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ELIMINATING THE IDEA OF WASTE®

Spin Master Launches National Recycling Program With TerraCycle

TerraCycle Include Canada (English) CA Spin Master
Parents and Kids-At-Heart Can Recycle Well-Loved Spin Master Toys and Games TORONTO, April 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Spin Master Corp. (TSX: TOY) (www.spinmaster.com), a leading global children's entertainment company, responsible for playtime favorites such as PAW Patrol®, Hatchimals®, Etch A Sketch® and Rubik's Cube®, has partnered with international recycling leader TerraCycle to make its toys and games recyclable in the United States.   image.png"As a global company that creates innovative toys and games that inspire magical play experiences, we recognize the need to help preserve our environment for the benefit of the children we entertain today and for generations to come," said Tammy Smitham, Spin Master's VP of Communications & Corporate Citizenship. "Our program with TerraCycle gives our well-loved toys a reimagined future while also reducing our impact on the environment."
Through the Spin Master Recycling Program, consumers can now send in Spin Master toys and games to TerraCycle to be recycled for free. Participation is easy: sign up on the TerraCycle program page (https://www.terracycle.com/en-US/brigades/spin-master) and mail in the well-loved toys using the prepaid shipping label provided. Once collected, the Spin Master toys are cleaned and melted into hard plastic that can be remolded to make new recycled products, such as park benches and picnic tables.
"The Spin Master Recycling Program is a perfect chance to engage the next generation through sustainability in a fun and approachable way," said TerraCycle CEO and Founder, Tom Szaky. "This program makes it easy to show your children that recycling and the environment don't have to be relegated to the classroom – kids can grow into responsible environmental citizens with every toy they outgrow and recycle with their parent's help."
In addition to diverting waste from landfills, Spin Master has made other environmental commitments including streamlining manufacturing processes to prioritize recovery and recycling, alongside goals to reduce plastic packaging and offset self-generated carbon emissions annually.  More information on Spin Master's CSR Strategy and initiatives aimed at protecting the environment are available at https://www.spinmaster.com/en-US/corporate/corporate-social-responsibility.
The Spin Master Recycling Program is open to any interested individual, school, office, or community organization in the United States. For more information on TerraCycle's recycling programs, visit www.terracycle.com. All Spin Master toys and games are eligible with the exception of the Kinetic Sand™ brand.
About Spin Master
Spin Master Corp. (TSX: TOY) is a leading global children's entertainment company creating exceptional play experiences through a diverse portfolio of innovative toys, entertainment franchises and digital games. Spin Master is best known for award-winning brands PAW Patrol®, Bakugan®, Kinetic Sand®, Air Hogs®, Hatchimals®, Rubik's Cube® and GUND®, and is the toy licensee for other popular properties.  Spin Master Entertainment creates and produces compelling multiplatform content, stories and endearing characters through its in-house studio and partnerships with outside creators, including the preschool success PAW Patrol and nine other original shows along with multiple short-form series, which are distributed in more than 190 countries. The Company has an established digital presence anchored by the Toca Boca® and Sago Mini® brands, which combined have more than 40 million monthly active users. With close to 2,000 employees in 28 offices globally, Spin Master distributes products in more than 100 countries. For more information visit spinmaster.com or follow on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @spinmaster.
About TerraCycle
TerraCycle is an innovative waste management company with a mission to eliminate the idea of waste. Operating nationally across 21 countries, TerraCycle partners with leading consumer product companies, retailers and cities to recycle products and packages, from dirty diapers to cigarette butts, that would otherwise end up being landfilled or incinerated. In addition, TerraCycle works with leading consumer product companies to integrate hard to recycle waste streams, such as ocean plastic, into their products and packaging. Its new division, Loop, is the first shopping system that gives consumers a way to shop for their favorite brands in durable, reusable packaging. TerraCycle has won over 200 awards for sustainability and has donated over $44 million to schools and charities since its founding more than 15 years ago and was named #10 in Fortune magazine's list of 52 companies Changing the World. To learn more about TerraCycle or get involved in its recycling programs, please visit www.terracycle.com.
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GU Energy Labs, TerraCycle Celebrate 6 Year Partnership

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Sports nutrition brand GU Energy Labs and international recycling leader TerraCycle celebrate their six-year partnership with two milestones: upcycling more than 1.7 million pieces of performance nutrition packaging through their Performance Nutrition Recycling Program and a donation of $19,000 to schools and nonprofit organizations.   Despite the challenges of a global pandemic, the GU Energy Performance Nutrition Recycling Program recycled more than 449,000 nutrition packets in 2020, making it the highest collecting year in the program’s history. That is enough to build 20 up-cycled playgrounds. The cumulative plastic packaging waste sent in from collectors has been converted into raw material that is used in plastic products, such as shipping pallets, bike racks, park benches, recycling bins and more.   Additionally, with every shipment of packaging waste sent to TerraCycle through the PNRP, collectors earn points that are available for donation to a local school or nonprofit charitable organization of their choice.   “In 1993, we pioneered the Energy Gel and revolutionized the way athletes fuel by using single serve, portable packets,” said Celia Santi, Senior Brand Experience Manager at GU Energy Labs. “While we love seeing the ways our products help athletes achieve more, there is nothing more deflating than seeing spent gel packets on the road or trail during a ride or run. This is where TerraCycle comes in to help divert waste from landfills.”   With the support of event partners, GU Energy Labs is taking a significant step in 2021 towards diverting even more waste by pledging to collect and recycle all wrappers used during races.   Launched in March 2015, the GU Performance Nutrition Recycling Program asked athletes to send all single-serve sports nutrition packaging, regardless of brand, to TerraCycle to be recycled for free, as GU covers all shipping costs. This includes gel, chews, stroopwafel and drink packets. As the program matured, individuals were also given the option to drop off their empty performance nutrition packaging at a number of participating run, bike and outdoor shops throughout the United States.   “Over the past six years, the Performance Nutrition Recycling Program has offered health-conscious, eco-minded individuals a way to responsibly enjoy the endurance products they need without sacrificing convenience or sustainability,” said TerraCycle CEO and Founder, Tom Szaky.  “Reaching this recycling milestone shows how dedicated GU athletes are to making the world greener, which is a huge win for both our communities and shared environment.   The Performance Nutrition Recycling Program is ongoing and open to any interested individual, race organizer, retailer, school, office, or community organization. Those interested are encouraged to visit the program page at https://www.terracycle.com/en-US/brigades/performance-nutrition-brigade.   For more information on TerraCycle’s recycling programs, visit www.terracycle.com.   For more information about GU Energy Labs, please visit https://guenergy.com.
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Nordstrom and Beautycycle Expand Recycling Program to Canada

TerraCycle Include USA zero waste box BEAUTYCYCLE
In partnership with Beautycycle, Nordstrom has launched a beauty take back and recycling program in Canada, accepting all brands of beauty packaging. Each year, more than 120 billion units of plastic packaging are produced by the beauty industry, but less than nine percent gets recycled. That's because many municipal recycling centers do not accept beauty materials and packaging, as they often contain a mix of materials that are not locally recyclable. Nordstrom and Beautycycle hope to change that and aim to take back 100 tons of hard-to-recycle beauty packaging by 2025 to ensure it gets recycled. "We understand our customers care about sustainability, and we want to help them move toward a zero-waste beauty routine so they can look great and do good at the same time," said Gemma Lionello, executive vice president, general merchandise manager, accessories and beauty, at Nordstrom. "We're proud to expand access to a recycling program that will help our Canadian customers easily and conveniently recycle their beauty packaging." 
How it Works Starting April 6, customers can bring empty beauty products to any Nordstrom Canada store to be recycled. Beautycycle boxes will be available in the beauty department. Empty cosmetics, haircare or skincare packaging regardless of brand or purchase location can be dropped off at Nordstrom’s locations. This includes:
  • Shampoo and conditioner bottles and caps
  • Hair gel tubes and caps
  • Hair spray bottles and triggers
  • Hair paste plastic jars and caps
  • Lip balm tubes
  • Face soap dispensers and tubes
  • Lotion bottles, tubes, dispensers, and jars
  • Shaving foam tubes (no cans)
  • Lip gloss tubes
  • Mascara tubes
  • Eye liner pencils and cases
  • Eye shadow and tubes
  • Concealer tubes and sticks
  • And more…
Nordstrom will send the contents of the Beautycycle Boxes to Terracycle, where they will be cleaned and separated into metals, glass and plastics. Those materials are then recycled based on the material composition. For example, plastics are recycled into a wide range of new products including park benches and picnic tables, while metals are reused as base materials for stamped product applications like nuts, bolts, washers and rings.
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SPIN MASTER LAUNCHES TOY RECYCLING PROGRAM WITH TERRACYCLE

TerraCycle Include USA Spin Master
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Following the release of its second annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report this week, Spin Master Corp. has revealed the first of two recycling initiatives planned for this year. The company behind PAW Patrol, Bakugan, Etch A Sketch, and Rubik’s Cube partnered with industry leader TerraCycle for a recycling program open to consumers in the U.S. “As a global company that creates innovative toys and games that inspire magical play experiences, we recognize the need to help preserve our environment for the benefit of the children we entertain today and for generations to come,” says Tammy Smitham, vice president of communications and corporate citizenship, Spin Master. “Our program with TerraCycle gives our well-loved toys a reimagined future while also reducing our impact on the environment.”

PAW Patrol — Rocky’s Recycling Truck | Source: Spin Master

Spin Master joins other toymakers, including Hasbro, Mattel, MGA Entertainment, VTech/LeapFrog, and ZURU in forging an alliance with TerraCycle to reimagine what the end-of-life for toys and games can be. Spin Master toys and games will be cleaned, melted, and reborn as material to be used in the construction of play spaces, and to make flower pots, picnic tables, park benches, and more. Spin Master says that all of its toys and games are eligible for the program, with the exception of Kinetic Sand. “The Spin Master Recycling Program is a perfect chance to engage the next generation through sustainability in a fun and approachable way,” says TerraCycle CEO and Founder, Tom Szaky. “This program makes it easy to show your children that recycling and the environment don’t have to be relegated to the classroom — kids can grow into responsible environmental citizens with every toy they outgrow and recycle with their parent’s help.” Those interested in recycling Spin Master toys and games are encouraged to visit the TerraCycle program page to request a prepaid shipping label and to find detailed submission instructions.
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Guitar Center and D’Addario partner for COVID-safe Earth Day recycling and re-stringing events

TerraCycle Include USA D'Addario
By Richard Bienstock April 7, 2021   Nationwide promotion offers free guitar strings on April 22       To celebrate Earth Day on April 22, Guitar Center is offering two different D’Addario guitar string promotions for musicians who bring their guitars for setup service, encouraging recycling and responsible green practices.   For one day only at Guitar Center locations nationwide, musicians will be eligible for one of two promotions: the Nationwide Earth Day offer, which boasts a free set of D’Addario strings with the purchase of any guitar setup service that includes a restring and the recycling of the old strings; and a limited five-store acoustic offer of a free acoustic restring with an upgrade to D’Addario XS strings with the recycling of old strings.   The latter promotion is limited to the first 25 acoustic guitar customers per store and is valid only at Hollywood, Nashville, NYC Union Square, Las Vegas and Central Houston Guitar Center locations.     The event is part of D’Addario’s Playback String Recycling Program, as well as Guitar Center’s year-round string recycling initiative, which has seen approximately six-million strings recycled to date, making the retailer one of the largest string recycling destinations in the country. The efforts are accomplished with the help of global recycling leader TerraCycle.   “It is the responsible choice to recycle, and we encourage all musicians to recycle their used strings whenever and wherever possible, not just on Earth Day,” said Stacey Spencer, Guitar Center Director – Repairs & Rentals.   “We thank all those who regularly turn to their local Guitar Center for recycling their used strings. We are looking forward to serving guitarists with customized setup services with a goal to recycle eight million strings in 2021.”   For more information, head to Guitar Center.
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How to Spot and Use Eco-Friendly Packaging

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The way a product is packaged is important to reduce its carbon footprint. BY EMMA SEYMOUR, GOOD HOUSEKEEPING INSTITUTE AND BIRNUR ARAL, PH.D., GOOD HOUSEKEEPING INSTITUTE When seeking out sustainable products, you may only be thinking about the physical product itself — but how a product is packaged is just as important. Many forms of packaging cannot be recycled or reused and end up in landfills or the ocean. Even recyclable plastic packaging is often not enough, as 91% of plastics aren’t recycled, resulting in 25 million tons being dumped into the ocean each year. Nearly 30% of municipal solid waste is packaging and containers, contributing to a massive carbon footprint. Many products are packaged with too much material that can only be thrown in the trash, but "eco-friendly packaging" refers to alternatives to standard packaging that can easily be recycled, reused, or has other environmental benefits. The Good Housekeeping Institute launched our first-ever Sustainable Packaging Awards last year to draw attention to the environmental aspects of a product's packaging. Packaging is an important part of how a product is protected and how easy it is to use: We have always considered the efficiency of packaging and clarity of instructions as part of our product reviews, but for the Sustainable Packaging Awards, GH scientists and industry experts assessed 190 products' packaging based on materials, recyclability, design, minimalism, efficiency, and innovation. We awarded products that rose to the top based on our judges' scores and ensured that the products with the highest packaging scores met our Institute's effectiveness criteria — we would not endorse a product that does not work, no matter how sustainably packaged.

What is the most eco-friendly packaging?

We know that between greenwashing claims and confusing industry terms and regulations, it can be difficult to find what products are actually eco-friendly or sustainable. Here's how to find the best eco-friendly packaging and ways to make more sustainable choices when shipping products:
  • Reuse as much as possible. First and foremost, cut down on the amount of packaging you're consuming. We recommend collecting tissue paper, wrapping paper, and shipping envelopes to reuse when needed. Save cardboard boxes from online orders. Even if they break down during travel, the pieces can be used as cushioning material.
  • Remember that the less material, the better. Lighter weight materials can mean less CO2 emissions during transportation and production.
  • Know that paper is a great packing alternative to plastic as it is recycled more commonly and is biodegradable. Ideally, look for cardboard and paper that is uncoated and unwaxed instead of bubble wrap.
  • Biodegradable packing peanuts are made of potato and corn starch instead of styrofoam, so they will break down when thrown away when standard packing peanuts will not.
  • Corrugated cardboard is a great replacement for plastic containers. It can easily be reused and recycled.

How to spot eco-friendly packaging when shopping in stores

Beyond shipping and mailing, you can also help to reduce your carbon footprint by shopping for products that are packaged sustainably. Here's what to look for when shopping: ✔️Prioritize packaging with recycled content. Repurposing old materials is a great way for a brand to reuse previous waste. ✔️Seek out recyclable materials that can be easily recycled curbside at home. It's a good idea to be familiar with recycling symbols too. Here are common recyclable materials:
  • PET (polyethylene terephthalate)
  • HDPE (high-density polyethylene)
  • LDPE (low-density polyethylene)
  • PE (polyethylene)
✔️ Look for “zero-waste packaging,” meaning the product’s packaging gets returned to the manufacturer or a third party to be cleaned and refilled or upcycled instead of thrown away. A great example: Loop x Ulta partnership, which essentially rents out packaging to consumers who purchase beauty products online. The products are delivered to your doorstep in a fully reusable Loop Tote, and when you’ve used up the product, empties get picked up in the same tote and shipped back to Loop to be cleaned and reused. There's a small deposit fee for the packaging when you order the product (it's reimbursed upon the packaging's return), and the flat $10 shipping fee also covers the return of the empty containers. ✔️Avoid mixed-material packaging. If you see something packaged in multiple types of materials such as paper and plastic, remember this makes recycling difficult. You may be able to recycle each component, but you'll have to separate them first. ✔️Shop for clear glass which can be recycled, while colored glass cannot. ✔️Opt for aluminum and steel like soda cans and canned food that can easily be recycled curbside. ✔️ Avoid products with secondary packaging such as plastic ties, cardboard dividers, and packing, as many cannot be recycled. ✔️Shop simple packaging. Less coloring on the box and labels makes recycling easier. ✔️Look for refillable containers. Some products are designed so you buy packaging once and then continue to refill it over and over instead of rebuying and tossing the same product. ✔️Only buy cosmetics with primary packaging, which means no additional waste from tossed boxes or plastic packaging. A simple seal to ensure the product's integrity is all you need. Avoid packaging with pumps, droppers, and pressurized aerosol cans: None of these can be easily disposed of. ✔️Shop "naked" food. Flexible plastic wraps, films, and Styrofoam cannot be recycled or reused, so instead, look for minimal, recyclable packaging like Loop. Alternatively, shop for groceries in bulk and bring your own reusable containers. ✔️Use organic fabric reusable bags to replace single-use plastic bags while shopping. You can use them over and over again, cutting down on unnecessary waste. ✔️Buy clothing from sustainable fashion brands or better yet, buy secondhand from local thrift stores and online programs such as ThreadUp or Poshmark to reduce environmental impact.

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The Best Places for Donating, Selling and Recycling All Your Old Clothes

TerraCycle Include USA zero waste box
As Spy readers, you’re all connoisseurs of the latest in men’s fashion from head to toe. Whether it’s the best Off-White sneakers for rocking this spring or the must-have YouTuber merch, you’re the first ones to order it. Constantly being at the forefront of trends can lead to very full closets, and sometimes it becomes necessary to do a little purging. That bomber jacket you haven’t touched in two years? It could be bringing someone else joy as we speak. That bold, risky rugby shirt you impulse-bought that’s have been collecting dust ever since? It’s probably worth donating too. Rather than let this stuff clog up your closet, free up space for new gear by donating your clothes and letting someone else take them off your hands.   Sadly, the textile industry is the globe’s second biggest polluter behind the oil industry, and giving clothes a second, third or even fourth life through donation can cut down on the environmental impact. 20% of industrial water pollution across the globe comes from the treatment and dying of fabrics, and 1.5 trillion liters of water is used by the fashion industry every year. Yikes. You can do your part by giving clothes away to charities, selling them online via consignment or mailing super old fabric into textile recycling centers that dispose of even the rattiest of clothes the responsible way. Your clothes treat you well, treat them well in return by giving them away to one of the best places to donate clothes in 2021.   I’ve split up your donation options into three main categories, the first one is online/mail-in services where you can stuff an envelope or box full of clothes you don’t want, mail them in and they’ll either be resold or donated depending on their condition. The second major category is charities or drop-off centers where you can physically bring bags of unwanted clothes of all kinds in good condition. The only drawback with this method is you must live near a donation center in order to take advantage of their services. Pro tip: stores like Nike, The North Face and Patagonia will accept clothing either from them or other brands for resale or recycling. Lastly, there’s recycling, which takes care of even the rattiest underwear that you DEFINITELY should not donate, but also shouldn’t simply toss in the trash.

1. Swap.com

GREAT FOR RESELLING
This is an online reseller that takes boxes of donated clothes, assesses them for quality and then sells them for you at competitive commission rates. They’ve got high standards for the quality of clothing they’ll accept, and charge a hefty fee if your box is overweight or your entire box is rejected, but if you’ve got clothes in excellent condition and want to see them go to good homes — it’s a solid option. If your first box is accepted and you make some $$ off of it, you’ll be invited to be a Premier Seller with them and can send in clothes anytime you want. Tips for giving your clothes the best chance at acceptance? Avoid pilling, fading, clothes that have stretched or shrunk in the dryer. You’ll also want to make sure your clothes aren’t damaged or altered in a significant way, aren’t missing buttons or zippers and don’t have stains or holes. If you’d give it away to a good friend of yours, it’s probably up to snuff to sell on Swap.com.
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2. thredUp

GREAT FOR THRIFTING
ThredUp is another well-known online marketplace for buying and selling your unwanted clothing. They send out convenient “Clean Out Kits” that you can fill up and send back via a prepaid shipping label. They sell anything they can and give you a commission, and donate the rest. They’ve got a 12-point inspection process for ensuring the clothing they sell meets their high standards and then they photograph, list and ship to thrifters so you avoid the heavy lifting! Practicing sustainability through extending the life of clothing is one of their core priorities and they use personalized algorithms and marketing to ensure your clothes sell as quickly as possible. The one drawback? They currently only accept women’s clothing. image.png

3. GiveBackBox

This is an ingenious idea, and works to reduce packaging waste and clothing waste at the same time. Major online retailers like Nordstrom, Amazon and eBay have all partnered with GiveBackBox, making it possible to use the boxes you receive goods in as donation boxes to charities across the country. The next time you receive a new shipment of shampoo or laundry detergent from Amazon simply repack that box with goods you no longer want, print a shipping label to the charity of your choice from GiveBackBox, and they do the rest. How cool is that? image.png

4. Soles4Souls

Soles4Souls works to keep unwanted shoes and clothing from landfills and instead donates them to individuals in need and helps those individuals start reselling businesses. They’re one of the top-rated nonprofits in the country for their work, and have many channels through which you can help including shoe donation. You can drop off at one of their thousands of physical drop-off sites across the country, or ship for free up to 50lbs with Zappos for Good. image.png

Drop Off Centers/ Charities

5. Goodwill

You know it, you love it, it’s probably one of the first organizations that comes to mind when you think about donating, and that’s a good thing! Your new or gently used items are resold at their stores and the revenue generated goes towards job training and placement services for people in your community — it’s a win-win. They’ve got donation centers across cities in the US as well as donation bins, just make sure it’s a bin marked clearly with their logo, mission statement and a description of the benefitting organization.
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6. Salvation Army

Another well-known charity that helps individuals across the nation get help via disaster relief, alcohol and drug rehabilitation, homeless shelters, food pantries and more. All donated goods are sold at the Salvation Army thrift stores and fund their Adult Rehabilitation Centers to help those struggling with alcohol, drugs or other addictions find help. They accept clothing, furniture, household goods, appliances and more. Avoid contributing further to landfills and benefit a great, worthy cause easily with their donation services. You can find a drop-off location, find a thrift store to donate to, schedule a free pick-up and even have your car picked up.
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7. American Red Cross

The American Red Cross is involved in so many different charitable efforts from blood donation to CPR training to disaster relief, that it can be hard to remember they also accept donations! They’ve partnered with GreenDrop to turn clothing into funds for those in need via thrift stores across the country. They accept clothing and gently used toys, and you can schedule a pickup or drop off your goods at one of their many locations. After your donation you’ll receive a tax-deductible receipt as well. image.png

8. Career Gear

Career Gear does for men what Dress for Success does for women, it’s a not-for-profit organization that helps men look and feel their best for job interviews through donated clothes, shoes and accessories. Help men in your community gain financial independence through feeling confident in their look and ability by donating your gently used fancier clothing, knowing it’s going to a great cause. They’re not currently accepting clothing donations because of the pandemic, but I decided to include them anyway because the cause is too great to not be aware of. You can find more information about other ways to help and stay up to date on when they’re once again accepting donations at the link below.
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9. Vietnam Veterans of America

Vietnam Veterans of America provides a wide range of veterans services from job placement to financial advising, legislative advocacy and claims assistance as well. The organization has over 75,000 members that they provide assistance to through community and shared experience. They’ve also got outreach programs, government relation programs and, you guessed it, a donations channel! They accept clothing and household items of all shapes and sizes in most (but not all) states in the US. You can drop off or have your items picked up, and the best part is they’ll accept “almost anything!” Learn more and find out if you live in a state where they accept donations below. image.png

Recycling

10. Planet Aid

A simple Google search will give you your local clothing recycling centers, but Planet Aid is a great resource that offers bins across the east coast. Planet Aid recycles, on average, over 90 million pounds of clothing and shoes every year, keeping them out of landfills and preventing slow break down and release of toxic methane gas. Unfortunately, they’ve only got their yellow donation bins in areas across the east coast, but you can sign up to be notified when they add a new bin in your neighborhood. If you live in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Kansas City, Philadelphia, Delaware, Pittsburgh, Ohio, Pennsylvania and the DMV metropolitan area — you’re in luck! Find out more and find your local bin below.
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11. Terracycle Fabrics and Clothing Zero Waste Box

Terracycle’s Zero Waste Box is another great option for sending in old clothing and textiles you no longer want to be recycled. All of the fabric sent in is segregated into different categories — nylons, cottons, etc — and is either reused, upcycled or recycled depending on its condition. They accept all forms of fabric from old clothing to curtains, blankets, bedsheets, linens and more. They also offer Zero Waste Boxes for things like coffee bags, disposable gloves and even batteries! Check out all of their convenient, trustworthy recycling options below.
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11 Refillable Beauty Products That Allow You To Live Your Best Sustainable Life

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In 2021, sustainable beauty isn't just a trend: It's a full-on movement. And while safe, clean formulas and ethical business practices are as important as ever, when it comes to packaging, it's what's on the outside that counts, too. We've talked about going plastic-free and have shared our know-how when it comes to recycling your empties, but what about products that break the bottle cycle altogether? "Currently it's a battle between sustainability and the most effective packaging for the product, and price," Follain founder and CEO Tara Foley tells Refinery29. "Face serums and moisturizers are a great example: The best packaging to protect the formula is an airless pump, but that format is more difficult to recycle than a jar." The solve — investing in ways to responsibly dispose of hard-to-recycle items through brands like TerraCycle, who has partnered with Follain since the beginning. Presenting, the very best beauty products from body wash to lipstick to liquid eyeliner that are helping the green cause by reducing waste — and looking good doing it. At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
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Bathing Culture Mind and Body Wash Refillable Glass

Ditch the plastic bottle with this cedarwood oil-infused body wash that comes in a refillable glass bottle. Jumbo-sized refill bottles let you replenish the goods from the comfort of your home. Bathing Culture Mind and Body Wash Refillable Glass, $, available at Bathing Culture Bathing Culture Mind and Body Wash One Gallon Refill, $, available at Bathing Culture
<h2>Beautycounter The Clean Deo</h2><br>Beautycounter's new refillable deodorant is so beautifully designed, you'll <em>want</em> to keep using it forever. Plus, the vanilla and sandalwood scent is nothing short of dreamy.<br><br><strong>Beautycounter</strong> The Clean Deo, $, available at <a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=30283X879131&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.beautycounter.com%2Fproduct%2Fclean-deo%2Fvariant-1760" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Beautycounter" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Beautycounter</a>

Beautycounter The Clean Deo

Beautycounter's new refillable deodorant is so beautifully designed, you'll want to keep using it forever. Plus, the vanilla and sandalwood scent is nothing short of dreamy. Beautycounter The Clean Deo, $, available at Beautycounter
<h2>Kiehl's Creme de Corps Body Lotion</h2><br>If you swear by the apothecary brand's beloved body lotion, good news: You can ensure you never run out with an economical one-liter refill pouch.<br><br><strong>Kiehl's</strong> Creme de Corps, $, available at <a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=30283X879131&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kiehls.com%2Fbody%2Fbody-lotions-body-oils%2Fcreme-de-corps%2F259.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Kiehl's" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Kiehl's</a><br><br><strong>Kiehl's</strong> Creme de Corps, $, available at <a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=30283X879131&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kiehls.com%2Fbody%2Fbody-lotions-body-oils%2Fcreme-de-corps%2F259.html%3Fdwvar_259_size%3D1%2520L%2520Refill" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Kiehl's" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Kiehl's</a>

Kiehl's Creme de Corps Body Lotion

If you swear by the apothecary brand's beloved body lotion, good news: You can ensure you never run out with an economical one-liter refill pouch. Kiehl's Creme de Corps, $, available at Kiehl's Kiehl's Creme de Corps, $, available at Kiehl's
<h2>Tata Harper Water-Lock Moisturizer with Skin-Smoothing Peptides</h2><br>Tata Harper's green jars are synonymous with clean, luxe skin-care. Now, they're entering the refillable game with their peptide-infused moisturizer.<br><br><strong>Tata Harper</strong> Water-Lock Moisturizer with Skin-Smoothing Peptides, $, available at <a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=30283X879131&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sephora.com%2Fproduct%2Ftata-harper-water-lock-moisturizer-with-skin-smoothing-peptides-P458917" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Sephora" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Sephora</a><br><br><strong>Tata Harper</strong> Water-Lock Moisturizer with Skin-Smoothing Peptides, $, available at <a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=30283X879131&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sephora.com%2Fproduct%2Ftata-harper-water-lock-moisturizer-with-skin-smoothing-peptides-P458917%3Fcountry_switch%3Dus%26lang%3Den%26skuId%3D2353001%26om_mmc%3Dppc-GG_1918213323_68906954525_pla-418172524696_2352458_353513010232_9002376_c%26ds_rl%3D1261471%26gclid%3DCjwKCAjwjbCDBhAwEiwAiudBy2HYI3qadNYQMNdc5s81Fqv668qlQiUqqOLBJGKbShEcACMS3SGX1BoCehwQAvD_BwE%26gclsrc%3Daw.ds" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Sephora" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Sephora</a>

Tata Harper Water-Lock Moisturizer with Skin-Smoothing Peptides

Tata Harper's green jars are synonymous with clean, luxe skin-care. Now, they're entering the refillable game with their peptide-infused moisturizer. Tata Harper Water-Lock Moisturizer with Skin-Smoothing Peptides, $, available at Sephora Tata Harper Water-Lock Moisturizer with Skin-Smoothing Peptides, $, available at Sephora
<h2>Follain Refillable Everything Soap<br></h2><br>Use it H2T, on Fido, or even as a mild dish and laundry detergent: Follain's refillable liquid soap is gentle on skin, but tough on everything else. "It was important to launch our business with this, so long ago - at a time when people weren't really considering clean ingredients as much as they are today," Foley says. "Liquid soap is the fastest-moving personal care product because <em>everyone</em> uses it, and we all use it many times throughout the day." Follain's Everything Soap is available in two invigorating scents — Lavender and Lemongrass — and if you go to the store, you can combine the two for a mind-blowing result.<br><br><strong>Follain</strong> Refillable Everything Soap, $, available at <a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=30283X879131&url=https%3A%2F%2Ffollain.com%2Fproducts%2Ffollain-refillable-hand-body-soap-pre-filled" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Follain" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Follain</a>

Follain Refillable Everything Soap

Use it H2T, on Fido, or even as a mild dish and laundry detergent: Follain's refillable liquid soap is gentle on skin, but tough on everything else. "It was important to launch our business with this, so long ago - at a time when people weren't really considering clean ingredients as much as they are today," Foley says. "Liquid soap is the fastest-moving personal care product because everyone uses it, and we all use it many times throughout the day." Follain's Everything Soap is available in two invigorating scents — Lavender and Lemongrass — and if you go to the store, you can combine the two for a mind-blowing result. Follain Refillable Everything Soap, $, available at Follain
<h3><a href="https://www.beautybay.com/p/paul-and-joe/lipstick-spf-25-clear-uv/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Paul & Joe Lipstick SPF 25 Clear UV" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Paul & Joe Lipstick SPF 25 Clear UV</a></h3>Calling all <a href="https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2020/01/9336090/taylor-swift-cat-backpack-carrier-amazon" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:cat lovers" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">cat lovers</a>: Paul & Joe's makeup line creates some of the coolest refillable lip products around that also happen to be shaped like a feline friend. Plus, the vintage-inspired cases feel like the coolest beauty heirloom.<br><br><strong>Paul & Joe</strong> Lipstick SPF 25 Clear UV, $, available at <a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=30283X879131&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.beautybay.com%2Fp%2Fpaul-and-joe%2Flipstick-spf-25-clear-uv%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Beauty Bay" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Beauty Bay</a><br><br><strong>Paul & Joe</strong> Lipstick Case CS, $, available at <a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=30283X879131&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.beautybay.com%2Fp%2Fpaul-and-joe%2Flipstick-case-cs%2F055-gipsy-faces%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Beauty Bay" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Beauty Bay</a>

Paul & Joe Lipstick SPF 25 Clear UV

Calling all cat lovers: Paul & Joe's makeup line creates some of the coolest refillable lip products around that also happen to be shaped like a feline friend. Plus, the vintage-inspired cases feel like the coolest beauty heirloom. Paul & Joe Lipstick SPF 25 Clear UV, $, available at Beauty Bay Paul & Joe Lipstick Case CS, $, available at Beauty Bay
<h3>Myro Refillable Deodorant</h3><br>Skin care, makeup, now <a href="https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/best-natural-deodorants" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:natural deodorant" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">natural deodorant</a>? Myro's Beauty Innovator Award-winning refillable deo stick checks off all the boxes: Non-hideous packaging, no aluminum, and refills that are just $8.<br><br><strong>Myro</strong> Deodorant Kit, $, available at <a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=30283X879131&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.anthropologie.com%2Fshop%2Fmyro-deodorant-kit2%3F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Anthropologie" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Anthropologie</a>

Myro Refillable Deodorant

Skin care, makeup, now natural deodorant? Myro's Beauty Innovator Award-winning refillable deo stick checks off all the boxes: Non-hideous packaging, no aluminum, and refills that are just $8. Myro Deodorant Kit, $, available at Anthropologie
<h3>Surratt Auto-Graphique Eyeliner</h3><br>Yes — the $42 price tag is a <em>lot</em>, but once you try Surratt's artist-favorite liquid eyeliner, you'll be hooked for life...which luckily, isn't as wasteful as you might imagine, given the fact that you can pick up refill barrels of inky black pigment for under $20.<br><br><strong>Surratt</strong> Auto Graphique Liner, $, available at <a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=30283X879131&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spacenk.com%2Fus%2Fmakeup%2Feyes%2Feyeliner%2Fauto-graphique-liner-MUS300025999.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Space NK" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Space NK</a><br><br><strong>Surratt</strong> Auto Graphique Liner Refill Cartridge, $, available at <a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=30283X879131&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spacenk.com%2Fus%2Fmakeup%2Feyes%2Feyeliner%2Fauto-graphique-liner-refill-cartridge-MUS300026000.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Space NK" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Space NK</a>

Surratt Auto-Graphique Eyeliner

Yes — the $42 price tag is a lot, but once you try Surratt's artist-favorite liquid eyeliner, you'll be hooked for life...which luckily, isn't as wasteful as you might imagine, given the fact that you can pick up refill barrels of inky black pigment for under $20. Surratt Auto Graphique Liner, $, available at Space NK Surratt Auto Graphique Liner Refill Cartridge, $, available at Space NK
<h3>Kjaer Weis Cream Blush</h3><br>Danish makeup brand Kjaer Weis was an early adopter to luxe, refillable cosmetics, and the Cream Blush is truly as good as it gets — which is why you're lucky if you can snap it up while it's in stock.<br><br><strong>Kjaer Weis</strong> Cream Blush, $, available at <a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=30283X879131&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedetoxmarket.com%2Fproducts%2Fkjaer-weis-cream-blush" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:The Detox Market" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">The Detox Market</a><br><br><strong>Kjaer Weis</strong> Cream Blush Refill, $, available at <a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=30283X879131&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedetoxmarket.com%2Fcollections%2Fkjaer-weis%2Fproducts%2Fkjaer-weis-cream-blush-refill" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:The Detox Market" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">The Detox Market</a>

Kjaer Weis Cream Blush

Danish makeup brand Kjaer Weis was an early adopter to luxe, refillable cosmetics, and the Cream Blush is truly as good as it gets — which is why you're lucky if you can snap it up while it's in stock. Kjaer Weis Cream Blush, $, available at The Detox Market Kjaer Weis Cream Blush Refill, $, available at The Detox Market
<h3>L'Occitane Almond Shower Refill Duo</h3><br>If you know someone (maybe that person is you!) with a soft spot for fancy French body lotion, then this nourishing shower oil (which comes with a 16.9fl oz pouch refill) will make for an amazing treat-yourself gift.<br><br><strong>L'Occitane</strong> Almond Shower Refill Duo, $, available at <a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=30283X879131&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.loccitane.com%2Fen-us%2Falmond-shower-refill-duo-864736.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:L'Occitane" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">L'Occitane</a>

L'Occitane Almond Shower Refill Duo

If you know someone (maybe that person is you!) with a soft spot for fancy French body lotion, then this nourishing shower oil (which comes with a 16.9fl oz pouch refill) will make for an amazing treat-yourself gift. L'Occitane Almond Shower Refill Duo, $, available at L'Occitane
<h3>Guerlain Rouge G Customizable Lipstick</h3><br>Is it a lipstick, or an <em>objet d'art</em>? Leave it to Guerlain to make refillable beauty devastatingly chic with lipsticks that are buttery-soft and totally customizable with your choice of lipstick case (with a hidden mirror, BTW). <br><br><strong>Guerlain</strong> Rouge G Customizable Lipstick, $, available at <a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=30283X879131&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sephora.com%2Fproduct%2Frouge-g-customizable-lipstick-bullet-P429915" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Sephora" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Sephora</a><br><br><strong>Guerlain</strong> Rouge G Customizable Lipstick Case, $, available at <a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=30283X879131&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sephora.com%2Fproduct%2Frouge-g-customizable-lipstick-case-P429916" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Sephora" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Sephora</a>

Guerlain Rouge G Customizable Lipstick

Is it a lipstick, or an objet d'art? Leave it to Guerlain to make refillable beauty devastatingly chic with lipsticks that are buttery-soft and totally customizable with your choice of lipstick case (with a hidden mirror, BTW). Guerlain Rouge G Customizable Lipstick, $, available at Sephora Guerlain Rouge G Customizable Lipstick Case, $, available at Sephora
<h3>Clove + Hallow Pressed Mineral Foundation Refill Pan</h3><br>Nix shine and get light coverage with Clove + Hallow's pressed mineral foundation, which is vegan and PETA-certified cruelty-free.<br><br><strong>Clove + Hallow</strong> Pressed Mineral Foundation Refill Pan, $, available at <a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=30283X879131&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcloveandhallow.com%2Fproducts%2Fpressed-mineral-foundation-refill-pan%3Fvariant%3D12799086395450" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Clove + Hallow" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Clove + Hallow</a><br><br><strong>Clove + Hallow</strong> Refillable Compact, $, available at <a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=30283X879131&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcloveandhallow.com%2Fproducts%2Fpressed-mineral-foundation-compact" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Clove + Hallow" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Clove + Hallow</a>
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SUSTAINABLE SHOPPING WITH REFILL POUCHES

TerraCycle Include USA zero waste box
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It’s April, which may only include one Earth Day (April 22), but the whole month has become a time to discuss sustainability, our environmental status, and anything eco-friendlier! There are a myriad of ways to live more sustainably, but one of my absolute favorites (and the easiest) is bulk buying, including refill pouches. I’ve complained before how hard it is to always know what’s the best decision for packaging at the store. So we’re just gonna learn a bit more together!
Thankfully there are people who know and study way more about this than me to help. The Flexible Packaging Association is working to not only improve the sustainability factor of effective packaging but also help keep us in the know.
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While glass may seem better because it’s made from natural resources and can be reused and recycled, it also requires a lot of energy to produce and recycle. That’s not to mention the space and weight required to get it from its place of production to where it’s filled with the food or product to the store/warehouse and to your home. Cardboard is great for many reasons as you can guess, but it’s also usually lined with a coating (because liquids need it and it helps food stay fresh) that usually includes plastic, which has to be handled differently at recycling centers. Not to mention, cardboard can only be recycled so many times. These “life cycle assessments” really make you stop and think, right?! So where does that leave us? Should we just all hide under a rock because there’s not perfect option? Of course not. The truth is, it’s important to look at the whole picture and try to do our best.
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REFILL POUCHES + BULK BUYING

You know I love refill store shopping, but my refill store doesn’t have everything I need and not everyone has access to refill stores. Following the same principle that refill/bulk containers save packaging (thereby saving resources, weight, and waste), I look for smaller “bulk” options for our house. Enter refill pouches. My first refill pouch was for the Puracy stain remover (after I overheard its praise at a mom event). We use it on our cloth diapers and now for the whole family! Since then, I’ve really liked how easy it is to get refills for a few containers at a time. I also love that the flexible bag packaging makes them easier to store! image.png

WHY ARE REFILL POUCHES GOOD?

Refill pouches are great are a few reasons… First, refill pouches save you from having to make more trips to the store or have more deliveries – each trip takes gas and causes emissions. Many refill packs offer more than 2 containers per pouch, saving half the trips! Second, refill packs require drastically less water and energy to produce than the typical bottles they’re replacing (check out these numbers for shampoo bottles). Each pouch and bottle are different, but most websites I’ve looked at claim an average of an 80% savings just in the production of the container! Surprising, right?
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Third, refill packs are easy to store. I know I’m not the only one who’s been overwhelmed with all the bottles of cleaning products under my sink. And now with C in the house, we’re really trying to cut back in this area. Refill packs store really easily, taking up less and less room as we use the products. Fourth, and this one is personal and sounds superficial, but I love that I can use all my own glass bottles around the house with my own labels. Instead of having all kinds of mismatched necessities, our house looks chic and all pulled together. image.png

HOW DO YOU GET THE MOST PRODUCT OUT OF POUCHES?

Remember that one of the best ways to live more sustainability is simply to use up any and all product you have. The landfill doesn’t need your extra cleaning materials or hand lotion! Depending on the consistency of the product in the refill pouches, there are a few ways to get all that product out. The first is simply to let the last drips go into your container. I’ve set up a funnel for the refill pouch atop my bottle, leaned it against the wall and let gravity do the work for hours. Second, you should use your hand to push all the product to the opening. You can lay the nearly empty bag flat and use the side of your hand to push product to the spout (be careful of it coming out). And finally, you can cut open the pouch (straight across at the bottom is easy) and grab those last bits of product sticking to the sides.
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CAN YOU RECYCLE REFILL POUCHES?

Most of these refill pouches are labeled as plastic #7 which is pretty much a catchall category and very rarely accepted in curbside recycling. Because of that, these pouches must be put into the trash to be taken care of properly. TerraCycle does offer boxes and pouches for recycling plastics that include these refill pouches. You can get the smaller pouch here and the small box here. Additionally, some companies have teamed up with TerraCycle to recycle their refill pouches free of charge to you. You can search here by company to find out if you refill pouches are included! Some companies are working on using other recourse to make these pouches as well, which is exciting!
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WHO SELLS REFILL POUCHES?

More and more companies are turning to refill options for their customers. Below is a list of a few beauty and home products that are easily found in refills.
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REFILL SHAMPOOS:

OUAI Detox shampoo (other varieties available) RAHUA Classic Shampoo (also available for thick hair) Puracy Natural Shampoo Citrus & Mint (available in other scents) L’Occitane Intensive Repair Shampoo

REFILL CONDITIONERS

OUAI Medium Conditioner (other varieties available) Rahua Classic Conditioner (also available for thick hair) Puracy Natural Conditioner Citrus & Mint (available in other scents)

REFILL BODY WASHES

L’Occitane Almond Shower Gel OUAI Body Cleanser Rahua Organic Body Wash Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant (a fabulous skincare product, now available for refills)! image.png
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TerraCycle partners with Meijer and Colgate to turn oral care waste into new school supplies

TerraCycle Include USA Colgate/Meijer
    By Maci Cosmore Published: Apr. 6, 2021 at 5:25 PM EDT|Updated: 15 hours ago MARQUETTE, Mich. (WLUC) - Don’t throw out your old toothbrush just yet.   TerraCycle, a company working to eliminate waste, announced its new Colgate and Meijer School Challenge to turn your oral care waste into new supplies for local schools.   “We are offering recycled desks and chairs to kind of revamp classrooms along with upcycled school supplies,” TerraCycle Brand Partnership Director, Maame Mensah, said.   Any brand of used toothpaste tubes, toothbrushes, floss containers, and other dental supplies collected will count towards the program.   And participating has been made easy for the schools once they set up an account on the TerraCycle website.   “They’re able to download free shipping labels which they can use to send their waste back to TerraCycle for recycling,” Mensah said.   And if you don’t have any oral care waste to recycle but you still want to show support, you can vote online for a school once a day.   John Spaulding, store director at Marquette Meijer, says this program will not only provide schools with necessary supplies, but also help to educate kids on sustainability.   “It’s just important to teach everybody that we need to recycle. We need to take care of our earth and really we need to do this at a young age,” Spaulding said.   The competition began March 28 and runs through June 19, 2021. The top three schools with the most waste and votes collected will receive the supplies.   For more information on signing a school up and voting, visit the TerraCycle contest website here.   Copyright 2021 WLUC. All rights reserved.
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