Plaine Promoters are individuals who use Plaine Products, love them and want to get others to join in eliminating single-use plastics while enjoying outstanding products. Plaine Promoters spread the word about our products and get 10% from every sale they generate.
Our latest Plaine Promoter highlight is Jen Rivera Bell. Jen is an intersectional activist with a passion for food, travel, and sustainability.
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Tell us about yourself and your message. Why is it so important to you to share that message with others?
Piyalli! My name is Jen Rivera Bell (she/her) and I am an indigenous mama living on occupied Osage Nation Territory (Central Missouri) with my partner Zac, two kids, two dogs, and two pigs. I grew super passionate about intersectional environmentalism after seeing the connections within moving to a more sustainable lifestyle. I truly believe that by seeing all of the intersections that come up with becoming more aware of the issues, we can do much better as a collective. We can make better decisions for the earth and for our communities.
What’s your one best, easiest tip for minimizing single-use plastics?
My biggest tip that I tell everyone who wants to live a more low waste life is to prepare. Preparing and thinking ahead is what is going to let you be mindful of what you will be purchasing that might not be so great on the environment. Over the years, the idea of preparing has become second nature and when I walk out of the door I know I need to carry the essentials (this looks different for everyone). With me, my essentials are a reusable water bottle, reusable bags, food containers for any leftovers, and snacks in our reusable snack pouches.
And also to give ourselves grace, we should be striving for progress not perfection in our lifestyle so that it continues to give us the momentum to do better every day.
What do you think is usually the biggest blocker for people in regards to living a more sustainable lifestyle?
I believe one of the biggest blockers that folks have to live a more sustainable lifestyle is the idea of perfection. We all want to do better but if we are comparing ourselves to other people who have more access, money, and time than us then we will feel discouraged. We must do the best we can given our circumstances. And those of us with privilege to those resources must advocate for accessibility for those who do not. Folks even hear the words “zero waste” they can feel like that is just a completely unrealistic and unobtainable goal so why even try. The reality is that in our current state zero waste is truly unobtainable because we do not live in a circular economy, but every single thing that we do that pushes us in the right direction is a great one.
Do you have a favorite Plaine Product and if so, what is it?
I have been using the Plaine Products shampoo and conditioner for over 3 years so it has become a cult favorite of mine! But now with the new beauty oil out, I think that it may be taking in that favorite spot! Especially living out here where the winters can be extremely dry the beauty oil has been a lifesaver for my face, body, and hair.
