TERRACYCLE NEWS

ELIMINATING THE IDEA OF WASTE®

Ella's Kitchen Targets 100% Recyclable Or Compostable Product Packaging By 2024

With the demands of modern parenting, baby food pouches leave some caregivers in a dilemma: Is the quest to feed our children nourishing food while on the go more important than environmental stewardship? In general, baby food pouches contain nutritious, often organic, whole foods and serve as way to healthily feed a child while in transit, on a conference call, at the park or when engaged in any of the other myriad activities that today’s busy families contend with. However, as reported time and again, the pouches are constructed of laminated mixed materials, such as aluminum and plastic, that aren’t easily separated. In countries around the world they are nearly impossible to recycle through municipal recycling programs. Ella’s Kitchen, a UK organic baby and toddler food brand whose products can be found in more than 40 countries worldwide, was the first in the sector to bring food to the market in pouches. The trend quickly gained momentum. According to industry data, the global packaged baby food market is a $53 billion dollar (and growing) business. As reported by The New York Times, 25% of baby food sales in the U.S. today are dedicated to pouches. For the foreseeable future, at least, pouches are here to stay. Some in the sector, including Ella's Kitchen, argue that in the grand scheme pouches may be relatively climate-friendly compared to other forms of packaging, like glass jars, as they are lighter-weight and space-saving. The result is fewer carbon emissions during the product’s life cycle. Ella's Kitchen reports that in 2018, 26% of their product packaging was recyclable through municipal recycling programs in their home country of the UK. This packaging accounted for the company's cardboard and plastic pots/trays. The remaining 74% of the company’s product packaging, pouches and snack wrappers, could not be recycled by municipal providers, the company says. To address this situation, since 2010 Ella’s Kitchen has partnered with Canadian-based TerraCycle to offer a recycling program for the company’s pouches in a program they have termed "EllaCycle." TerraCycle’s business model is built on repurposing traditionally non-recyclable waste. In the EllaCycle model a collection point for pouches is established by what the company calls a “Superhero EllaCycler.” Any baby food pouch, regardless of manufacturer, is accepted at this community collection point. The collected pouches are then sent to TerraCycle for repurposing. According to Ella’s Kitchen, the pouches are broken down into hard plastic granules and used to manufacture items like benches, plant pots and fence posts. There’s an added social dimension to the program: For every pouch collected, the Superhero EllaCycler earns two pence for donation to a charity of their choosing. Ella’s Kitchen says that there are now more than 400 EllaCycle drop off points across the UK and last year alone, more than 335,000 pouches were recycled through the program. On the social front, since EllaCycle started in 2010, more than £40,000 have been raised for charity. In the U.S., consumers can download free shipping labels from TerraCycle’s website to mail multiple brands of pouches, including those from Ella’s Kitchen, to the company for reuse. However, more can be done in the industry to ensure that 100% of the packaging used by consumers is easily recyclable. It is clear that Ella’s Kitchen agrees with this based on the targets established in their first sustainability report released this month, titled "The Good Stuff We Do." In the publication, Ella’s Kitchen promises that by 2024, 100% of the company’s product packaging will be recyclable or compostable through municipal programs. Ella’s Kitchen notes in "The Good Stuff We Do" that the company is willing to explore a solution for improved product packaging that better meets current recycling industry standards as well as support new recycling technologies. However, the company is confident that a greater impact can be made by collaborating with partners and other organizations to rethink waste streams and municipal programs, they say in the report. As part of this effort, last year Ella’s Kitchen signed The UK Plastics Pact, an initiative of the UK’s Waste and Resources Action Programme with support from the Ellen McArthur Foundation. The Pact aims to bring together constituents from across the value chain to create a circular economy for plastics in the UK. “We’re proud to have signed The UK Plastics Pact,” Chris Jenkins, the brand’s European sustainability manager, tells me. “It brings together brands and businesses, the waste industry and government to look at how we can work together to solve an issue like this,” he says regarding current limitations in the plastics recycling industry. Jenkins led the process of developing "The Good Stuff We Do" report including setting the sustainability targets outlined in the publication. As one of the first Certified B Corporations in the UK, a fundamental part of "The Good Stuff We Do" strategy is a focus on “being the change” and using the company's voice to maximize the positive impact that Ella's Kitchen can have on the world, Jenkins says. The company hopes to lead the industry in finding a 100% recyclable solution for baby food pouches, he says. Jenkins notes that he believes sustainable change in the industry will happen only when all the stakeholders in the life cycle of a product work together to ensure that there’s consistency in the type of materials used at the start for product packaging with what recyclers and waste handlers seek at the product’s end of life. He says that this currently isn’t happening industry-wide, and the UK Plastics Pact is a momentous undertaking that aims to engage all parties in a conversation to work towards this end. “It’s about joining all of those dots,” he tells me optimistically.  

Where to start in greening your workplace

From wind power to office plants, associations have many opportunities to choose more environmentally sustainable options—on a macro and micro scale.

Recycling office paper no longer cuts it. So, beyond the familiar mantra of reduce, reuse, and recycle, where can an association start to make its workplace greener? Corporations have taken some bold steps that might be difficult for most associations to fully replicate, but implementing pieces of them on a smaller scale might be perfectly doable. For example, as part of Microsoft’s commitment to going carbon neutral, it imposes an internal carbon fee on all its business groups. The fee goes toward carbon offsets and other projects to neutralize the company’s carbon use. This means that as each group budgets its air travel, it also has to budget for carbon offsets for that travel. With that in mind, here are some different areas where your association can boost its green efforts: Carbon offsets. While Microsoft’s approach might be too much for most associations, you can purchase carbon offsets through terrapass that fund renewable energy and methane capture projects. At the same time, associations can help staff be more aware of their department’s carbon footprint—including staff and member air travel—and consider ways to monitor it and reduce it. Energy. Your office’s energy use is likely to be a large portion of your association’s environmental footprint. How do you go about becoming wind- or solar-powered? APPI Energy can help assess renewable energy options, and the Green-e website includes a search for green power and renewable energy certificate programs. Other energy-saving tips: Turning office equipment off—rather than leaving it in standby mode—and installing motion-activated lights. Your headquarters. If you’re heading to a new space, LEED certifies green buildings—those that are designed and built to reduce waste and negative effects on the environment, decrease lifecycle costs, and maximize the building occupants’ health and productivity. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do in an old building. LEED also has a program for existing buildings: LEED for Building Operations and Maintenance, which certifies the building for operating sustainably rather than for its design. Trash recycling. Office recycling programs for the basics like paper, cans, and bottles are common, but what about everything else? Many items that we typically throw away can be recycled, but not through our regular recycling channels. TerraCycle offers zero-waste boxes for all the other stuff—you fill it up the box and send it back. The company has all-in-one boxes that you can put nearly anything in, as well as more specialized ones, including a coffee capsule box for offices that use single-cup coffee machines. Compost. Another way to reduce the amount of office waste that goes to the landfill is to compost, and it doesn’t have to be messy. Services like CompostNow collect the compost and clean the designated compost can. Plants. Office plants can improve indoor air quality, as well as improve your well-being and productivity. Beyond these ideas, another important aspect is to get your staff involved. A sustainability team can pay attention to these and other sustainability-related issues, as well as educate other staff about them. A walk- or bike-to-work day can encourage staff who usually drive to choose no-car options when possible. And a volunteer project with staff or members pulling invasive species out of a nearby park or trail gets people outdoors and boosts morale. What has your association done to make its workplace greener? Tell us about it in the comments.

Recycling Mystery: Patio Furniture

discarded patio chairs Sitting outside year after year, through the blazing summer sun and the freezing winters, patio furniture has to endure a wide array of extreme conditions. Sooner or later, it’s going to wear out. But can you recycle your old patio furniture? Well, that depends on the materials used to make it.

Recycling Patio Furniture by Material

Patio furniture is made from a variety of materials, each with its own recycling options — or frustrations. While metal outdoor furniture is easy to recycle, plastic furniture is far more challenging. Wood furniture, on the other hand, simply isn’t recyclable if it’s been painted or sealed to protect it from the elements. Below, we’ll investigate these more in depth. As with all recycling mysteries, we need to include one important note: If your furniture is still in usable condition, consider selling it or giving it away. Most donation centers that accept furniture will also accept patio furniture. You can also use Facebook garage sale groups or apps like Letgo and OfferUp to find a new home for your usable furniture. IT’S UNLIKELY YOUR CURBSIDE RECYCLING PROGRAM WILL ACCEPT THESE ITEMS. PHOTO: MABELAMBER, PIXABAY

 old plastic patio chairs

Plastic Patio Furniture

There's a good chance you’ll find a resin identification code somewhere on your plastic furniture. Look for a little triangle with a number in it. The code indicates what type of plastic your furniture is made from. Most plastic furniture will be made from plastic number 5 or number 2. Due to the size and shape, it’s unlikely your curbside recycling program will accept these items. However, if you have a larger recycling facility in your area, they may accept them, so be sure to give them a call. To search for a recycler in your area, you can use Earth911 Recycling Search — just enter your ZIP code. Unfortunately, if your local recycling facility doesn’t accept plastic furniture, you don’t have many recycling options. TerraCycle has an outdoor furnishings zero waste box you can purchase. You’ll then be able to ship the furniture to them for recycling (be sure to fill it only with the materials they designate). However, this option is quite expensive. Some plastic furniture can be refinished, so that is an option to extend its life. These step-by-step instructions from WikiHow show you how to paint plastic furniture. IF YOUR FURNITURE IS STILL IN USABLE CONDITION, CONSIDER SELLING IT OR GIVING IT AWAY. PHOTO: PAMJPAT, PIXABAY rusted metal lawn chair

Metal Patio Furniture

Metal patio furniture is not only durable, it’s easily recyclable. Most metal furniture is made from aluminum, steel, or wrought iron. While your local recycler is unlikely to accept furniture in your curbside bin, your city probably has at least one scrap yard that will accept your old metal furniture. Just visit the Earth911 Recycling Search and search by the type of metal. Not sure what kind of metal your furniture is? Use a magnet to determine if it’s a ferrous or nonferrous metal (ferrous metals attract a magnet; nonferrous don’t). Then, search for ferrous metals or nonferrous metals with our Recycling Search tool. Be sure to call the facility before you make the trip to verify they will accept your specific items.

Wood Patio Furniture

Unfortunately, wood outdoor furniture isn’t recyclable. Since it’s usually treated with some type of varnish or sealer, it can’t be composted either. You still have some options. You can refinish it, repair it if broken, or break it down and reuse the good pieces to make something new. If it’s too broken or rotten for any of those options, you’ll have to throw it away. wooden adirondack chairs YOU CAN SIGNIFICANTLY EXTEND THE LIFE OF YOUR OUTDOOR FURNITURE WITH REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND CARE. PHOTO: SILVERSTRIKE24, PIXABAY

Maintaining Your Patio Furniture

  While outdoor furniture will eventually need to be replaced, you can significantly extend its life with proper maintenance and care. Regularly cleaning your furniture is a good first step. When using soap to clean furniture, stick to mild detergents and read instructions/warnings carefully. Some soaps can discolor the furniture. Also, during the seasons when you aren’t using your patio furniture much, it’s a good idea to store it inside or under an overhang to limit exposure to the elements. You may also want to consider buying patio furniture covers, which, when used regularly, can dramatically lengthen the life of your outdoor furniture.

50 Things to Toss Out on Old Stuff Day

There are plenty of items you’ve planned to get rid of over the winter months. Use Old Stuff Day as an excuse to try out these decluttering hacks.

 shutterstock_753724045 bowls and vases pottery

Vases and Flower Pots

Vases and flower pots will accumulate with each growing season. Make sure you only keep what you need, otherwise you’ll start to get buried by them. You likely don’t even need another flower pot, you probably have the answer in front of you. Check out these awesome DIY planters made from kitchen castoffs.     What to Hold on to

What to Hold on to

You’ve kept certain items around the house as a reminder of an experience but you don’t need to have the object to trigger a memory. Your mind still holds onto the trip or special day you had that led you to keep a souvenir.   Take a look in kitchen cabinets and make a note of how many plates and glasses you keep. Chances are you don’t need them all. Get Rid of Books

Get Rid of Books

What is this obsession people have with books? What do you need it for after you’ve read it? Unless you want to keep a book for sentimental reasons or like to re-read one, moving a bunch of books is a pain. They’re heavy and cumbersome. Eliminate some of them by selling them at a Half Price Books or online. But if you’ve got enough books you can’t give up, check out some ideas on how to build a bookcase. Digitize Whatever You Can Digitize Whatever You Can Photos are keepsakes but unless you’re regularly thumbing through books of them, there’s not much reason to keep a physical copy of them. Save yourself some additional moving items by digitizing those photos. Do the same with any movies or CDs you’ve got sitting around collecting dust. For any remaining CDs or DVDs, make a wall cabinet to save on space and put those old CD bins to use as a twine dispenser. Bras

Bras

The Bra Recyclers have started a recycling campaign where bras can be sent in for reuse. Bras must be wearable and washed prior to being sent. The Bar Recyclers donate surplus bras to nonprofits who need them. Bras that aren’t useable get sent to businesses that can repurpose them, like one that sells the wire. Other businesses can recycle the fabric for carpets or textiles. Bet you didn’t know these 14 other items can be recycled as well.   Nylons

Nylons

Nylons need to be cleaned before getting recycled because it melts at a lower temperature. That lower temperature means bacteria can survive. Timbuk2 will send you a coupon if you choose to recycle your bag from them. Just send your bag to them and once they get a pallet full of bags, they send them to TerraCycle for recycling. Bureo takes old nylon fishing nets and makes them into skateboards and sunglasses. Use those nylons to clean around the house. Crayons and Colored Pencils

Crayons and Colored Pencils

Broken crayons can be recycled or turned into DIY picture frames for your favorite teacher. Don’t keep a broken crayon or colored pencil around—it’s broken. Learn how to take school-based items and make them into gifts. Hangers

Hangers

Hangers seem to just spontaneously spawn in the closet. Don’t let them choke out your closet. Find a place to store extra hangers.

Old Knives

You can sharpen old knives or get rid of them at a donation center. But don’t keep multiple sets around the house. One good cutting knife should be enough. Learn how to sharpen knives at home. Broken Dishes

Broken Dishes

Just get rid of that chipped plate that makes you cringe every time you use it without realizing that you grabbed that dish. It’s just a pain to eat off of and you’ve got plenty of other plates to choose from. But some people keep them around. You won’t believe why Danes keep broken dishes. Figure out how to organize a kitchen shelf. Pantry Items and Spices

Pantry Items and Spices

Pay attention to those best by dates on some of those pantry items. You might reach for some bay leaves one day and there might not be any aroma left with them. See how to organize a pantry so everything is clearly visible. Pet Supplies

Pet Supplies

Little Fido is spoiled rotten with toys and treats but don’t let it get out of hand. Don’t let him keep an old toy because you think it’s his favorite. He’ll likely find a new favorite given the opportunity. Check out other tips for dealing with pets. Exercise Equipment

Exercise Equipment

Working out a gym might be a better fit for you than sitting on that exercise bike at home, so trade in that bike. There are plenty of other people thinking some exercise equipment is the perfect addition to jumpstart an effort to get in shape. Find out how to downsize so you can make the most of the space in your house. Broken Furniture

Broken Furniture

Those furniture rehab projects have sat dormant for a long time now. Are you really going to get started on them or is it becoming a pipedream? With some hints, you can repair that furniture.   Plastic Storage Containers that no Longer have Lids that Fit

Plastic Storage Containers that no Longer have Lids that Fit

That container used to heat spaghetti has heated one too many noodles and the lid doesn’t fit anymore or even worse, you’ve lost it. Sure a little plastic wrap would make it so you could store food but you’ve likely got other containers you’ve been using. But if you like think you can repurpose those things, you’ll like creative storage options. You’ll never guess why you should keep an empty egg carton in the bathroom. Instruments

Instruments

You were determined to learn how to play piano once—for about a month. Now that keyboard has sat in the corner of the basement for years and you can barely find middle C. Donate that piece of musical equipment to someone who will learn to use it. Learn how to store difficult items if you really have to keep them around. Old Potpourri

Old Potpourri

Potpourri is great for clearing out some smells but it’s not as great when it comes part of your décor. If that potpourri isn’t smelling as sweet as it once did, chuck it. Get something new in there. If you’ve got some odors you need to get rid of, learn how to eliminate odor.   Games with Missing Pieces

Games with Missing Pieces

Part of the fun with some board games is if you lost a game piece you made your own but after a while, as more and more pieces disappear it’s best to cut your losses. Monopoly is no fun without the car, dog, top hat and the cannon gone. No one wants to be the thimble. No one. Learn how to build your own board games and other game room ideas. Appliances You Don't Use

Appliances You Don’t Use

Some thoughtful in-law gave you the latest technological advance in drink mixology a couple of years ago. They live three states away and have never stepped foot in your place. You can get rid of that appliance that seems so handy yet has no place in your life. Or if you like that stuff, find some ideas with smart appliances on the market now. License Plate

License Plate

Unless you feel crafty or your garage walls are looking pretty bare, there’s no sense in keeping a set of old license plates around. Sure, you’re a bit nostalgic but take a picture of your plates if you want to remember them. Prevent theft of your license plates with security screws. Receipts

Receipts

You may have to keep some receipts for tax purposes but you don’t necessarily need to keep a paper copy. Try making pdfs of receipts or take a picture of them that you can easily print if needed. Make sure to destroy personal documents after you no longer need them. Business Cards

Business Cards

Discarding business cards ought to be part of a digitizing process. Maybe the first time you get a business card is cool but keeping a box of them around isn’t something to brag about. Get that home office organized with some DIY tips. Formal Wear

Formal Wear

Those bridesmaids dresses have to go after the wedding. You don’t need a 27 Dresses thing going on in your closet. Check out consignment shops to recoup some cash or get a tax write-off by donating it. Either way don’t waste closet space on things you’ve worn once. Find easy ways to grow your closet space. Keys

Keys

If you’ve got a key that you don’t remember what it goes to, then that’s probably a sign to get rid of it. Try recycling that key instead of throwing it in the trash. Got a twisted key, learn how to fix a bent key. Old Freezer Items

Old Freezer Items

There’s likely a bag of frozen vegetables buried somewhere in your freezer and has been for a long time. Go through and check to see what you want to keep. Or come up with a clever device to make things more visible in your freezer. Check out other cleaning ideas you should check on every once in a while. Calendars

Calendars

Some people save calendars to transfer dates and then forget to throw the old one out. If you use a calendar to keep track of things you did during the past year, try saving it in a different format and let time fly by throwing the old calendar in the trash. Find other tips for organizing a home office. Lost Socks or Use Them to Clean

Lost Socks or Use Them to Clean

It’d be nice to know one day where all those socks go that mysteriously disappear. When you’re left with one sock, put it to use for dusting or better yet, protect your safety glasses in the shop with one. Old Puzzle Books

Old Puzzle Books

Word searches and crossword puzzles are fun but they’re not items you frame and throw on a wall. If you’ve got a half-completed book from a vacation, you’re going to forget you still have it by the time you take your next one. Try recycling those books and discover once and for all what’s really recyclable and what’s not.    Old Halloween Costumes

Old Halloween Costumes

That Care Bear costume you rocked 10 years ago looked a lot better then and probably fit better, too. As much as you love dressing up for Halloween, what are the chances you want to be the same thing again? That’s the fun of Halloween, you get to dress up as something new every year. Get some ideas for your next costume with these duct tape creations. Photo: Courtesy of Destination Imagination Kids Clothes

Kids Clothes

Kids grow and those clothes you hoped would make for hand-me-downs don’t fit baby brother or baby sister. Don’t forget to get rid of them if that’s the case. Donate them to a local Salvation Army or donation center. Keep your kids’ closets neat so you know what they’ve got for clothing.   Furnace Filter

Furnace Filter

Late fall is probably a good time to check your furnace filter. It’s best to keep the filter clean during the winter in order to keep your furnace running efficiently. A dirty filter can make the furnace work harder to heat a home. Find which furnace filters are the best before you buy.    

Periodicals but not The Family Handyman

If you subscribe to magazines make sure you clear them out after you’re done with them. Don’t hang on to an entire magazine for one story, clip it out and put it somewhere you know to look for it. Except keep every issue of The Family Handyman around. In fact you might want to keep two copies in case one gets spilled on. Find a place for those magazines with a storage container.   Periodicals but not The Family Handyman  

Coupons

Unless you’re waiting for a call to be on Extreme Couponing get rid of all those inserts that come in the paper you don’t need. The grocery store keeps books of coupons by the front door. The nice thing is those coupons have expiration dates so pick a day each month to clean out your coupon folder. Ditch those coupons and find the 15 things you should buy at Costco.   Cards  

Cards

Grandma always gets the best birthday cards for you but you’re not obligated to hang on to it for eternity. Establish a rule, George Costanza said the rule is a minimum of two days. Try keeping a card organizer around during the holidays if you really need to display cards. Crafting Supplies  

Crafting Supplies

The scraps from your craft project five years ago aren’t coming back like a fashion cycle so don’t hang on to them. Use what you can but don’t get set on keeping a bunch of supplies around. Try organizing those craft items with a pegboard.   Phone Books  

Phone Books

A phone book is sort of turning into a historical artifact these days. They’re pretty handy when you have a wobbly table but when you can look up a number on the web from your phone and dial in one touch, it’s hard to justify having a phone book around. If you really do have a wobbly table or chair, found out how to fix a broken chair.   Takeout Menus  

Takeout Menus

Everything is on the internet today, even the menu for your favorite takeout place, so put all those old menus in the recycle bin. Besides you always get the same thing from that place anyway. Make sure your recycling bin stays out of the way in the garage with these great recycling bin hangers.   Remote Controls  

Remote Controls

Chuck out clunky old remotes when you get new electronics for the home. Sometimes those devices will get lost in the shuffle. Check out a clever way to keep your coffee table uncluttered.   Old Prescriptions  

Old Prescriptions

Those old prescription bottles can pile up if you forget to throw them out after you are done with them. Additionally, keeping old pills around can be a safety issue if you have young children. Fortunately there are takeback programs like Take it to the Box where expired medications can be dropped off in a box at a local law enforcement center. Old prescriptions should never get flushed down the toilet and neither should these items.     Old Makeup

Old Makeup

Makeup will dry up if it goes unused and when it does, make sure to toss it. If you keep it around to keep track of what it is, write it down somewhere. Purging your bathroom drawers will open things up for your home. Items such as shampoo and conditioner caps, hair gel tubes, hair spray triggers, lip balm tubes, soap dispensers, mascara tubes, powder cases and eyeliner pencils can be recycled. Learn other ways to open up your bathroom. Old Towels or Bedding    

Old Towels or Bedding

Having a few old towels around is helpful for cleaning but they can build up in a hurry if you’re not careful. Go ahead and get rid of them after they’ve outlived their usefulness. Find out how to keep your linens fresh without chemicals.   Old Glasses

Old Glasses

Your prescription changes over time so keeping those old glasses around isn’t helping anybody. The frames might be nice but you don’t really need more than two pairs of glasses. You can donate old glasses to the Lions Club, which has set up Lions Eyeglass Recycling Centers. Take care of your eyes by preventing injuries with safety glasses.     Old Clothes

Old Clothes

It’s pretty easy to get rid of old clothes, you just have to bring yourself to admit you’re probably not going to wear that campaign T-shirt from the 1980s again. You can donate them to a local charity or find a donation bin like Disabled American Veterans place near grocery stores. Still can’t part with that tube top? Find out how to triple your closet storage.   Old Computers

Old Computers

Before getting rid of an old computer, make sure all your personal information has been deleted to prevent identity theft. If you have a laptop check out what kind of battery it has so you can find out what to do with it. Some laptop batteries have special requirements for recycling. Find out some other interesting items you can recycle that you didn’t think you could.   Old Cellphones  

Old Cellphones

According the Environmental Protection Agency, back in 2007 only 10 percent of cellphones got recycled. Drop boxes have sprouted up across the country but you can still contact the cellphone company to send an old phone back. Or you can donate it to one of several charities that have set up recycling programs. Find out how to boost your cellphone signal at home.   Old Shoes  

Old Shoes

You found the perfect shoes for that outfit a long time ago and you don’t even wear that outfit anymore, so why not lose the shoes? Or you’ve replaced your lawn mowing shoes three times but still have the previous two pair sitting around. Ditch those shoes, you might even be able to recycle them. Make sure your shoes aren’t stomping all over your mudroom with some shoe storage hacks.   Office Supplies  

Office Supplies

If you’re swimming in staplers or can’t find your way through the maze of paper clips, highlighters and sticky notes, get rid of it. Don’t make your home office unbearable as well. Check out these home office tips to make your life easier.   Old Cords  

Old Cords

You’ve got the power cord for the original Nintendo still but the rest of it has disappeared. Get rid of the cord and any other homeless cords you’ve got laying around. And for those ones that you still need, try organizing them with toilet paper rolls.   Kitchen Items  

Kitchen Items

What’s the point of keeping around plastic silverware at home? How will your guests feel when you hand them the plastic silverware? Do yourself a favor and get rid of that plastic silverware, along with those tiny condiment packets. That relish is about to hit puberty in your fridge. Learn more about recycling and a six-pack hack worth trying. Dry Out Your Old Paint    

Dry Out Your Old Paint

If you have a bunch of almost empty cans of latex paint and don’t want to take them to the recycling center, here’s a tip. Spread a sheet of plastic—painter’s plastic is cheap and readily available at home centers and hardware stores—in an out-of-the way spot and dump a thin layer of paint on it to dry. When the liquid has evaporated, bundle it up and throw it in the trash. Make sure your paint lasts by doing the right preparation. See what you’re forgetting to do before painting.

Alvas Music's Free Restring/Recycling Event Sponsored by D'Addario and TerraCycle in San Pedro

ALVAS MUSIC’S FREE RESTRING/RECYCLING EVENT SPONSORED BY D’ADDARIO AND TERRACYCLE
Local musicians are invited to attend a free recycle and restring event at Alvas Music in San Pedro, CA on Saturday, March 23, 2019 from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Sponsored by D’Addario and TerraCycle, musicians can bring any old instrument strings for recycling and get their electric or acoustic guitars restrung with D’Addario NYXL or Nickel Bronze Acoustic strings. Old strings collected during the event will be recycled through Playback, D’Addario’s free, national recycling program.

Mondelez passa a integrar plataforma Loop para reduzir emissão de resíduos de embalagens

A Mondelez International aderiu à plataforma de economia circular Loop – iniciativa da TerraCycle, líder global em soluções para reciclabilidade – cujo objetivo é reduzir a emissão de resíduos de embalagens por meio de um modelo de assinatura em que bens de consumo cheguem às residências dos consumidores em contêineres reutilizáveis. A medida visa a reduzir a dependência de embalagens e fornecer uma solução conveniente e durável.

Air Canada to Reduce Single-Use Plastics

When collecting debris, provide separate recycling bags for plastic, cans and newspapers. Little packets that hold peanuts and pretzels also can be recycled when gathered separately and collected by TerraCycle, a company that provides special zero-waste recycling boxes to gather a variety of items. Regarding those little stir sticks — let’s ask ourselves if we really need them. A few spoons on the beverage trolley mightdo quite nicely.

Controversial Cannabis Edibles Packaging Regulations Opening Dialogue and Innovation in the New Sector

As legal cannabis consumers become acquainted with each new producer and product to hit their shelves, how those offerings are presented is becoming a bit of a controversy. The result has been a mixed reaction, both proactive and reactive, with an array of producfts from leading producers such as Plus Products Inc. (OTC:PLSPF) (CSE: PLUS), Canopy Growth Corporation (NYSE: CGC) (TSX: WEED), CannTrust Holdings Inc. (OTC:CNTTF) (TSX:TRST), Tilray, Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY), and KushCo Holdings, Inc. (OTC:KSHB). While Canada’s cannabis buyers have to wait until October 2019 for cannabis edibles to become legal, California’s market is already getting its packaging laws in order. Leading the way in California is Plus Products (OTC:PLSPF) (CSE: PLUS), which now dominates the state’s edibles sector with 3 of the Top 5 cannabis products. As a market leader, the company is now being proactive in its move to roll out child-resistant (CR) tins across the state, well in advance of a January 2020 California deadline. In the Canadian market, the proposal for responsible packaging has been met with some resistance by producers—citing waste and other concerns. “Most cannabis consumers care very much about the environment and we’ve already gotten a lot of flak from the public,” said Allan Rewak, executive director of the Cannabis Council of Canada a group that represents licensed producers in an interview with Post Media. “You’re going to see plastic containers piled up outside stores with people putting (edibles) all in one container.” At the moment, the Canadian restrictions are primarily limiting to quantity per package. In California, the restrictions are focused on the appearance and function of the containers. According to the California Department of Public Health’s FAQ website: Cannabis product packaging cannot resemble traditionally available food packages and must be tamper-evident, re-sealable if the product includes multiple servings, and child-resistant. In addition, packaging for edibles must be opaque. All manufactured products must be packaged according to regulatory standards before they are released to a distributor.” EMBRACING THE PACKAGING CHALLENGE In a release this week, Plus Products Inc. (OTC:PLSPF) (CSE: PLUS) has gotten out ahead of the new law, announcing the redesign of its signature tins, to deliver its popular gummies in new CR packaging—in compliance approximately one full year ahead of the state’s deadline. “The convenience of our packaging is an important part of what has made PLUS successful. We are proud that we were able to keep the best elements of that experience while bringing to market a new tin that is child resistant, convenient, and still completely recyclable,” said Jake Heimark, CEO of Plus Products Inc. “We believe the top cannabis brands have a responsibility to lead the industry in a safe direction. We searched the globe for the best child resistant packaging and found it in these tins. It is difficult to achieve child resistance without compromising the portability and practicality of the consumer experience. We believe the tins we are launching this week are an elegant solution to a difficult problem, and are an important step in PLUS continuing to make cannabis safe and approachable.” The company’s new tins going forward are made of recyclable tinplate steel with a polypropylene insert, and are already available at select outlets in California. The tins are certified according to the Code of Federal Regulations 16 CFR § 1,700.20, and are opened with a press and twist method, similar to a prescription medicine bottle. It’s doubtful that the new packaging will impact the company’s sales, which lead the state according to BDS Analytics during Q4 2018. PLUS currently produces 3 of the top-5 best-selling branded products in all product categories including flower, vaporizers, edibles and topicals. PLUS “Uplift” and PLUS “Restore” remained the #1 and #2 best-selling SKUs. PLUS “CBD Relief” was the #5 best-selling SKU, and the top CBD-only SKU. CALIFORNIA LEADING THE PACK The importance of the edibles market cannot be stressed enough. In a recent BDS Analytics report, the research firm projected sales in the edibles market to surpass $4.1 billion by 2022. California is currently the largest and most important cannabis market in the world—larger even than the entire country of Canada. In comparison, Canada is only expected to yield $2.7 billion in 2019 legal sales, whereas California already hit $2.5 billion in sales in 2018, and is expected to grow rapidly. Over the course of its long history since legalizing medical marijuana, California has grown its product selection to more than 250 brands of edibles. While the California edibles market grew steadlily, Plus Products Inc. (OTC:PLSPF) (CSE:PLUS) managed to get itself to the top of the sector with its premiere cannabis gummies products. Since hitting the California scene ranked #43 in Q2 2017, less than two years later the company now has 3 of the best-selling branded products in all product categories, including flower, vaporizers, edibles and topicals—Over that time, Plus increased its market share 24x. Now the company’s best-selling SKUs are PLUS “Uplift” ranked #1, PLUS “Restore” ranked #2, and PLUS “CBD Relief” ranked #5 (which also took the top CBD-only spot, according to BDS analytics). The company has since grown its revenue to a $10 million run rate, with growth coming every month—and now it’s expanding its operations into more states. GROWING OUT ORGANICALLY Since launching in 2017, Plus Products Inc. (OTC:PLSPF) (CSE:PLUS) rapidly grew its presence in California from #43 to #1 ranking. By producing an array of products made with high-quality ingredients, PLUS has developed a brand, entirely produced in the Company’s dedicated 12,000-foot, food-safe cannabis manufacturing facility in Adelanto, California. PLUS products are now sold in over 200 licensed dispensaries as well as to delivery service customers, through a distribution partner. Backing the company is the successful hedge fund Tiger Global Management—known for turning small companies in rapidly growing industries into multi-billion-dollar businesses. Tiger was recently responsible for the build out of an e-cigarette product known as JUUL. Over 40 months under Tiger’s involvement, JUUL grew to the point where tobacco giant Altria paid $12.8 billion for a 35% interest in the company—giving JUUL a $38 billion value. Now the hope is that Tiger and PLUS can repeat this level of success through the PLUS brand story. Next up is a planned expansion from the current 12,000 sf manufacturing facility in Adelanto, CA to a 40,000 sq ft space. The Adelanto operation has an annual production capacity of $50 million. The expansion is set to boost Plus Products’ current production line capacity of two lines, with an additional three lines. EDIBLES AND PACKAGING DEVELOPMENTS Canopy Growth Inc. (TSX: WEED) (NYSE: CGC) In the lead-up to the legalization of cannabis-infused edibles and beverages, Canopy Growth plans to release a wide range of products in various forms. These include non-caffeinated chocolate, five different kinds of beverages, and vape pens with new cartridge technology, all ready to roll once Health Canada formally legalizes them. Canopy is set to team up with recycling outfits such as TerraCycle to ensure that their packaging doesn’t end up in landfills. CannTrust Holdings Inc. (OTC:CNTTF) (TSX:TRST) Unhappy with the upcoming packaging regulations, CannTrust CEO Peter Aceto has voiced concern, stemming from feedback from clients. The main concern is that the edible legislation will bring with it a lot of packaging, which CannTrust would like to actively reduce. As it stands, Aceto has expressed that much of the existing container surface is used to host government excise stamps and warnings, which he’d like to see reduced, instead to be used more for CannTrust’s branding. Tilray, Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) Through a recent $419 million deal signed to acquire Hemp Hearts maker Manitoba Harvest, Tilray is looking to team up to launch CBD-infused products where permissible in the US. The acquisition helps to accelerate the pot grower’s entry into the US market, as Manitoba Harvest’s products are already on the shelves of retailers such as Wal-Mart, Costco, and Whole Foods, in both Canada and the US. Tilray is looking to leverage the food maker’s manufacturing facilities and supply chain that touches roughly 16,000 stores, where their products are already sold. Together, they’re looking to take advantage of the recent US farm bill that legalized hemp-derived CBD products. KushCo Holdings, Inc. (OTC:KSHB) Unlike most major names related to the cannabis industry, KushCo Holdings entered through the niche of packaging and being in compliance with each jurisdiction. The packaging solutions specialists provide an unglamorous but important service to the cannabis industry. Since entering the market, however, KushCo has since expanded into the sector to create a one-stop shop for cannabis products. The company has secured long-term supply arrangements with three large companies, expected to be worth $75 million. Disclaimer: Nothing in this article should be considered as personalized financial advice. We are not licensed under securities laws to address your particular financial situation. No communication by our employees to you should be deemed as personalized financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decision. This is a paid advertisement and is neither an offer nor recommendation to buy or sell any security. We hold no investment licenses and are thus neither licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice. The content in this article is not provided to any individual with a view toward their individual circumstances. Baystreet.ca has been paid a fee of twenty thousand dollars by PLUS Products for advertising. Baystreet.ca also holds shares in PLUS Products. This compensation constitutes a conflict of interest as to our ability to remain objective in our communication regarding the profiled company. Because of this conflict, individuals are strongly encouraged to not use this article as the basis for any investment decision. While all information is believed to be reliable, it is not guaranteed by us to be accurate. Individuals should assume that all information contained in this article is not trustworthy unless verified by their own independent research. Also, because events and circumstances frequently do not occur as expected, there will likely be differences between any predictions and actual results. Always consult a licensed investment professional before making any investment decision. Be extremely careful, investing in securities carries a high degree of risk; you may likely lose some or all of the investment.
 
Source: Livemoney (February 26, 2019 - 12:40 PM EST)