I would strongly recommend Zuky, a new company dedicated to providing sustainable and high-quality personal care products for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The flagship products, Jetsetter and Pathfinder, are designed to enhance the outdoor experience with convenience and sustainability in mind.

Jetsetter is a multi-functional body and hair wash powder, perfect for travelers on the go, while Pathfinder is an all-in-one wash powder suitable for various outdoor activities. Packed in compact and eco-friendly bamboo tubes, the products offer convenience without compromising on quality.

Both products are packed in eco-friendly bamboo tubes, making them lightweight, convenient, and gentle on the environment. With a focus on plant-based and 100% biodegradable ingredients, Pathfinder and Jetsetter are tough on dirt, gentle on skin, and easy on Mother Earth.

When you think about gardening, plastic pollution probably isn't the first thing that springs to mind.

In this episode, Heather Higinbotham, CEO and co-founder of Back Porch Pots, unpacks just how big a problem those little black plastic pots are for the world, and what her company is doing to eliminate them.

Heather is an accidental entrepreneur, having founded Back Porch Pots while trying to grow her own tomatoes during Covid. In the absence of a reusable alternative to plastic plant pots, she and her co-founder went about designing and developing their own.

She walks us through what she learned about starting a company, launching a Kickstarter campaign, and designing a physical product with very unique specifications.

Jenn Harper, founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty, literally dreamt about how her future company would impact her community, specifically young indigenous girls. Fast forward +8 years and she sat down with our host Amber Skinner-Jozefson to unpack the highs and lows, the real and the fake of starting a cosmetics brand.

The very first indigenous owned and founded cosmetics company, Cheekbone Beauty is not only changing the face of sustainable and earth-friendly color cosmetics, it is helping fund educational opportunities for young women.

Listen to the entire episode to hear Jenn's fascinating journey from substance abuse and working in the food industry to creating a space in the beauty industry where everyone, including Indigenous people, feel represented and seen.

www.cheekbonebeauty.com

In this episode, we sit down with Kimberly Waldropt, the visionary founder, CEO, and creative director of Terra-Tory, a sustainable wellness brand redefining skincare. Delving into Terra-Tory's ethos, Kimberly shares how the brand is not just about offering an alternative, but about reconnecting with ancient skincare wisdom reengineered for the modern age. By eschewing synthetic ingredients and embracing nutrient-rich superfoods like tomatoes and avocados, Terra-Tory pioneers a holistic approach to skincare that prioritizes both efficacy and sustainability.

This was a candid and insightful conversation during which Kimberly reveals the meticulous process behind crafting each product, sourcing ingredients from local farmers' markets, and adhering to seasonal principles to optimize skin health naturally.

Tune in to discover how Terra-Tory is reshaping the skincare landscape, one bar of soap at a time.

Visit Terra-Tory at: https://terra-tory.com/

Join us in this episode as we delve into the entrepreneurial journey of Ali Kamenetsky, founder of Modern Picnic. We unpack her path from idea to category definer. Explore Ali's strategic maneuvers and resilient spirit as she navigates the intricacies of manufacturing, partnership building, and brand launch. Discover the ethos driving Modern Picnic's corporate journey, where calculated risk-taking meets commitment to quality and innovation. Gain exclusive insights into leveraging traditional press avenues and adapting to the evolving retail landscape in pursuit of brand recognition and market dominance.

Ali takes us through the strategic playbook of a modern-day entrepreneur shaping the future of retail, sustainability, and ethical business practices. To learn more, visit https://modernpicnic.com/

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Becky Beloin, the founder of Boshi Botanicals, the first zero-waste refill store in Memphis, Tennessee. Becky's journey began in 2021 when she turned to natural soap making as a form of art therapy after her battle with breast cancer. What started as a personal passion soon transformed into a mission to create eco-conscious soaps and bath products using natural and organic ingredients, such as essential oils and herbs. In November 2023, Becky proudly opened the doors to her first retail store, offering not only her own products but also a range of environmentally friendly bulk and zero-waste options. Her vision goes beyond merely providing sustainable products; she is committed to empowering the people of Memphis with the knowledge and resources to make better choices for their own well-being and for the planet.

🌐 Visit www.boshibotanicals.com
💟 Say hi to the founder Becky

In today's world, it's hard to imagine life without shampoo. From its humble beginnings to the current liquid format in plastic bottles, shampoo has become an essential part of our daily hygiene routine. However, the widespread use of plastic bottles has had a detrimental impact on the environment, adding  300 million tons of waste yearly. Fortunately, there are dedicated entrepreneurs seeking to revive the use of shampoo bars and champion a future where plastic-free beauty care is the standard.

Shampoo Bars: The Original Standard

Shampoo bars have a rich and ancient history that predates the widespread use of plastic bottles. These natural bars were relied upon by ancient civilizations for their hair care needs. It was the early colonial traders in India who stumbled upon the practice of hair and body massage called "champo", which they later introduced to Europe. This introduction of "champo" to Europe gave rise to the word "shampoo" that we use today.

Initially, shampooing did not involve washing the hair as we do today. Instead, it was a form of scalp massage using fragrant oils. This practice was brought to European societies by colonial traders who returned with the custom of cleansing the hair and body with oils and utilizing the art of massage. So, the concept of using solid bars without packaging for hair cleaning is not new; it has been around for centuries, long before the term "zero waste" emerged.

Plastic Bottles: The Rise of Synthetic Chemical Ingredients

Procter & Gamble revolutionized hair care by introducing "Drene", the first modern synthetic (no soap) shampoo in the 1930s. This marked a shift towards liquid shampoos, which were promoted as easier and more convenient to use. With the rise of the plastic industry during the early 20th century, the beauty industry also shifted towards plastic bottles for packaging shampoo. In the 20th century shampoo bars lost popularity as the market flooded with liquid options, changing the hair care landscape.

While these bottles unarguably offered convenience and portability, these products contribute to significant waste generation, with both consumers and businesses failing to consider the long-term impact of using disposable container bottles.

On average, a person uses 800 plastic shampoo bottles throughout their lifetime. Only 10% of all plastic is recycled—the rest ends up in landfills or the ocean where it will sit for 500 years and eventually break down into microplastics.

Small Companies Leading the plastic-Free Movement

The negative impact of plastic waste paved the way for a global movement to reduce plastic consumption and promote a plastic-free lifestyle. This movement, often referred to as the zero waste movement, has gained significant traction in recent years. As consumers become more aware of the environmental consequences of plastic, they are demanding sustainable alternatives in every aspect of their lives, including beauty products.

The rise of the waterless beauty trend has played a role in bringing natural shampoo bars back into the spotlight. Waterless beauty, encompasses a new category of personal care and beauty products that are formulated without water as a primary filler or binding ingredient.

In the quest for sustainable beauty products, small companies have emerged as leaders in the industry. These companies are driving change by reintroducing shampoo bars as an alternative to plastic bottles. By offering plastic-free, zero-waste options, they are reshaping the beauty industry and challenging the dominant plastic-dependent model.

Introducing Hibar: A Game-Changer in the Beauty Industry

One company at the forefront of the plastic-free beauty movement is HiBAR. HiBAR has taken the initiative to bring back salon-quality shampoo minus the water and plastic bottles. Unlike traditional bottled shampoos that contain just 20% active ingredients and 80% water as a filler, HiBAR offers concentrated hair care products that eliminate the need for excessive water and plastic bottles. By applying the product directly to hair, HiBAR's shampoo easily penetrates the hair shaft, leaving hair shiny, soft, and manageable. Plus, one HiBAR can replace at least two plastic bottles of shampoo, making it both a sustainable and cost-effective choice.

Today, HiBAR is leading the way in the plastic-free movement, expanding their range beyond shampoo to include bar conditioners, face wash bars, and deodorants. Since 2018, their efforts have resulted in eliminating nearly 5 million plastic bottles from circulation, saving over 800,000 gallons of water in the process. This remarkable progress exemplifies the significant impact that small companies can have in transforming everyday products to be more sustainable. HiBAR's ultimate goal is to provide consumers with 100% plastic-free bathrooms, but they recognize there is still much work to be done in educating the people about the benefits of ditching liquid shampoos and understanding the immense environmental burden they pose.

The Future of Shampoo and Beauty Products

As the zero waste movement gains momentum and consumers become more conscious of their choices, the adoption of shampoo bars and other plastic-free beauty products is likely to increase. The beauty industry has a significant role to play in reducing plastic pollution and embracing sustainable alternatives. By supporting companies like HiBAR and choosing eco-friendly products, individuals can contribute to a cleaner and healthier planet.

🌐 Visit www.hellohibar.com to learn more
💟 Say hi to the team Stacy

Join us for this episode where we chat with Natasha Tonic, the founder of NATASHA TONIĆ Hemp Swimwear. After her son's birth, Natasha set out to create healthier swimwear inspired by hemp fibers used by traditional fishermen. Natasha is leading the charge against microfiber pollution in fashion, advocating for sustainability and raising awareness about the impact of polyester. Don't miss this conversation with a visionary innovator shaping the future of swimwear and fashion. To learn more visit: www.natashatonic.com

💟 Say hi to the founder NATASHA
🌐 Visit www.natashatonic.com

Join us as we speak with SaVonne Anderson, the founder of Aya Paper Co., a sustainable stationery brand that celebrates special moments while prioritizing the well-being of the Earth. As an advocate for environmental justice, SaVonne ensures that Aya Paper Co. doesn't perpetuate issues like climate change and pollution that disproportionately impact communities of color. Learn how creativity, sustainability, and inclusivity intersect as we explore SaVonne's journey in the world of sustainable stationery and her efforts to create a better future.

💟 Say hi to the founder SaVonne
👉 Visit www.ayapaper.co