Cub Scout Pack 140 and Elizabeth Lane Elementary School are teaming up to raise money for the school with discarded candy wrappers. Mars, Wrigley and Cadbury candy companies have launched TerraCycle, a recycling project that gives schools 2 cents for every wrapper collected. The Cub Scouts and the Elizabeth Lane Green Team ask that students – and community members – bring candy wrappers from M&Ms, Snickers, Starburst, Swedish Fish, Twix and Skittles to the receptacle located in the school’s main lobby, located at 121 Elizabeth Lane in Matthews. The fundraiser will run through Nov. 4.

Americans bought 120 million pounds of candy last Easter. By the time the sugar high wears off, millions of candy wrappers have been discarded and end up in landfills. It doesn't have to be that way. TerraCycle has partnered with Mars/Wrigley and Cadbury to create a second life for used candy wrappers. Conscious consumers are invited to join the Candy Wrapper Brigade by saving the wrapper from a Mars/Wrigley or Cadbury candy product. Collected wrappers can be sent to TerraCycle, where they'll be upcycled into purses, backpacks, coolers and other products. Participation in the Candy Wrapper Brigade is simple and free -- all costs and shipping are covered. Eligible products include M&Ms, Skittles, Sour Patch Kids, Twix, Snickers and Swedish Fish.

For those not familiar with "Terracycle", it is one of many organizations that work to create useful items out of waste products. "Terracycle", in conjunction with both consumers and people from within the food and beverage industry, collects empty and discarded items like foil cheese packets, foil beverage pouches, potato chip bags, gum wrappers, beverage bottles and other items. "Terracycle" then converts those items into a wide array of new items like insulated coolers, garbage cans, fences, plant food, household cleaners, photo frames, jewel cases, clothing and fashion accessories. Part of the proceeds from the sale of those items is in turn donated to area schools and non-profit groups.

In 2010 proof of the ever burgeoning green movement can be found throughout the stories that made it into the headlines of mainstream media. For instance, there were several stories of various young ladies creating prom dresses out of used gum wrappers and foil beverage pouches. In addition, more and more items made from recycled materials such as t-shirts made from ground up soda bottles began showing up in retail stores. This increase in repurposing materials has caused food and beverage manufacturers like Kraft Foods to stand up and take notice. Proof in point is the company's recent decision to add foil cheese packets to their pre-existing "Terracycle Collection Program."

This increase in repurposing materials has caused food and beverage manufacturers like Kraft Foods to stand up and take notice. Proof in point is the company's recent decision to add foil cheese packets to their pre-existing "Terracycle Collection Program." In Packaging Everything Old is New Again For those not familiar with "Terracycle", it is one of many organizations that work to create useful items out of waste products. "Terracycle", in conjunction with both consumers and people from within the food and beverage industry, collects empty and discarded items like foil cheese packets, foil beverage pouches, potato chip bags, gum wrappers, beverage bottles and other items. "Terracycle" then converts those items into a wide array of new items like insulated coolers, garbage cans, fences, plant food, household cleaners, photo frames, jewel cases, clothing and fashion accessories. Part of the proceeds from the sale of those items is in turn donated to area schools and non-profit groups.

St. Joseph School As part of the TerraCycle program, St. Joseph School collects and gets cash for various brands, including all Mars brands candy wrappers. After Halloween (and anytime), people can send those empty wrappers to school. Collection boxes are the main foyer and cafeteria. The following brands are accepted: M&Ms, Skittles and Twix, Mars and Dove bars. Also, before people dispose of this year's Halloween costumes, they should consider donating it for next year's Green Halloween Used Costume Sale.

St. Joseph School As part of the TerraCycle program, St. Joseph School collects and gets cash for various brands, including all Mars brands candy wrappers. After Halloween (and anytime), people can send those empty wrappers to school. Collection boxes are the main foyer and cafeteria. The following brands are accepted: M&Ms, Skittles and Twix, Mars and Dove bars. Also, before people dispose of this year's Halloween costumes, they should consider donating it for next year's Green Halloween Used Costume Sale. The