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ELIMINATING THE IDEA OF WASTE®

Watch it now: Pivot's 'Office'-esque 'Human Resources'

TerraCycle Include USA Human Resources Pivot
At this point, most reality shows are really just scripted series starring non-professional actors. And while I don't mind that concept, it does irritate me that the most publicized ones depict people doing pretty horrible things to each other. That's one reason it's refreshing to see Pivot's new "docu-comedy,"Human Resources. The show follows the real day-to-day happenings at TerraCycle, a Trenton, N.J.-based company that makes recycled products. And sure, the employees have their quirks, but their intentions are good, and they treat one another with (gasp!) humor and respect. TerraCycle is one of those workplaces where almost anything goes: You can bring your dog to work. You can wear a superhero costume at the office and do yoga outside. You can sit on one of those cool fitness balls instead of a chair. Led by its enthusiastic founder, Tom Szaky, episodes follow the team members as they make new products and expand their business. I'm not super-crafty, but I'll admit I was impressed by the employees' ability to whip up a set of speakers out of old Mason jars and turn a Styrofoam cooler into a footstool. Though rooted in reality, it's obvious that parts of Human Resources are scripted and planned, but the show doesn't attempt to hide that. Its simple production fits the theme, and the creators seem genuinely interested in making an environmental impact on their audience. (The website already features a sectionwith tips on how to recycle better at work.) The show premieres tonight at 10 ET on Pivot, but the first episode is online now. Show it to your boss, and maybe by next week, you'll be taking tai chi classes in the conference room.