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Plastics in Food and Personal Care
A 2023 Consumer Reports article shared research demonstrating that plastic-related chemicals in food and personal care products & packaging are migrating as we use them, making their way into our bodies. The focus of this study was phthalates , a chemical used to make plastic more flexible and durable, but other chemicals found in plastic also turned up, including bisphenols such as BPA. Phthalates have been linked to along list of health concerns , even at very low levels. While the focus of this study was on food, phthalates are also found in many personal care items.Growing research shows that phthalates are endocrine disruptors, which means that they can interfere with the production and regulation of estrogen and other hormones. Even minor disruptions in hormone levels can contribute to an increased risk ofseveral health problems , including diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, birth defects, premature birth, neurodevelopmental disorders, and infertility. Plastics in our Food and Personal Care Unscented products help avoid plastics in food and personal care as there's nowhere for DEPs to hide.The Consumer Reports article explains that in addition to leaching from plastic packaging, phthalates sneak into food throughout the manufacturing process. They can come, "from the plastic in the tubing, conveyor belts, and gloves used during food processing, and can even enter directly into meat and produce via contaminated water and soil."According to the FDA, in personal care, the primary phthalates used in cosmetics have been:dibutylphthalate (DBP) , used as a plasticizer in products such as nail polishes (to reduce cracking by making them less brittle);Dimethylphthalate (DMP) , used in hair sprays (to help avoid stiffness by allowing them to form a flexible film on the hair); andDiethylphthalate (DEP) , used as a solvent and fixative in fragrances. The FDA's latest survey of cosmetics, conducted in 2010, found that DBP and DMP are used rarely. DEP appears to be the only phthalate still commonly used in cosmetics.Thanks to FDA requirements, consumers can tell whether some products contain phthalates by reading the ingredient lists on labels. However, thanks to industry lobbying, regulations do not require listing individual fragrances or flavors, so this is a place where phthalates can hide undetected. This is a great reason to purchase unscented or fragrance-free products Without a generic fragrance ingredient to list, there is nowhere for DEPs to hide. Plastics in Hair Care Styling Products The other place plastic can be found is personal care, in hair spray and other styling products. According to Byrdie.com , "phthalates are often used in products that provide flexible hold, like hairspray, due to their ability to act as a plasticizer. However, there is significant research that supports avoiding phthalates due to their adverse effects on human health." Even more concerning, "heat can accelerate their release so they should be avoided when heat styling."This is one of the reasons Plaine Products has expanded our styling options. Not only do our products offer plastic free styling products, all of the ingredients are plant-based. In our styling gel we use amaranthus caudatus seed extract to make hair more manageable for styling. Another hero ingredient, linseed extract (aka flaxseed), promotes the alignment of hair fibers, reducing frizz. Flax is an emollient that contributes to smooth and healthy hair.You no longer need to compromise your health in order to have safe, effective personal care products. Natural ingredients continue to be found that allow consumers to buy eco-friendly, sustainable shampoo and styling products that are good for them and the planet.
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Walking the Talk: Avoiding Single Use Plastics at Sea
Did you know that most single-use plastics never get recycled? According to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), about 85 percent of plastic packaging ends up in landfills or as unregulated waste. There's something else to keep in mind: The vast majority of those single-use plastics are made from virgin sources instead of recycled materials. So although recycling single-use plastics is certainly a good idea, choosing to use them in the first place only increases the amount of plastic circulating in the world. But there is a solution: avoiding single-use plastics right from the start. Plaine Products partners with the MicroActivist Foundation to do exactly that. Plaine Products makes it possible for the MicroActivist to completely eschew single-use plastics on the foundation's seaborne research, filming, and education platform, the sailing catamaran MicroActivist. Avoiding Single Use Plastics at Sea Avoiding doesn't mean going without. For example, personal care products are a huge source of plastics and microplastics in the environment, but the crew of the MicroActivist gets around that by stocking their ship with Plaine Products' personal care products in refillable aluminum containers. When a product runs low, all they have to do is order a refill. When the refill arrives in the mail, it's shipped in 100% recycled (and recyclable) packaging. They use the same packaging, and the enclosed free return label, to send the empty bottles back for reuse. This circular process means no waste, and the crew is completely avoiding single use plastic. But there's more. The MicroActivist Foundation was founded based on the passion of one young man — Connor Berryhill — for protecting the ocean and its creatures. His first initiatives, starting at the age of just five years old, were recruiting other kids to join him in beach clean-ups, one of UNEP's key strategies for beating plastic pollution. As Connor has grown, so have his dreams, which Plaine Products are proud to support. His life's work — and the foundation's mission — is to connect young people to the ocean, and to show them just how much power for positive change they have when they work together. The MicroActivist Foundation's Mission Toward that end, they have published a range of educational materials and online courses that doesn't just engage young people and educate them about the ocean, it also puts them firmly in the driver's seat of real-world simulations so they can experience what it feels like to make decisions on a scientific expedition or talk down wayward fishermen intent on catching one of the world's rarest sharks. They are also constantly improving the MicroActivist ship to make it even more eco-friendly. In addition to partnering with us to ditch single-use plastic, they converted the MicroActivist catamaran into a hybrid sailing platform, with solar panels and batteries to power electric engines, and an electric dinghy to boot. Continuing in their dream to turn the MicroActivist into a zero-emissions, zero-waste research platform. Everything the foundation produces is designed to draw all of us, kids and adults alike, closer to the ocean and the many ways we can help protect it.
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New: One Gallon Bulk Refills
For some of you, a very exciting day has come! Plaine Products is pleased to announce we're nowoffering one-gallon bulk refills! Alongside the travel and 16 oz options of our most popular products, we'll now include a one-gallon option of shampoos, conditioners, hair + body wash, as well as select scents of body wash, body lotion, and hand wash. One gallon equals 8 - 10 single-use plastic bottles that are eliminated from the waste stream!Who Are One Gallon Bulk Refills For? While we understand that not everyone requires a gallon of shampoo, this option is particularly beneficial for those who live farther away from refill stations, go through a substantial amount of product, and are looking for cost or carbon savings. By shipping a gallon at a time, we reduce both shipping costs and the carbon footprint associated with transportation. If you don't want a glass gallon jar in your shower, you can refill the Plaine Products bottles you already have from the counter. Just like our regular aluminum bottles, Plaine Products will take the glass gallon jars back, wash them, and reuse them. You only need to order the companion pump once for each product. All of our unique formulas are carefully selected from nature’s most nutrient and vitamin-rich plants, minerals, and renewable sources. They are blended and manufactured with care. All of our products are: Free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, silicone, and palm oil Blended with whole essential oils (instead of synthetic fragrance) Vegan and non-GMO ingredients Designed to biodegrade Baby-safe and hypoallergenic Cruelty-Free, Leaping Bunny certified Free of single-use plastic One Gallon Bulk Refills Product Options Bulk Refill Shampoo Scent options: Rosemary Mint Vanilla, Citrus Lavender, UnscentedBulk Refill Conditioner Scent options: Rosemary Mint Vanilla, Citrus Lavender, UnscentedBulk Refill Body Wash Scent options: Rosemary Mint Vanilla, Citrus LavenderBulk Refill Body Lotion Scent options: Rosemary Mint Vanilla, UnscentedBulk Refill Hair + Body Wash Scent Options: SageBulk Refill Hand Wash Scent options: Rosemary Mint Vanilla, Citrus LavenderJoin us in our mission to reduce plastic waste and make a positive impact on the environment. If one-gallon bulk refills are right for you,order yours today and be a part of the change!
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Simple and Delicious Vegetable Hash
Welcome back to our monthly series of easy recipes from our partner Lexi, a loyal Plaine Products customer and vegan home cook. This month, avoid food waste with a vegetable hash! 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! HOMEMADE VEGETABLE HASH We asked you all what food item you found yourself wasting the most.. and the overwhelming majority said it was difficult to use up your veggies before they went bad. So our favorite vegan chef, @lexi.harpin, created a special recipe to help turn your wilted veggies into a simple and delicious vegetable hash. INGREDIENTS: 1 large russet potato, cubed1/2 medium onion, diced4 oz. mushrooms, sliced1 small zucchini, chopped1 large handful spinach, chopped1-2 tsp. nutritional yeast (optional)~ 1/4 tsp. garlic powder~ 1/4 tsp. onion powder~ 1/8 tsp. paprika~ 1/8 tsp. dried parsley1/4 c. watersalt + pepperolive oilINSTRUCTIONS: 1.) To a large pan on medium-high heat add a few tbsp. of olive oil then add your mushrooms and onions. Add a pinch of salt + pepper and cook until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. Now add the zucchini, another pinch of salt, and cook until zucchini/mushrooms are slightly browned. Once done add to a bowl and set aside. 2.) To the same pan add another tbsp. of olive oil then your cubed potatoes. Pour in the water and cover with a lid. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until the potatoes are just fork tender (they should still be a little underdone). 3.) Next add in all your seasonings. Season generously with salt + pepper, add one last tbsp. of olive oil, and stir until combined. Cook uncovered for another 20 minutes or until the potatoes are crisp and fully cooked through. 4.) Once the potatoes are cooked add the vegetables back in along with the chopped spinach. Cook until spinach is wilted. Serve with any toppings if desired (I went with hot sauce and avocado). *Notes: Feel free to swap any of the veggies, I only recommend not to skip the onion because it adds a lot of flavor! Here’s to less food waste in the kitchen! https://youtu.be/HUHvBN73hpw?si=OnZPcZQ3Tt_D-9hrAt 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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Homemade Vegan Gravy
Welcome back to our monthly series of easy recipes from our partner Lexi, a loyal Plaine Products customer and vegan home cook. This month, homemade vegan gravy! 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! HOMEMADE VEGAN GRAVY Can’t find vegan gravy at the grocery store? We’ve got you.@lexi.harpin is serving up a quick and easy recipe for homemade vegan gravy, perfect for topping onto your mashed potatoes.INGREDIENTS: • 2 tbsp vegan butter• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped• 2 cups vegetable stock• 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning• 1/2 tsp nutritional yeast• 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari• salt + pepper to tasteINSTRUCTIONS: 1.) To a pan on medium-high heat add the vegan butter. Once melted add the rosemary and cook for about 30 seconds. Next, sprinkle in the flour and whisk until a roux forms. Cook for about 2 minutes while whisking to cook off the raw flour taste.2.) Slowly pour in the vegetable stock, about 1/2 cup at a time while whisking constantly to avoid any clumps. Then add the poultry seasoning, nutritional yeast, black pepper, and soy sauce. Whisk to combine.3.) Cook the gravy for about 5 minutes or until it slightly thickens. Keep in mind that as it cools it will continue to thicken! Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. I like to add salt at the very end since the vegetable stock + soy sauce add a lot of flavor. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.Notes: • Instead of buying cartons of vegetable stock, I always buy vegetable bouillon which I find to be much more flavorful. The best part about bouillon is you can make the exact amount of stock you need and the bouillon itself keeps for much longer compared to an opened carton of vegetable stock!• You may use dried rosemary in this recipe if needed, I would use 1/2 - 1 tsp. of it since it is stronger when dried.SHARE this with someone who loves mashed potatoes!https://youtube.com/shorts/BYz3nLNoJlE?si=NXi66sXPL9pUdaJuAt 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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Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide: The Best Plaine Products For Every Hair and Skin Type
If you’re looking for the perfect sustainable holiday gift, you’ve come to the right place! From hair care staples to skincare essentials, we’ve got eco-friendly gifts for everyone on your list, including yourself! Plaine Products are made with premium clean, vegan, organic, cruelty-free ingredients that are biodegradable and safe for the entire family (yes, including little ones and pups!). Our products come packaged in refillable, aluminum bottles that can be returned to us for free! If you’re not sure which Plaine Products to choose, some of our favorite Plaine Promoters are here to help: Olivia Hair Type: very straight and a bit on the oily side Skin Type: combination - oily in the T-zone and dryer outside of the T-zone Favorite Products: Shampoo, Conditioner, Hair Repair, Body Wash Follow Liv on Instagram and TikTok if you’re looking for holistic and non-toxic wellness tips! https://youtube.com/shorts/Ri5cF4U06B8?si=jiORjePmwAIixREc Immy Hair Type: Curly Favorite Products: Styling Gel, Body Lotion, Deep Conditioner Follow Immy if you’re looking for sustainability tips, vegan cooking from scratch, and slow-living content! https://youtu.be/0UxxSA-pcig?si=eBrqOZ6YHMJFXU07 Flo Hair Type: Curly, fine strands but dense Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone, sensitive, eczema-prone Favorite Products: Hair + Body Wash, Deep Conditioner, Beauty Oil, Hand Wash Follow Flo if you’re looking for conscious hair and beauty tips for curly hair or if you’re a creator looking to make an impact! https://youtube.com/shorts/DFppYXKIKrA?si=wGaNpj1dTqPhhfjoEmma Follow Emma for sustainability tips, reviews, and nuanced discussions! TikTok ,YouTube ,Instagram Favorite Products: Shampoo, Face Wash, Beauty Oil https://youtube.com/shorts/pVBTUkM28JE?si=OT9tv9okr0EzDAIh Becca Hair Type: thick, wavy Skin Type: combination Favorite Products: Shampoo, Hand Wash, Body Lotion Follow Becca for clean beauty tips and reviews! https://youtube.com/shorts/3oNhvEb1vak?si=3Uo7-ExmlJJWmxtU Hannah Hair Type: Color-treated Skin Type: Dry & Sensitive Best gifts to give: Travel Size Products as Stocking Stuffers RMV Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash, Body Lotion Follow Hannah on Instagram and TikTok for plastic-free education, tips, and artwork! https://youtube.com/shorts/4HmpcCozFyg?si=JPiBgPCvOaV3S1ijAmber Hair Type: Thin/Oily Skin Type: Sensitive Best gifts to give: Hand Wash, Hair + Body Wash, Face Wash Follow Amber for sustainability tips and the most creative upcycles! https://youtube.com/shorts/p1x-Th-2DSQ?si=CPbrsNpo2nY43536Nikita Hair Type: heat-damaged and color-treated Skin Type: Sensitive Favorite Products: Hand Wash, Body Lotion, Styling Gel, Face Wash Follow Nikita for sustainability tips while living the van life. https://youtube.com/shorts/tUi3B_1IzK0?si=mjzkVfB1wA9yO5Qt Ali Hair Type: Thin and curly Skin Type: The pregnancy hormones are wild right now and my skin is all over the place Products: Unscented Body Wash for new-born, Hair + Body Wash for toddler Follow Ali on Instagram and TikTok for a realistic and inspiring look into being a low-waste parent! She’s sharing tips about how to care for a toddler and new-born sustainably. https://youtube.com/shorts/Ghl1G0sjO4I?si=6R2meVmZCn1oYQz2Lexi Hair Type: Wavy Skin Type: Sensitive Products: Hair Repair, Beauty Oil, Body Lotion Follow Lexi for delicious homemade vegan recipes! https://youtube.com/shorts/KsZJfJWb_lo?si=OI57HEdigqIJCRwrKirstin Hair Type: 2b waves Skin Type: Dry Products: Hair Repair, Body Lotion, Face Moisturizer, Travel Size Body Wash + Body Lotion Follow Kirstin for sustainability and lifestyle content! https://youtube.com/shorts/9MXWmnF8-I0?si=vmezMJqpXJQvoe0aAnna Hair Type: 3b curly, fine hair Skin Type: Dry Favorite Products: Hair Repair, Shampoo, Conditioner, Travel Sizes Follow Anna on Instagram, TikTok or her website for easy sustainability and plastic-free tips! https://youtube.com/shorts/l5JBbN7p2aA?si=16y6vkTCLiNQlpkGKatrina Hair Type: Thick, Heat-Damaged Skin Type: Dry, Sensitive, Chronic Hives Favorite Products: Unscented Shampoo, Unscented Conditioner, Hair Repair, Deep Conditioner Find Katrina onInstagram andYouTube .https://youtu.be/TUD_Fy8i4os?si=SM4a24BmMCLd18fq
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Promoting Reuse: Plastic Free Future
Plastic Free Future is a non-profit organization dedicated to the reduction and elimination of plastic pollution by promoting reusable alternatives and focusing on outreach and education to systemically excluded communities. Founded by Alejandra Warren in 2020, PFF promotes reuse as one critical solution to the plastic pollution crisis. Additionally, Plastic Free Future produces, synthesizes, and communicates science-based information with a particular focus on underserved communities, youth, and policymakers. We envision a world where Earth’s living systems are thriving, and where future generations can live without the burden of plastics threatening their health and environment. A world where sustainable solutions are accessible to all. — Alejandra Warren, Executive Director, Plastic Free Future Alejandra is a leading voice in the global movement to eliminate single-use plastics and accelerate a truly circular economy. She has worked on efforts to pass thefirst single-use plastic ban in San Mateo County, California, and has also been heavily involved in theGlobal Plastics Treaty negotiations. Through her involvement, she encourages delegations to address the multi-generational harms that plastics inflict on low-income and communities of color and invest in community-based reuse and zero-waste systems.Promoting Reuse Plaine Products is proud to partner with Plastic Free Future on theirReuse Incentive Programs providing bulkshampoo as a reward option for participants. Here's how it works:1. Stop by the Plastic Free Future table at one of three Farmer's Markets in the San Francisco Bay Area:- East Palo Alto on Wednesday 10- 12- Pacifica on Wednesday 3 - 5- Half Moon Bay on Saturday 9 - 112. Sign up for their program to learn how to reduce your plastic footprint and get a beautiful reusable bag. 3. Stop by their table every week to receive a point each time you remember to bring bags to the market.4. Redeem points for reusable prizes, like reusable jars, reusable straws, and Plaine Products refills!5. Weekly efforts will not only help the planet but it will also help us keep our communities cleaner and healthier. In addition to their Reuse Incentive Programs, environmental education initiatives, and the consulting services and other programs they offer, their website also includes amap of reuse businesses around the world that offer either reusable takeout incentives, bulk refills, or reusables for on-site dining.Sharing Research on Plastics in our Bodies and the Environment Plastic Free Future also works to produce reliable science-based information for public education, outreach, and awareness campaigns, while providing policymakers with the tools needed to make sound, sustainable decisions. Science is only starting to uncover the impacts of this planetary issue and there is a long road ahead to fully understand how plastic pollution is affecting humans, soil, water, air, and the environment. Research is beginning to unveil how much plastic we consume in our food, beverages, and even the air we breathe.Alarmingly, the processing and manufacturing of plastic products are disproportionally impacting communities of color. We urgently need inclusive solutions to drastically reduce the amount of plastics entering the environment—solutions that require a shift away from the current model of excessive plastic consumption and where sustainable solutions are still a privilege. From local action and outreach to advocacy at international scales, Plastic Free Future supports the growing global movement to solve the plastic crisis.Importance of Intersectional Environmentalism Plastic Free Future recognizes the importance of Intersectional Environmentalism. All too often, Latinx and other underserved communities are excluded from sustainability conversations and lack access to the education, outreach, and programs enjoyed by their more affluent neighbors. A major focus of Plastic Free Future is bridging the wide Social Equity and Inclusion gap between Latinx communities and the sustainability movement. PFF works to provide these communities with the tools they need to advocate for equity and inclusion while amplifying their voices. Join us in celebrating and honoring the work of Plastic Free Future as they continue to promote reusable alternatives to single-use plastic, expand our bilingual programs and bring environmental education to underserved communities in the San Francisco Bay Area.
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Homemade Coconut Whipped Cream
Welcome to the first in our new, monthly series of easy recipes from our partner Lexi, a loyal Plaine Products customer and vegan home cook. Homemade coconut whipped cream! At Plaine Products, we're committed to sustainability without the 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. In addition to helping eliminate single-use plastic from your routine, we 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! Coconut Whipped Cream Calling all coconut fans! ? We’ve been making @lexi.harpin’s homemade Coconut Whipped Cream recipe on repeat ? INGREDIENTS: 1 can coconut milk, refrigerated overnight 1/4 c. powdered sugar (add more if you want it to be sweeter) optional : 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract INSTRUCTIONS: Open your can of coconut milk upside down, the liquid will be at the bottom separated! Pour the liquid into a jar and save it for a future use. Next, add the coconut cream to a bowl and your powdered sugar. Give it a quick stir then mix with a hand mixer until it’s light and fluffy. Taste and add more sugar if needed! Store in an airtight container in the fridge. ⚠️ This cream has a strong coconut flavor, so if you don’t enjoy coconut, this recipe probably isn’t for you! But if you do enjoy it... WARNING: you might want to put it on EVERYTHING! ?? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nF_7H6MMNis
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Practicing Mindful Consumerism
In a world that generates an overwhelming amount of waste, practicing mindful consumerism is more important than ever. Consumption is inevitable, but there are steps you can take to reduce the impact of that consumption to benefit both you and the planet. What is Mindful Consumerism? Mindful consumerism is all about making thoughtful, intentional choices when it comes to the products we buy and the brands we support. It's about seeking quality over quantity, sustainability over disposability. There may not always be a more sustainable option out there, but it’s important to try your best to find one. Tips for Practicing Mindful Consumerism Buy Less: Before making a purchase, ask yourself if it's a product you truly need. Buy Well-Made: If you are able, invest in quality items that are built to last, reducing the frequency of replacements. Research Brands: Support companies with a commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. Look for certifications like B Corps, organic, fair trade, and cruelty-free. Reduce Single-Use Items: Replace disposable items with reusable alternatives, like our line of refillable hair and body care products. Look Local: Support local thrift stores or resale markets, or join local donation groups. Minimalist Mindset: Focus on owning only what truly adds value to your life. Donate, Recycle, and Upcycle: Instead of tossing items that you no longer need, donate, recycle, or give them another life by upcycling. It’s easy to buy into the allure of fast, mass consumption. But it is crucial to embrace mindful consumerism and make choices that benefit ourselves and the environment whenever you can. It's not always easy, but it is always worth it!
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