body products, we at Plaine Products love celebrating our community members. We’ve partnered with Lexi to share some of her vegan home-cooked recipes that are easy, quick, and delicious! Strawberry Chia Seed Jam INGREDIENTS 2 1/2 c. strawberries, chopped (1 package) 3 tbsp. of maple syrup (or more depending on preference) 3 tbsp. chia seeds 1 tsp. lemon juice INSTRUCTIONS 1) To a sauce pan add the chopped strawberries, maple syrup, and lemon juice. Stir to combine. Cook on medium-high heat for 10-15 minutes. 2) Once the strawberries are almost fully broken down, mash them until the desired consistency is reached. I enjoy having a few chunks in my jam, but if you don’t keep mashing until there aren’t any! 3) Add the chia seeds and stir to fully combine. Cook another 1-2 minutes. Allow jam to fully cool before transferring it into an airtight jar. As the jam cools it will thicken! Store in the fridge. Enjoy! Watch Lexi show you how to make it on YouTube. At Plaine Products, we’re committed to sustainability without sacrifice. That means creating premium quality bath and body products that check all the boxes for our customers while staying aligned with our values as a conscious company. Our products are made with non-toxic, vegan, cruelty-free, and biodegradable ingredients and are packaged in refillable, aluminum bottles. If you’re looking for the perfect bathroom routine that is good for your body, the planet, and animals, check out our products here.
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The Sustainable Business Spotlight
The Sustainable Business Spotlight with Amy Auble recognizes that some of the most significant shifts we can make in our lives to live more sustainably involve our everyday products. With this in mind, Amy interviewed Lindsey McCoy, co-founder and CEO of Plaine Products , which offers eco-friendly personal care products in reusable bottles. Inspired by her decade of environmental education work in the Bahamas, she created products that are vegan, cruelty-free, and free from harmful chemicals.Many of our everyday products are filled with harmful chemicals and wrapped in single-use plastics, which have an unprecedented impact on the environment. Join us as we take a closer look at how Plaine Products is combating waste in the beauty industry and share valuable advice for both sustainable founders and consumers. Let’s dive in! Sustainable Business Spotlight Podcast This podcast is perfect for sustainable business owners and consumers alike! Some episodes will be curated specifically for sustainable business owners; you will learn how to scale your sustainable business using the success and guidance of other owners, hear tips from people who truly understand what you’re experiencing, and understand how to grow your network and market your brand with sustainability at the forefront. Some episodes are directed more towards the consumers; understanding what makes a brand or business sustainable, learning about the importance of products made to last, and emphasizing why buying local matters!Regardless of which audience you are a part of, this podcast packs a punch and encourages you to evaluate how sustainability can become a more prominent aspect of your business and in your life. Tune in on Tuesdays, where Amy passionately connects strategy and sustainability through solo and guest episodes. Time to shine a spotlight on sustainable businesses!
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Love Blue: Beach Cleanups & Outreach to Help the Ocean
Plaine Products has a new nonprofit Plaine Promoter to announce: Love Blue is working to conserve our oceans through community outreach & organized beach cleanups. Love Blue will help spread the word about Plaine Products' sustainable personal care offerings that are both biodegradable and waste-free. Supporters of Love Blue's mission can use the coupon code LOVEBLUE20 to take 20% off their Plaine Products order and have an additional 10% donated to Love Blue.Love Blue started on July 19th, 2019 when a small group of ocean lifeguards & community surfers who shared a similar idea of oceanic conservation, decided to establish a nonprofit. The work began as small beach cleanups in Wildwood Crest but has now evolved into many active chapters which include: Wildwood Crest, Coastal Carolina University, Stockton University, Rowan University & more. Beach Cleanups and Strategic Partnerships The Wildwood Crest Chapter of Love Blue Inc. hosts regular community beach cleanups, has strategically placed signs to raise awareness, and established public cleanup stations that have been pivotal in maintaining the pristine beauty of their coastline. In a strategic move to further augment its sustainability model, Love Blue Inc. has forged partnerships with two industry-leading organizations: Terracycle and Helpsy. These collaborations represent a fusion of innovative solutions aimed at addressing pressing environmental challenges within the Wildwood Crest community. Despite significant strides in environmental legislation, the issue of cigarette butt litter remains a persistent challenge. Wildwood Crest's transition to a smoke-free beach was a commendable step toward mitigating this issue. However, beach cleanups revealed a concerning trend of increased cigarette butt accumulation along the waterline and bulkheads. In response, Love Blue Inc., in collaboration with Terracycle, aims to deploy cigarette butt collection units at each street end in Wildwood Crest. These receptacles will provide beachgoers with a convenient and responsible means of disposing of their cigarette butts, thereby curbing littering and safeguarding the marine environment. The textile industry represents a significant yet often overlooked contributor to environmental degradation. Helpsy, renowned for its innovative approaches to textile waste management, offers a sustainable solution to this burgeoning problem. Love Blue Inc. plans to integrate Helpsy's textile recycling bins into the community infrastructure, facilitating the responsible disposal and recycling of textiles. Incentivizing Environmental Stewardship Both initiatives implemented by Love Blue Inc. carry a unique giveback incentive, rewarding the community for their collective efforts towards sustainability. Through active participation in cigarette butt collection and textile recycling, residents and visitors alike can contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment while simultaneously supporting Love Blue Inc.'s mission.
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