We’ve never been ones to shy away from open and honest discussions about important yet uncomfortable topics, and this one is certainly no different. In the last few decades, the world has seen an explosion of consumer-packaged goods hit the market, ushering in an era of convenience. From food items to personal care products and everywhere in between, plastic packaging is king. Why? It’s durable, lightweight and highly versatile – the ideal packaging material. But despite the improvements plastic has made to our lives, its negative impacts cannot be ignored.

More and more single-use plastic waste is accumulating every year – 150 million tons, in fact. And once this plastic is created, it stays for centuries. Whether it ends up in a landfill or the ocean, plastic waste is polluting our planet. That’s why we have always gone to great lengths to package our products responsibly, and have long been considered an industry leader in this regard. However, we’re also a brand that uses some plastic packaging, and we fully recognize that duality.

 

Is there room for improvement in the way we package our products? Absolutely. No one’s perfect. Are we working toward more sustainable solutions? Absolutely.

 

We take great pride in the fact that our packaging is 100% recyclable and BPA-free, but that’s not good enough for us. Just like you, dear reader, we want to be a part of the solution, not the pollution. Our goal is to help create a world where people and companies are not only making more sustainable choices but are pushing toward regenerative and restorative practices that bring healing to the earth.

Change is slow. It will take time for science to catch up with popular opinion and for companies like ours to find a legitimate replacement for plastics. The reality is, we are doing the best we can with what we’ve got – the rest is up to each individual. To help you do your part in mitigating plastic waste, we’ve put together an official PF plastic reduction protocol.

Plastic Reduction Protocol

Step 1. Choose Glass Packaging
If reducing plastic waste is important to you, check out our white glass packaging options. Our deodorant jars are much more eco-friendly than a stick. We admit, using your fingers to apply deodorant can take some getting used to, but we think it’s worth your while. By choosing glass, you’re saying no to more plastic and opting for a more sustainable solution. Go you!

Step 2. Upcycle
What to do with that jar once it’s empty? Your imagination is the limit – we’ve seen our deodorant jars re-purposed into everything from seedling pots to spice jars. You could whip up a batch of DIY sunscreen and store it in an empty jar, or make your own candles. Get creative and be sure to share your ideas with us @heyprettyfrank on your social media platform of choice.

Step 3. Recycle
Not about that Pinterest life? We get it. Luckily, glass is recyclable so your jar will get a new life after all – even if you have neither the time nor desire to turn it into a new light fixture. If you don’t have access to a recycling program and your only option is to throw the jar away, take heart in knowing that even in a landfill, glass is better for the earth than plastic because it won’t leach harmful chemicals.

We know what you’re thinking – what about that pesky plastic lid on the glass jars? Good question! We hear you and are actively working toward an alternate solution. In the meantime, see Steps 2 &3 – fashion the lids into a homemade Christmas ornament, or simply recycle them.

The Pretty Frank community is built on trust, and we feel that an open dialogue is a huge part of that. What are your thoughts? Share them with us!