TerraCycle began in a Princeton University dorm room in 2001 and has grown into a large business that repurposes nonrecyclable material like candy wrappers into items such as bags, decorations and toys. The company collects the items for free so that instead of watching them go into the trash can, they can be molded into a Skittles insulated cooler, a pencil made from newspapers or, ironically, a recycled plastic trash can. Vice President of Media Relations Albe Zakes says the company focuses on hiring smart, capable people who can learn about green practices, rather than searching out idealists who need to learn real-world skills. “It’s better to find smart, experienced, talented people to help the company succeed than it is to find people who follow the company’s goals,” he says. “We don’t necessarily look for someone who has to drive a hybrid, and compost their own waste.” Having a familiarity with the relevant issues gives candidates a leg up. “I love people that come from a nonprofit or socially friendly background because it means they’ll know how to talk the talk when it comes to green and social issues.” Mr. Zakes got involved in the company after applying for, and not getting, a full-time position. He says he convinced his now-boss to give him a summer internship as a tryout. Now, TerraCycle has upward of 30 interns.