TERRACYCLE NEWS

ELIMINATING THE IDEA OF WASTE®

Winter Wellness Products and Gifting Ideas / San Antonio Segment

We are at the start of a new week, and Christmas is swiftly approaching. Haven’t finished that holiday shopping list yet? Don’t fear bacause I have lots of great ideas coming your way this week! Starting with today’s round up of winter wellness and gifting products. I also shared this list with NEWS4SA’s San Antonio Living. Keep reading the find out more about each product featured.        

MyKirei by KAO Yuzu Flower Foam Hand Wash

A beautiful foam hand wash with vitamin-C rich Japanese Yuzu fruit extract and soothing Rice Water. When you pump the soap into your hand, the imprint a Yuzu flower is created on your hand. It makes the ritual of hand washing much more luxurious. Plus, the bottle is refillable and the refills are recyclable with TerraCycle.   Find it HERE.  

Foligain “Save My Crown” Holiday Set

This easy to use system promotes healthier hair and a healthier scalp, while boosting more fullness and body. It uses  a revolutionary triple-action complex with natural, bio-active ingredients called Trioxidil, which gives it it’s hair and scalp boosting powers. The formulas are also free of parabens, sulfates, or phthalates. The system comes with a shampoo that gently removes build-up to rejuvenate hair and improves scalp. A conditioner that adds new life to thinning hair by adding the look of fullness, volume, and shine. Lastly, a topical scalp serum that’s packed with powerful peptides for effective, targeted results. Supplements and a Hair & Scalp Roller are also available.   Find it HERE & HERE.  

Boiron ColdCalm

Common cold symptoms stand no chance against this product! ColdCalm helps to relieve you of those annoying cold systems in a natural way without causing drowsiness! It’s pure, active ingredients calm symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, and minor sore throat pain.   Find it HERE & HERE.  

nurish by Nature Made

  Taking your daily vitamins just got way easier! This is a vitamin subscription service that uses a science-based assessment to offer personalized daily vitamin packets delivered right to your doorstep! They look at factors like age, diet, and wellness goals, plus so much more to curate your perfect pack of vitamins. And, the daily packets even have you name on them! I that personal touch!   Find it HERE.

Noble Newborn Emerson Bottle Brush 5-Piece Kit

  A bottle cleaning brush that cleans efficiently, and is sleek and stylish! Plus, it’s made right here in the USA! The antibacterial bristles ensure that your Emerson Bottle Brush is as clean as possible, and the brush head uses a significant 72% less plastic than the competition. The weighted base securely holds the handle, and the integrated FDA-compliant silicone nipple cleaning brush ensures you can get into all the nooks and crannies of your baby bottle.  It’s also great for cleaning wine glasses, travel coffee mugs, and many water bottles too! It comes in gold and silver. Both equally stunning.   Find it HERE.   Thank you so much for stopping by! Stay tuned as I have lots of great products coming your way this week! xoxo, Megan

Meet the company that is revolutionizing e-commerce by conquering the mountain of packages outside your front door

It’s no surprise that convenient, generalist websites like Amazon are thriving this year as the coronavirus pandemic has forced most Americans into their homes for the long haul. In fact, in March and April, Amazon was even discouraging its customers from purchasing too many items, as the massive influx of orders was causing a shortage of items and shipping delays. Those issues aside, a growing reliance on online shopping is weighing heavily on the environment. According to Adobe Digital Economy Index’s latest data, U.S. e-commerce jumped by 49 percent in April, with online grocers experiencing a 110 percent boost in daily sales between March and April. Recent data suggests that e-commerce giant Alibaba’s single-day sales hit more than $38 billion in revenue this year, and according to Adept Packaging, those additional e-commerce sales resulted in 75 million extra plastic bags. Here is where industry newcomer Loop swoops in — the brainchild of entrepreneur Tom Szaky, who created the innovative recycling company TerraCycle as a Princeton drop out with the goal to recycle the food waste from the university dining halls into fertilizer. His company is now worth $20 million, and he’s branching out. In May of 2019 the program first started a webshop, supplying customers with the products they already know and love, from Haagen Dazs ice cream to Pantene shampoo and conditioner. The twist? Their containers were not just recyclable, but truly reusable — meaning they could be cleaned and then given a new life, if not a hundred. Now, big name retailers including Kroger are planning to make space in stores for Loop next year, utilizing TerraCycle’s refillable packaging system. Customers will be able to visit Loop stations to purchase a wide array of household products, all sold in stainless steel tins that Loop has specifically designed to eventually be returned, cleaned and sold again in a “milkman” style system. The refundable packaging does come at a small cost to consumers, who are required to pay a deposit that ranges from $1 to $10, depending on the container’s size and material. Loop’s Global Vice President of Creative and Communications, Lauren Taylor, says that the pandemic has fortunately not forced the company to shift priorities, sharing that, in fact, sales are at a platform-high. “Our priorities will continue to be aimed at eliminating waste and offering consumers their favorite brands and products in higher quality, better designed reusable packaging.” “Loop just launched in the United Kingdom July 15, and as of Sep. 15, 2020, Loop will be available to consumers in every ZIP code in the 48 contiguous U.S. states,” says Taylor. “Next year we will launch in Toronto, Tokyo and Australia. We are also working with select fast-food restaurants and beauty stores to provide reusable packaging to consumers. Be on the lookout for that in 2021.” How might that experience look in store? Well, at places such as Tesco in the United Kingdom and Carrefour in France, customers can be on the lookout for Loop corners, or areas of a store designed for products packaged in Loop’s containers. Aeon Co., Japan’s largest supermarket group, also plans to introduce Loop corners to 16 of their stores in the greater Tokyo area by next March. “We want people to come in and fall in love with these really cute, beautiful packages, understand the message and get excited about it,” Satoshi Morikiyo, general manager of  convenience goods at Aeon, told The Wall Street Journal. “Shopping trips are not necessarily something people look forward to, but this is a cool experience that offers something of a discovery—something new and fun.” Indeed, Taylor tells Changing America that with more than 100,000 people signed up for Loop, they’re excited to be expanding their services to the entirety of the continental United States and that rapidly growing consumer demand has secured Loop more than 80 partners and 400 products — a number that continues to grow weekly.

Recycling supports Women's Refuge

A local health store owner is working to improve his environment while raising funds for the Wexford Women's Refuge at the same time. Patrick Meehan, who co-owns the Natural Health Store on North Main Street, is encouraging people to recycle crisp packets and Pringles cans by dropping them off outside his shop. Neither crisp packets nor Pringles cans are suitable for local kerbside recycling collection and so traditionally end up in landfill or incinerators. Patrick explains how the idea came to him and how those who wish to take part can do so: 'I was looking for a way to reduce the amount of waste packaging the community produces, and I found these great free programmes run by TerraCycle to recycle a whole host of waste which the local council recycling collections can't accept.

Recycling unrecyclable mainstream consumer items

The parable of Walkers Crisps is worth remembering next time you encounter a mainstream consumer item that is not recyclable, such as butter wrappers, coffee bags and the plastic backing on An Post stamps. Walkers Crisps became a symbol of unrecyclability in Britain when passionate consumers of the product became so frustrated at not being able to recycle their empty crisp packets that they began posting them in large numbers to Walkers HQ, inundating Royal Mail sorting offices with odious cheese and onion smelling parcels. Should we perhaps follow suit and fill An Post boxes with the plastic-coated label-backing from its stamp books? Walkers responded admirably to the provocation with a special recycling scheme run by terracycle.com that recycles all brands of crisp bags sent to them. They are heated and extruded into plastic pellets to be used in the manufacture of products such as outdoor furniture and flooring. The scheme will continue until a new form of recyclable packaging that ensures the same level of freshness is developed by 2025.

5 Luxury Gifts We Long For

If you’re looking for some luxury this winter, L’Occitane has a range of gorgeous gift ideas to choose from. Whether you’d like to present someone with a treat of naturally effective skincare (we have our eye on the Immortelle Divine Trilogy set), a velvety and fragrant body cream, fine perfume or a selection of each (the beauty advent calendars are legendary), L’Occitane’s luxury gifts will transport you in style to the south of France, via exquisite natural ingredients from lavender to almond. And remember to bring all your empties back into store once you’ve finished: in partnership with TerraCycle, L’Occitane offers recycling for empties from any brand – as well as offering eco-conscious refills for all your favourites.

New & Notable Store-Bought Meals, Beverages & Snacks for Babies & Toddlers

Beginning eaters can be a picky bunch, but you and your child will love these new and nutritious foods and drinks designed specifically for babies and toddlers. Packed with healthy ingredients (hello, pea protein, grass-fed bison and bok choy) and available in delicious flavor combinations and kid-friendly packaging (pouches! smoothie melts! teething wafers!), they’re a win-win. Read on for your baby’s new favorites!        

Yogurt Smoothie Melts from Amara

Yogurt smoothie melts with no added sugar? Yes, please! These toddler favorites get their sweetness from organic fruits and veggies, contain no preservatives, and come in a shape that makes it easy for kids to grasp and chew. Available in plant-based yogurt (made with coconut milk) and cow's milk yogurt varieties, these melt-in-your-mouth snacks come in three yummy flavors: Beets 'n' Berries, Carrot Raspberry and Mango Carrots. The resealable bag means you can pop them in your bag for outings. They're recommended for kids 8 months to 4 years.   Available at amaraorganicfoods.com, $29.99 for 6 bags.        

Organic Subscription Boxes from Gerber

Treat your Gerber baby to delicious, nutritious organic foods delivered right to your door with these subscription box meals created by registered dieticians. The box contents change each month to add variety to your child's diet and respond to their nutritional needs and developmental milestones. Each box is filled with USDA Certified Organic cereals, purees, pouches or snacks.   Available at gerber.com, starting at $69.99 per box/month (under $2 per serving).          

Toddler Purees with Bone Broth from Serenity Kids

Want to feed your baby healthy foods that broaden their palate? Try these bone-broth toddler purees from Serenity Kids. Packed with nutrients that help strengthen bones and support digestion and immunity, these toddler puree pouches come in flavorful varieties with no added sugars or preservatives: Turkey Bolognese, Beef Pot Roast and Turmeric Chicken. All are made with pasture-raised meat from small American regenerative family farms, organic bone broth and Certified USDA Organic vegetables and herbs. They're also free of ingredients that contain antibiotics, added hormones, pesticides, fillers, GMOs or major allergens.   Available at serenitykids.com, $29.95/6 pouches of each flavor; $32.95/6-pouch variety pack. Save 20% with a subscription.      

Little Dish toddler meals

These heat-and-serve toddler meals (designed for kids 1+) come in flavors kids love and are packed full of nutrients. The macaroni & cheese has 8 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber, along with 1/4 cup of veggies (pureed butternut squash, sweet potato and cauliflower). The pasta & tomato sauce has 6 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber, along with 1/4 of veggies (carrots, sweet potatoes, red pepper). Both are low in sodium and contain no added sugar, additives or preservatives.   Available at target.com and in the produce section of Target stores, $4.99.        

Smart Bars from Cerebelly

With 3 grams of protein, no added sugar and 10 brain-supporting nutrients, Cerebelly's Smart Bars are the snack you'll feel good about feeding your toddler. Think your child might need convincing to try something new? Two of the new flavors feature kid favorites Peppa Pig and George Pig on the package. Cerebelly was created by a neurosurgeon and mom of three to deliver age-optimized nutrition to children's growing brains. The bars in the Peppa Pig collaboration are carrot raisin and blueberry banana sweet potato. The bars also come in apple kale and strawberry beet. Read more about the Cerebelly X Peppa Pig Smart Bars.   Available at cerebelly.com, from $3.74 for a five-pack.        

Plant-Based Complete Nutrition for Toddlers from Else Nutrition

This nutritional drink is free of dairy, soy, gluten, corn syrup and GMOs. What it's full of is minimally processed plant-based ingredients, whole foods and 20 vitamins and minerals your child needs to support their growth and development after they turn one. The main ingredients are organic almond butter, organic buckwheat flour and organic tapioca maltodextrin.   Available at elsenutrition.com, $36 for a 22-ounce container.        

Organic Puffed Corn & Oat Snacks from Gerber

BabyPops are a puffed corn and oat snack that's sized just right for tiny hands. This quick-dissolving organic snack contains no added sweetener or salt, and the ingredients are non-GMO. It launched with three yummy varieties: peanut, banana raspberry and tomato. All varieties contain peanut; the peanut version includes organic peanut flour, and the other two are flavored with fruits and veggies.   Available at target.com, $2.29.        

Nut & Fruit Purees from Happy Family Organics

Nutty Blends from Happy Family Organics combine a fruit with a nut in a tasty pouch, for a healthy, filling snack and an easy way to introduce peanuts and tree nuts to your baby. The line, which was developed with the help of pediatric allergists, comes in four flavors you'll be tempted to try yourself: bananas & almond butter, apples & walnut butter, pears & cashew butter, and bananas & peanut butter.   Learn more and find your nearest store carrying this product at happyfamilyorganics.com, $1.99 per pouch.        

Organic Plant-Based Meals from Amara Organic Foods

Add breast milk, formula or water to these shelf-stable, organic, single-serve meal packets for a delicious baby puree, packed with nutrients. Great for kids transitioning to solid foods and quick and easy to prepare on the go, these handy packets come in a variety of flavors, from kale potato veggie mash and peas, corn & carrots to tropical mango and pumpkin & pear.   Available at amaraorganicfoods.com and at grocery stores including Whole Foods and Sprouts.        

Organic Banana Mango Puree in a Recyclable Pouch from Gerber

Gerber has launched a recyclable baby-food pouch, so you can feel better about buying the pouches your kids love to eat. The first flavor available in this innovative pouch is organic banana mango puree, a sweet treat packed with potassium and vitamin C. The pouch is completely recyclable through Gerber's national recycling program with TerraCycle.   Available at thegerberstore.com, $9.49 for 6 pouches.          

Ethically Sourced Meat Pouches from Serenity Kids

The nutrient-packed pouches from Serenity Kids sound like fancy restaurant meals. The two newest: pasture-raised turkey with organic pumpkin, sweet potato and beets, and grass-fed bison with organic kabocha squash and spinach. These low-sugar, high-fat pouches for babies six months and up are filled with organic vegetables from small family farms and ethically sourced meats from ranches utilizing regenerative agricultural techniques. Choose from meat and veggie combos, or organic veggies only. The company only uses ingredients that don't contain antibiotics, added hormones, pesticides, fillers, GMOs or major allergens.   Available at myserenitykids.com and amazon.com.          

Happy Tot Super Bellies Pouches from Happy Family Organics

Here's a smart snack for toddlers: These nutritious pouches support the immune system and digestive health. In addition to fruits and veggies, the pouches contain 35 mg of beta-glucan and 2g of prebiotic fiber for digestive health. They're available at major retailers nationwide and come in three flavors: bananas, spinach & blueberries; bananas, carrots & strawberries; and pears, beets & blackberries.   Learn more and find your nearest store at happyfamilyorganics.com, $1.59 per pouch.          

Regenerative & Organic Baby Food from Happy Family Organics

Why should we care about regenerative farming? It promotes biodiversity and can help to reverse climate change by building healthy soil that captures carbon from the atmosphere. Healthier soil, healthier food. The Happy Baby Regenerative & Organic line of food pouches debuted with three flavor combinations: apples, kale and oats; pears, squash and oats; and apples and carrots.   Available exclusively at Whole Foods, $8.49 for a four-pack. Learn more at happyfamilyorganics.com.        

Fruit & Veggie Pouches from Once Upon a Farm

Babies love pouches, and you'll love that these organic, cold-pressed blends are sustainably grown, certified USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, and full of healthy, organic fruits and veggies. The flavors are grouped by ages and stages, so you can easily find the ones right for your child. Purchase individual flavors as 12-packs, try a variety pack, or sign up for a money-saving subscription.   Available at onceuponafarmorganics.com.        

Whole Milk for Kids Age 1-5

Horizon Organic has introduced Growing Years organic whole milk, developed in partnership with pediatricians to deliver key nutrients for kids age 1-5. The milk contains DHA Omega-3 for brain and eye health, choline to transport DHA throughout the body, prebiotics that feed good bacteria to the gut, and vitamin D, protein and calcium for growing bones. It's certified organic and produced by pasture-raised cows who are fed an organic, non-GMO diet and are never treated with antibiotics or added hormones.   Available nationwide at select stores for $5.99; use the store locator at horizon.com to find your nearest location.        

Brain-Building Baby Food Pouches from Cerebelly

The veggie-packed baby food pouches from Cerebelly are carefully tailored to nourish baby's growing brain and body. Created by a neurosurgeon mom and a team of medical experts, the purees contain tasty ingredient combinations (such as carrot & chickpea; sweet potato & mango) that deliver protein, omega-3 DHA and the specific nutrients your baby needs for their age and developmental stage. Pick up a three-flavor variety pack at Whole Foods or sign up on the Cerebelly website for shipments every two weeks. On the site, you'll enter information about your baby's age and current developmental milestones, and Cerebelly will recommend flavors that can benefit your babe most. You choose what you like and whether you want 1-4 pouches per day.   Available at Whole Foods and cerebelly.com ($2.31-$2.89 per pouch).          

Oat Milk Välling & Smart Oats from Bla Bla Foods

Oat milk is not only the latest trend for adults. Many Swedish children have grown up on an oat-based milk called välling, and now your kids can too. This nutrient-dense oat milk from Bla Bla Foods comes in powder form and is made from organic oats, coconut milk and pea protein. Mix it with water or any milk you choose for a nutritious, delicious thick drink packed with protein, iron, calcium and fiber—and without preservatives or added sugar. Pro tip from Swedish parents: A little välling before bedtime can help babies sleep better. Also new from the company: Upgrade baby's (and your whole family's) oatmeal with organic Smart Oats, which includes quinoa, chia seeds, acai and beets to support muscle, brain and cell development, as well as coconut milk and oats for fat, protein and iron. Best of all, it's naturally pink! Available at blablafoods.com, $7.99 for Oat Milk Välling and $6.99 for Smart Oats. Buy single bags or start a monthly subscription.        

Biodynamic, Organic Pouches & Applesauce from White Leaf Provisions

Environmentally conscious parents will love these new fruit and veggie pouches and applesauce flavors (apple + pear, apple + cinnamon) from White Leaf Provisions.  The offerings from this family-run business are both biodynamic and organic. You'll feel good about the delicious snacks you're feeding your kids, as well as the recyclable packaging and earth-friendly farming methods.   Available at whiteleafprovisions.com, $17.94 for a six-pack of pouches and $7.59 for a four-pack of applesauce.          

Baby Food & Toddler Bowls from Happy Family

Yummy new flavors of baby food and hearty toddler bowls! Happy Baby Clearly Crafted Jars ($1.25), which feature organic ingredients and the name of the farms where ingredients are grown on each jar, now come in six new flavors: carrots; green beans; carrots & peas; pears & prunes; pears, pineapple & avocado; apples, mangos & beets. The company's Happy Tot Bowls ($2.99) are full of nutritious ingredients and contain no added sugar. The new flavors are: turkey bolognese with lentil pasta, mac & cheese with organic lentil pasta & veggie sauce, and cheesy lentils & quinoa with organic cauliflower & parmesan sauce.        

Purees & Snacks from Sprout Foods

Sprout Foods, known for creating nutritious and delicious food that helps kids get their veggies and other nutrients, is debuting new pouches and snacks for both babies and toddlers. The exciting new offerings include organic waffles, quick-dissolving teething wafers, purees made with organic bone broth protein, four toddler smoothies (made with either yogurt or coconut milk) and two pouches of plant-based protein.   Available at sproutorganicfoods.com.        

Freeze-Dried Baby Food from Bon Petit

This freeze-dried baby food is packed full of nutrients and other magic: It doesn't expire and is super compact and convenient for travel (even in a carry-on!). To serve, mix the powder with water, breastmilk, formula, milk or broth. Or, for older kids, add the powder to prepared meals to up their health factor. Choose from delicious and nutritious options with clever names, including: Smashing Pumpkins (Japanese pumpkins and carrots), Goldilocks Chicken Congee (millet, barley, koshihikari rice, chicken stock, celery, carrot, bok choy and Japanese pumpkin) and Under the Sardinian Sea (wild sole, Italian white beans, tomato, oregon, basil and avocado oil.   Available at bonpetitbaby.com, $17.50-$20 for a 5-pack.      

YoBaby Veggie Yogurt Cups from Stonyfield Organic

New in January 2019 are Stonyfield Organic YoBaby Veggie Yogurt cups in purple carrot and sweet potato flavors, as well as Kids Whole Milk pouches in new flavors apple cinnamon, sweet potato, and blueberry apple carrot. The baby yogurt cups include no added sweeteners and, like all of their products, are certified organic and free from artificial hormones, toxic pesticides and GMOs. Find the new lines at Target, Publix, Hannafords and many more retailers (find a store near you). Looking for something non-dairy? Try the brand's three new non-dairy fruit and veggie smoothie pouches, made with rich coconut cream as well as half a serving of fruit per pouch. The pouches are available at Whole Foods and come in tropical twist, strawbana smash and berry cherry blast flavors.        

Bowls & Bites from Yummy Spoonfuls

Calling all toddlers! Even picky eaters will love the flavor combinations in these bowls (veggie beef, sweet potato & chicken, pinto bean & turkey) and bites (turkey & spinach, chicken & sweet potato, chicken & broccoli). And parents will love that they're nutritious, organic and packed with protein, grains and veggies. And, best of all, they're specifically designed for toddlers' developmental and nutritional needs and don't contain added sugars, artificial preservatives, additives or artificial flavors. Launched in November 2018, the line also features bigger bowls designed for kids age 2 and up.   Available at yummyspoonfuls.com.

New & Notable Store-Bought Meals, Beverages & Snacks for Babies & Toddlers

Beginning eaters can be a picky bunch, but you and your child will love these new and nutritious foods and drinks designed specifically for babies and toddlers. Packed with healthy ingredients (hello, pea protein, grass-fed bison and bok choy) and available in delicious flavor combinations and kid-friendly packaging (pouches! smoothie melts! teething wafers!), they’re a win-win. Read on for your baby’s new favorites!

Yogurt Smoothie Melts from Amara

Yogurt smoothie melts with no added sugar? Yes, please! These toddler favorites get their sweetness from organic fruits and veggies, contain no preservatives, and come in a shape that makes it easy for kids to grasp and chew. Available in plant-based yogurt (made with coconut milk) and cow's milk yogurt varieties, these melt-in-your-mouth snacks come in three yummy flavors: Beets 'n' Berries, Carrot Raspberry and Mango Carrots. The resealable bag means you can pop them in your bag for outings. They're recommended for kids 8 months to 4 years.   Available at amaraorganicfoods.com, $29.99 for 6 bags.      

Organic Subscription Boxes from Gerber

Treat your Gerber baby to delicious, nutritious organic foods delivered right to your door with these subscription box meals created by registered dieticians. The box contents change each month to add variety to your child's diet and respond to their nutritional needs and developmental milestones. Each box is filled with USDA Certified Organic cereals, purees, pouches or snacks.   Available at gerber.com, starting at $69.99 per box/month (under $2 per serving).        

Toddler Purees with Bone Broth from Serenity Kids

Want to feed your baby healthy foods that broaden their palate? Try these bone-broth toddler purees from Serenity Kids. Packed with nutrients that help strengthen bones and support digestion and immunity, these toddler puree pouches come in flavorful varieties with no added sugars or preservatives: Turkey Bolognese, Beef Pot Roast and Turmeric Chicken. All are made with pasture-raised meat from small American regenerative family farms, organic bone broth and Certified USDA Organic vegetables and herbs. They're also free of ingredients that contain antibiotics, added hormones, pesticides, fillers, GMOs or major allergens.   Available at serenitykids.com, $29.95/6 pouches of each flavor; $32.95/6-pouch variety pack. Save 20% with a subscription.    

Little Dish toddler meals

These heat-and-serve toddler meals (designed for kids 1+) come in flavors kids love and are packed full of nutrients. The macaroni & cheese has 8 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber, along with 1/4 cup of veggies (pureed butternut squash, sweet potato and cauliflower). The pasta & tomato sauce has 6 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber, along with 1/4 of veggies (carrots, sweet potatoes, red pepper). Both are low in sodium and contain no added sugar, additives or preservatives.   Available at target.com and in the produce section of Target stores, $4.99.      

Smart Bars from Cerebelly

With 3 grams of protein, no added sugar and 10 brain-supporting nutrients, Cerebelly's Smart Bars are the snack you'll feel good about feeding your toddler. Think your child might need convincing to try something new? Two of the new flavors feature kid favorites Peppa Pig and George Pig on the package. Cerebelly was created by a neurosurgeon and mom of three to deliver age-optimized nutrition to children's growing brains. The bars in the Peppa Pig collaboration are carrot raisin and blueberry banana sweet potato. The bars also come in apple kale and strawberry beet. Read more about the Cerebelly X Peppa Pig Smart Bars.   Available at cerebelly.com, from $3.74 for a five-pack.      

Plant-Based Complete Nutrition for Toddlers from Else Nutrition

This nutritional drink is free of dairy, soy, gluten, corn syrup and GMOs. What it's full of is minimally processed plant-based ingredients, whole foods and 20 vitamins and minerals your child needs to support their growth and development after they turn one. The main ingredients are organic almond butter, organic buckwheat flour and organic tapioca maltodextrin.   Available at elsenutrition.com, $36 for a 22-ounce container.      

Organic Puffed Corn & Oat Snacks from Gerber

BabyPops are a puffed corn and oat snack that's sized just right for tiny hands. This quick-dissolving organic snack contains no added sweetener or salt, and the ingredients are non-GMO. It launched with three yummy varieties: peanut, banana raspberry and tomato. All varieties contain peanut; the peanut version includes organic peanut flour, and the other two are flavored with fruits and veggies.   Available at target.com, $2.29.      

Nut & Fruit Purees from Happy Family Organics

Nutty Blends from Happy Family Organics combine a fruit with a nut in a tasty pouch, for a healthy, filling snack and an easy way to introduce peanuts and tree nuts to your baby. The line, which was developed with the help of pediatric allergists, comes in four flavors you'll be tempted to try yourself: bananas & almond butter, apples & walnut butter, pears & cashew butter, and bananas & peanut butter.   Learn more and find your nearest store carrying this product at happyfamilyorganics.com, $1.99 per pouch.      

Organic Plant-Based Meals from Amara Organic Foods

Add breast milk, formula or water to these shelf-stable, organic, single-serve meal packets for a delicious baby puree, packed with nutrients. Great for kids transitioning to solid foods and quick and easy to prepare on the go, these handy packets come in a variety of flavors, from kale potato veggie mash and peas, corn & carrots to tropical mango and pumpkin & pear.   Available at amaraorganicfoods.com and at grocery stores including Whole Foods and Sprouts.      

Organic Banana Mango Puree in a Recyclable Pouch from Gerber

Gerber has launched a recyclable baby-food pouch, so you can feel better about buying the pouches your kids love to eat. The first flavor available in this innovative pouch is organic banana mango puree, a sweet treat packed with potassium and vitamin C. The pouch is completely recyclable through Gerber's national recycling program with TerraCycle.   Available at thegerberstore.com, $9.49 for 6 pouches.        

Ethically Sourced Meat Pouches from Serenity Kids

The nutrient-packed pouches from Serenity Kids sound like fancy restaurant meals. The two newest: pasture-raised turkey with organic pumpkin, sweet potato and beets, and grass-fed bison with organic kabocha squash and spinach. These low-sugar, high-fat pouches for babies six months and up are filled with organic vegetables from small family farms and ethically sourced meats from ranches utilizing regenerative agricultural techniques. Choose from meat and veggie combos, or organic veggies only. The company only uses ingredients that don't contain antibiotics, added hormones, pesticides, fillers, GMOs or major allergens.   Available at myserenitykids.com and amazon.com.        

Happy Tot Super Bellies Pouches from Happy Family Organics

Here's a smart snack for toddlers: These nutritious pouches support the immune system and digestive health. In addition to fruits and veggies, the pouches contain 35 mg of beta-glucan and 2g of prebiotic fiber for digestive health. They're available at major retailers nationwide and come in three flavors: bananas, spinach & blueberries; bananas, carrots & strawberries; and pears, beets & blackberries.   Learn more and find your nearest store at happyfamilyorganics.com, $1.59 per pouch.        

Regenerative & Organic Baby Food from Happy Family Organics

Why should we care about regenerative farming? It promotes biodiversity and can help to reverse climate change by building healthy soil that captures carbon from the atmosphere. Healthier soil, healthier food. The Happy Baby Regenerative & Organic line of food pouches debuted with three flavor combinations: apples, kale and oats; pears, squash and oats; and apples and carrots.   Available exclusively at Whole Foods, $8.49 for a four-pack. Learn more at happyfamilyorganics.com.      

Fruit & Veggie Pouches from Once Upon a Farm

Babies love pouches, and you'll love that these organic, cold-pressed blends are sustainably grown, certified USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, and full of healthy, organic fruits and veggies. The flavors are grouped by ages and stages, so you can easily find the ones right for your child. Purchase individual flavors as 12-packs, try a variety pack, or sign up for a money-saving subscription.   Available at onceuponafarmorganics.com.      

Whole Milk for Kids Age 1-5

Horizon Organic has introduced Growing Years organic whole milk, developed in partnership with pediatricians to deliver key nutrients for kids age 1-5. The milk contains DHA Omega-3 for brain and eye health, choline to transport DHA throughout the body, prebiotics that feed good bacteria to the gut, and vitamin D, protein and calcium for growing bones. It's certified organic and produced by pasture-raised cows who are fed an organic, non-GMO diet and are never treated with antibiotics or added hormones.   Available nationwide at select stores for $5.99; use the store locator at horizon.com to find your nearest location.      

Brain-Building Baby Food Pouches from Cerebelly

The veggie-packed baby food pouches from Cerebelly are carefully tailored to nourish baby's growing brain and body. Created by a neurosurgeon mom and a team of medical experts, the purees contain tasty ingredient combinations (such as carrot & chickpea; sweet potato & mango) that deliver protein, omega-3 DHA and the specific nutrients your baby needs for their age and developmental stage. Pick up a three-flavor variety pack at Whole Foods or sign up on the Cerebelly website for shipments every two weeks. On the site, you'll enter information about your baby's age and current developmental milestones, and Cerebelly will recommend flavors that can benefit your babe most. You choose what you like and whether you want 1-4 pouches per day.   Available at Whole Foods and cerebelly.com ($2.31-$2.89 per pouch).        

Oat Milk Välling & Smart Oats from Bla Bla Foods

Oat milk is not only the latest trend for adults. Many Swedish children have grown up on an oat-based milk called välling, and now your kids can too. This nutrient-dense oat milk from Bla Bla Foods comes in powder form and is made from organic oats, coconut milk and pea protein. Mix it with water or any milk you choose for a nutritious, delicious thick drink packed with protein, iron, calcium and fiber—and without preservatives or added sugar. Pro tip from Swedish parents: A little välling before bedtime can help babies sleep better. Also new from the company: Upgrade baby's (and your whole family's) oatmeal with organic Smart Oats, which includes quinoa, chia seeds, acai and beets to support muscle, brain and cell development, as well as coconut milk and oats for fat, protein and iron. Best of all, it's naturally pink! Available at blablafoods.com, $7.99 for Oat Milk Välling and $6.99 for Smart Oats. Buy single bags or start a monthly subscription.      

Biodynamic, Organic Pouches & Applesauce from White Leaf Provisions

Environmentally conscious parents will love these new fruit and veggie pouches and applesauce flavors (apple + pear, apple + cinnamon) from White Leaf Provisions.  The offerings from this family-run business are both biodynamic and organic. You'll feel good about the delicious snacks you're feeding your kids, as well as the recyclable packaging and earth-friendly farming methods.   Available at whiteleafprovisions.com, $17.94 for a six-pack of pouches and $7.59 for a four-pack of applesauce.        

Baby Food & Toddler Bowls from Happy Family

Yummy new flavors of baby food and hearty toddler bowls! Happy Baby Clearly Crafted Jars ($1.25), which feature organic ingredients and the name of the farms where ingredients are grown on each jar, now come in six new flavors: carrots; green beans; carrots & peas; pears & prunes; pears, pineapple & avocado; apples, mangos & beets. The company's Happy Tot Bowls ($2.99) are full of nutritious ingredients and contain no added sugar. The new flavors are: turkey bolognese with lentil pasta, mac & cheese with organic lentil pasta & veggie sauce, and cheesy lentils & quinoa with organic cauliflower & parmesan sauce.      

Purees & Snacks from Sprout Foods

Sprout Foods, known for creating nutritious and delicious food that helps kids get their veggies and other nutrients, is debuting new pouches and snacks for both babies and toddlers. The exciting new offerings include organic waffles, quick-dissolving teething wafers, purees made with organic bone broth protein, four toddler smoothies (made with either yogurt or coconut milk) and two pouches of plant-based protein.   Available at sproutorganicfoods.com.      

Freeze-Dried Baby Food from Bon Petit

This freeze-dried baby food is packed full of nutrients and other magic: It doesn't expire and is super compact and convenient for travel (even in a carry-on!). To serve, mix the powder with water, breastmilk, formula, milk or broth. Or, for older kids, add the powder to prepared meals to up their health factor. Choose from delicious and nutritious options with clever names, including: Smashing Pumpkins (Japanese pumpkins and carrots), Goldilocks Chicken Congee (millet, barley, koshihikari rice, chicken stock, celery, carrot, bok choy and Japanese pumpkin) and Under the Sardinian Sea (wild sole, Italian white beans, tomato, oregon, basil and avocado oil.   Available at bonpetitbaby.com, $17.50-$20 for a 5-pack.    

YoBaby Veggie Yogurt Cups from Stonyfield Organic

New in January 2019 are Stonyfield Organic YoBaby Veggie Yogurt cups in purple carrot and sweet potato flavors, as well as Kids Whole Milk pouches in new flavors apple cinnamon, sweet potato, and blueberry apple carrot. The baby yogurt cups include no added sweeteners and, like all of their products, are certified organic and free from artificial hormones, toxic pesticides and GMOs. Find the new lines at Target, Publix, Hannafords and many more retailers (find a store near you). Looking for something non-dairy? Try the brand's three new non-dairy fruit and veggie smoothie pouches, made with rich coconut cream as well as half a serving of fruit per pouch. The pouches are available at Whole Foods and come in tropical twist, strawbana smash and berry cherry blast flavors.      

Bowls & Bites from Yummy Spoonfuls

Calling all toddlers! Even picky eaters will love the flavor combinations in these bowls (veggie beef, sweet potato & chicken, pinto bean & turkey) and bites (turkey & spinach, chicken & sweet potato, chicken & broccoli). And parents will love that they're nutritious, organic and packed with protein, grains and veggies. And, best of all, they're specifically designed for toddlers' developmental and nutritional needs and don't contain added sugars, artificial preservatives, additives or artificial flavors. Launched in November 2018, the line also features bigger bowls designed for kids age 2 and up.   Available at yummyspoonfuls.com.  

How to Correctly Recycle Your Empty Beauty Products

Consider this your recycling cheat sheet.
By Angelika Pokovba
December 11, 2020
While shopping sustainable beauty is the ultimate goal (see more clean beauty habits here), it’s still essential to recycle all empty beauty containers to avoid waste. In fact, 50 percent of people don’t even try to recycle their empty containers as it is deemed “inconvenient,” explains TerraCycle’s resident beauty industry expert Gina Herrera. The so-called incommodity results in 2.7 billion plastic bottles of solely bathroom waste hitting landfills every year.
“The global cosmetics industry produces 120 billion units of packaging every year, including the cardboard that envelops perfumes, serums, and moisturizers that contributes to the loss of 18 million acres of forest each year,” explains Herrera. And while it isn’t necessarily the easiest to recycle empty beauty and skincare packaging, it is very much necessary for a sustainable future. It is also particularly important to avoid “wishcycling,” explains Danielle Jezienicki, Director of Sustainability for Grove Collaborative.
But here’s the thing: Beauty product packaging is especially confusing and tricky to recycle (think: mirrored glass, cardboard sleeves, paper inserts, etc). So, we asked recycling experts to break down exactly how to ensure your empties make it to the correct recycling plants.

Check municipal recycling regulations

First and foremost, you should always follow your local recycling laws to ensure that you are following the rules. You can also use resources like Recycle Coach, How2Recycle, and EARTH911 to check what recyclables are accepted.
The bad news, however, is that Material Recycling Facilities, or MRFs, have quite strict regulations and don’t accept a large majority of beauty products. Be wary of the universal recycling symbol (triangle), as it is not the only way to indicate the recyclable nature of the container. Instead, pay attention to labels to get a better idea as to whether a product is recyclable. “In reality, only plastic items that have the numbers 1 or 2 printed within the arrows are widely recyclable in curbside recycling programs,” says Herrera. If so, your bathroom products can actually hit the blue or green bin with kitchen and household items because the United States follows a single-stream recycling program (this means that plastics can be recycled with other plastics and glass with other glass).

Alternative recycling programs

Don’t see a recycling symbol? Fortunately, some eco-conscious brands also offer internal recycling programs within their own facilities. TerraCycle, a private recycling business, actually works with Nordstrom for BEAUTYCYCLE, a free program that invites consumers to drop-off their beauty and skincare product packaging (regardless of brand) at in-store collection points for recycling, including items that are typically unrecyclable. Other brands that have individual in-house recycling include GarnierBurt’s BeeseosHerbal EssencesL’OccitaneJosie Maran, and Paula’s Choice, to name a few. These brands generally work with programs like TerraCycle to properly process waste.

Mono-material recycling

Here’s a general rule of thumb for recycling beauty products: The less type of material that your package is made of, the more likely it is to be recyclable. When more material is used, the recycling process can be costly, time- and money-wise, for the separation process. And even if you try to do so yourself, cross-contaminated recyclables may not be accepted by local programs.
If your product is made of one general material like glass, plastic, or cardboard, you can rinse it and toss it directly into its respective recycling bin. And contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary to remove adhesive labels on recyclable products. This is usually done through a specialized heating process performed at many MRFs.
In regards to plastic, it is always better to recycle a larger plastic container as it is most likely to be recycled. However, Jezienicki still advises to stay away from plastic products in general as they are still huge pollutants. “The reality is that plastics can usually only be recycled 2-3 times before losing the qualities that make them usable, which means that transitioning to recycled plastic only removes plastic from landfills or polluting the earth by 1-2 cycles.”

What can’t be recycled

Small products can actually halt the recycling process and therefore aren’t widely accepted at recycling plants. This means anything under 2 inches, think: all travel and portable beauty products. Additionally, products with dark packaging also cannot be recycled as they can’t be identified by MRF machines. Also unrecyclable: products that contain mirrors, magnets, makeup brushes, sheet masks and packets, and squeezable tubes.
As reference, here’s a quick guide of non-recyclables:
Hair Care: Shampoo caps, conditioner caps, hair gel tubes and caps, hair spray triggers, and hair paste caps
Skin Care: Lip balm tubes and caps, soap dispensers and tubes, body wash caps, lotion dispensers and caps
Cosmetics: Lipstick cases, lip gloss tubes, mascara tubes, eye shadow cases, bronzer cases, foundation packaging, powder cases, eyeliner cases, eyeliner pencils, eyeshadow tubes, concealer tubes, concealer sticks, and lip liner pencils

Look into refillables

The ideal goal is to use less packaging, hence producing less waste. Many brands like Brazilian NATURA, French Diptyque, and Los Angeles-based Bathing Culture offer refillable beauty products. This means that you will be reusing the packaging several times over its intended lifetime, thus keeping it away from the landfill. “If we can’t reduce the amount of products we buy, reusing and recycling those products is the next best thing. Over 90 percent of an average product’s environmental impact comes from extracting and refining the raw materials from which it is made,” explains Herrera.