Today we are happy to introduce you to Lindsey McCoy from Plaine Products. Plaine Products is a fellow women-owned, made in USA small business committed to Zero Waste living. Offering a full line of plastic-free, refillable and sustainable products, Lindsey set out to challenge the standard of products packaged in single-use plastic by launching this unique business.
“I’m a girl on a mission to have less plastic in my life and to make it easy for others to do the same. Why? Since it lasts forever, I worry about future generations choking on all the plastic that we are thoughtlessly discarding. “ Lindsey McCoy
A Plastic Free Mission Inspired by Island Living
When asked about the inspiration behind starting her business, it all goes back to the days she lived in The Bahamas. Lindsey says- “ The Bahamas’ islands are as beautiful as you imagine. Turquoise clear water, long sandy beaches, palm trees swaying in the breeze. But living there full time isn’t all rum drinks by the pool. We lived for ten years on a small island, a few miles from the main island, which means it was a boat ride to the grocery or hardware store. Life there meant finding creative solutions to problems. There was no Amazon next day delivery. You couldn’t run to the store when you needed a new something, or even if you needed a new part of fix something. There was a lot of reusing and repurposing.
In these islands, the difficult logistics of transportation means there is no “away” to throw your trash. There’s really no place for it to go. So the consequences of our disposable lifestyle are much more apparent than they are in the U.S. Litter, wind and waves place our discarded shopping bags, water bottles and flip flops on the side of the roads, in the waterways and across beaches. A visit to “Junk Beach” on a nearby island shows the reality that every piece of plastic ever made still exists. The evidence of plastic’s persistence is everywhere.”
Environmental Education Lead to Action
As an environmental educator, Lindsay began to use her knowledge to create positive change in the world. She says, “My work in The Bahamas doing environmental education meant I was more aware of the plastic problems we have created than most.
The fact that there could soon be more plastic than fish in the ocean weighed heavily on my mind.
I started taking action: carrying a reusable water bottle, reusable grocery bags, skipping the straw at restaurants and bars. I looked for other ways to use less plastic. But one room in my house remained resistant to my efforts: the bathroom.
I am not known for my craft skills. Collapsed birthday pinatas for my son, failed Halloween costumes and ragged scarves with large holes were the results of my attempts. Based on my checkered history, homemade bath products were not going to be my solution. Plus, getting supplies on a small island would necessitate trips abroad or filling the suitcases of visiting friends. I searched for other options, but I couldn’t find any that worked for me and my hair. As we contemplated a move back to the States I realized that I might be able to solve my own problem. Even better, I might be able to help other people use less plastic in their lives.”
Two Sisters Getting Down to Business to Make Zero Waste Accessible and Affordable
Soon Lindsey realized she needed some additional help to build her zero waste business. The result was a sister-owned unique business model we see today. Here’s how Lindsey recounts the story of launching Plaine Products: “I recruited my sister, Alison Webster, who has a design background, and a lovely sense of style, to help me create a Netflix of shampoo. You order the bottle and when you’re finished you send it back to be reused. That was the basic idea at the time. Happily, she said yes. Then the real work began.
From the initial idea, it took almost two years to figure out how to make the concept a reality. There were quite a few hurdles. First, we had to check with the FDA to make sure there were no legal issues. It was a long confusing email and phone call chain, but they finally assured us there was no reason not to go ahead, although I think they doubted our sanity for trying it. Then we had to find the right container and a shampoo manufacturer. The first few natural product options resulted in straw-like hair that no one would want, no matter how good it was for the environment. We persevered and found a great product, but then we had to convince them to refill our bottles once we had cleaned and sanitized them. It took some explaining anin-personerson meeting, but we knew we’d found the right partner when they said they’d be willing to give it a try.
The other challenge was making it easy for others to eliminate some plastic from their life. We want Plaine Products to be a easy, simple option for purchasing quality, natural products that don’t add to the plastic problem.”
How It Works
Now that Lindsey and Alison have dotted their i’s & crossed their t’s, they’ve launched their business. Here is how it works:
- You order your preferred products in our aluminum bottles.
- When your bottles are low you order a refill, or you can subscribe and we’ll send the bottles automatically.
- When the refills come you’ll switch the pumps over and send back the empty bottles in the refill box, Plaine Products covers the cost.
- Then we clean the bottles, refill them and reuse them.
Lindsey says: “As far as we know we’re the only company that are taking responsibility for our packaging in quite this way. And we are very proud that are products are have a biodegradable formula, are cruelty free, and have organic, vegan ingredients. We hope the shampoo, conditioner, body wash and body lotion are just the start of a packaging revolution. While these are small choices, when taken together, we know they can have a big impact.”
The team at Plaine Products has offered our readers a special 20% off code. Use code “Keeper” at checkout to save 20% on your purchase of plastic free, zero waste toiletries.
Thanks, Lindsey for taking the time to share more about your business with us.
