Jim Plonkey, Natural Replacements Founder

Jim Plonkey

Co-Founder

Jim Plonkey is a Co-founder of Natural Replacements. A digital marketing professional with a passion for sustainability, Jim lives in Southeast Michigan and enjoys traveling to new places, spending time outdoors - kayaking, hiking, and gardening, and yoga.

As Jim started to learn more about more sustainable alternatives to common products, he found it exciting to share opportunities with his family and friends.

He quickly came to realize two things:

  1. How easy making these positive changes is when you have the right information
  2. How common misleading information is within this industry

Being a marketer, he decided to embark on the journey that became Natural Replacements, focusing on providing helpful information and encouragement to those who have an interest in living more sustainably.

He considers himself a life-long learner and he views Natural Replacements as a great opportunity to continue learning and expanding his knowledge on all things sustainability.

Expertise

"My experience in eco-friendly products and general sustainability comes from embracing every life experience as a learning opportunity. Enjoy the trial and error, don't beat yourself up when you're wrong but rather use it to grow.

Meeting new people, going to farmer's markets, networking with other eco-friendly businesses, and countless hours of research have helped me grow."


Education

Jim has a degree in business administration, with a focus in accounting as well as several digital marketing certifications.

Get in Touch

Jim Plonkey, Co-Founder

Articles by Jim

Creative Eco-Friendly Ways to Reuse Coffee Grounds

March 6, 2024

Coffee grounds are more than just a part of your morning routine; they’re a versatile resource waiting to be tapped into. Every day, massive amounts of used coffee grounds are tossed out without a second thought, contributing to our ever-growing waste problem. Though they are biodegradable, there are many things…

Upcycle vs. Recycle: Choosing Sustainable Practices for Environmental Impact

February 28, 2024

When it comes to managing waste, you’ve probably heard about recycling, a process where materials are broken down to create new products. However, there’s another term that’s gaining traction—upcycling. Unlike recycling, upcycling is the creative transformation of waste or unwanted products into new materials or products of higher quality or…

Eco-Friendly Gift Wrap Ideas: Sustainable & Creative Solutions

February 14, 2024

There are plenty of creative and sustainable ways to wrap your gifts without harming the environment. From reusable fabric wraps to recycled paper and natural elements like dried flowers and leaves, you can find a variety of options that are both beautiful and eco-friendly. Why Choose Eco-Friendly Gift Wrap? All…

Upcycling Furniture: Understanding the Art of Repurposing Old Items

February 7, 2024

Upcycling furniture can be a great way to give your old furniture a new life. Upcycling is the process of transforming an old or unwanted item into something new and useful. When it comes to furniture, upcycling can involve painting, reupholstering, or even repurposing old pieces to create something entirely…

What is Carbon Neutral?

January 31, 2024

By now you’ve probably heard the term “carbon neutral” being thrown around. But what does it actually mean? In simple terms: Carbon neutrality refers to the state of achieving net zero carbon dioxide emissions. This can be accomplished by reducing carbon emissions and offsetting any remaining emissions through activities such…

How to Upcycle Food to Reduce Waste & Save Money

January 24, 2024

Are you tired of throwing away food scraps and leftovers? You can lean into upcycling to put more of your food to good use! Upcycling food is a great way to reduce food waste and save money. Instead of tossing out those carrot peels or broccoli stems, you can use…

What is Upcycled Clothing?

June 24, 2023

If you’re looking for ways to reduce your environmental impact, upcycled clothing is a great place to start. Upcycling is the process of taking discarded materials and transforming them into something new and useful. When it comes to fashion, upcycling involves taking old clothing and turning it into something fresh…

Are Fireworks Bad for the Environment?

May 19, 2023

Are fireworks bad for the environment? The short answer is yes. Fireworks are a popular way to celebrate holidays and special events, but they come with a price. The chemicals and materials used to create the colorful explosions can have negative effects on the environment. When fireworks are set off,…

Environmentally Friendly Lawn Care

May 8, 2023

Maintaining a lush green lawn can be a source of pride for many homeowners. However, traditional lawn care practices can have a significant impact on the environment. From the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to the excessive water consumption, lawns can contribute to environmental degradation.  Fortunately, there are several…

Sustainable Lawn Alternatives

May 8, 2023

Traditional grass lawns can have a significant environmental impact due to their high water usage, reliance on fertilizers, and constant maintenance requirements.  As awareness of these issues grows, sustainable lawn alternatives have become increasingly popular. This comprehensive guide will explore various eco-friendly landscaping options, taking into account factors such as…