Green Llama

Green Llama was founded in 2021 by Kay Baker (Occupational Therapist) and Dr. Matt Keasey, PhD (materials scientist), a husband-and-wife team passionate about creating cleaning products that protect both human health and the environment. Kay's background in occupational therapy working with children with special needs gave her deep insight into how environmental factors impact health, fueling her commitment to non-toxic, safe products. Matt's expertise in engineering and supply chain management made him the ideal partner to bring their vision to life.

The name "Green Llama" was inspired by a visit to an alpaca farm, where Kay saw an alpaca with a green hue under the light—just as a llama treads lightly on the earth, Green Llama products are designed to leave a light footprint. The company is women-owned and family-run, with both founders actively involved in product development and operations. While Green Llama has accepted venture capital funding from Market Square Ventures, Sims Venture Capital, FoundersForge, and University of Tennessee Research Foundation, Kay and Matt remain in control and committed to their original mission.

Products

• PVA-Free Laundry Detergent Sheets — Concentrated laundry sheets free from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), a plastic polymer that doesn't fully biodegrade. Plastic-free packaging. Available in unscented and scented varieties. 60 loads per pack.
• Dishwasher Pods — Powerful dishwasher tablets that break down tough grease and food residues. Leaping Bunny Certified, cruelty-free.
• All-Purpose Cleaner — Non-toxic, plant-based cleaner for everyday surfaces.
• Dish Soap — Gentle, effective dish soap free from harsh chemicals.
• Laundry Stain Remover — Natural stain treatment for tough spots.

Why We List Them

• Women-owned and family-run — Founded and operated by Kay Baker and Dr. Matt Keasey, who remain actively involved despite accepting VC funding.
• Founded by an Occupational Therapist and PhD scientist — Kay's healthcare background and Matt's materials science expertise inform every product decision.
• PVA-free formulas — Green Llama avoids polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), a plastic polymer commonly used in detergent pods and sheets that doesn't fully biodegrade.
• Plastic-free packaging — Committed to eliminating single-use plastic from packaging.
• Leaping Bunny Certified — Cruelty-free and never tested on animals.
• EPA Safer Choice — Products meet EPA standards for safer ingredients.
• Transparent mission — Despite VC backing, Green Llama maintains its commitment to non-toxic, sustainable products.
• Local manufacturing — Products made in Tennessee, supporting local jobs.
• Founders remain in control — Kay and Matt retain ownership control and decision-making authority.
• Featured by Good Store — Selected by Hank and John Green's Good Store marketplace as one of the first three sustainable cleaning companies.

Note: Green Llama has accepted venture capital funding from Market Square Ventures, Sims Venture Capital, FoundersForge, and University of Tennessee Research Foundation. While this introduces outside investors, the founders remain actively involved and maintain ownership control. We list them because their mission, formulas, and practices remain aligned with clean, independent values—but transparency matters, so we disclose the funding.