Tortilla and tostadas in low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic bags from brands such as Gruma Corp.’s Mission and Guerrero, which bag their tortillas and tostadas in low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic film, are being “upcycled” via the services of New Jersey-based TerraCycle, which will reclaim the tortilla packaging and use it to make new tortilla holders and other consumer products. It will also collect packaging from the companies' dips and salsas.

The Secondary Transition Program (STP) has joined forces with TerraCycle to begin a recycling project for the Sanilac Intermediate School District Special Education Programs and Services. Each year millions of candy wrappers, chip bags, glue bottles, and drink pouches end up in landfills. TerraCycle is a proud partner with Mars/ Wrigley, Nabisco, Frito- Lay, Capri- Sun, and Elmer’s Glue. Terracycle works with these companies to upcycle materials into fun new products! The Sanilac ISD Special Education Programs will also earn $0.02 for each wrapper/ package that is sent in. TerraCycle has been such a success in schools everywhere that they now require a 250 - 500 piece minimum send in! Due to this increase the ISD is reaching out for help. Please send in any Wrappers, packages, and drink pouches to the Sanilac ISD at Maple Valley or at the Sanilac Career Center.

I love crafty ideas and making your own candy wrapper napkin rings is one sweet idea. TerraCycle explains how to make these unique napkin holders.

Anna, who is TerraCycle?  They definitely have a cool name.

I love the name too.  In fact, I gush about TerraCycle so much on the website, you would think I worked for them.  Why do I love them?   Schools and other organizations are paid by TerraCycle to collect certain trash.  Yep. 2 cents per item!  Believe me.  It adds up. Plus, the items collected are up-cycled into new products.

Now onto the Candy Wrappers

All you need is an Elmer glue stick, ruler, scissors, pencil, and candy wrappers that everyone swears they didn’t eat the candy.  (You know what I am talking about.  Don’t play shy with me.  Been there. Done that.) Once you have your supplies, check out the candy wrapper to napkin ring video below.  Like the old fashion written instructions?  TerraCycle has you covered with their handy upload napkin ring PDF.

Arrowhead Elementary School students are reducing their carbon footprint through a recycling project done in conjunction with New Jersey-based recycling company TerraCycle. As part of the program, fifth-graders in Brigit DiPrimo's class have set up bins around the school to collect various items - ranging from empty Capri Sun juice bags to Chips Ahoy packages to Country Crock tubs - for TerraCycle to "up cycle." The process makes eco-friendly products like diaper bags and folders using non-recyclable waste materials.

I asked her,"Are those Capri Sun pouches? Did you make that?" She started laughing and telling me how she found this company called TerraCycle that takes recycling to a whole new level. They do what they "upcycle" things like Capri Sun pouches, Frito-Lay potato chip bags, M&M wrappers, and a ton of other things you and I throw out every day and turns them into things like the bag A'Driane has. I was sold, especially after I saw their website. They sell everything you can think of, but what I really think is cool is that not only do they have stuff you can give your kids to use like pencil cases, kites, colored pencils, etc, but their products aren't expensive at all. They even have what they call "Brigades"-which are basically recycling programs that pay you to send them your trash. Capri Sun pouches, yogurt lids, toothbrushes, candy wrappers, you name it, you, your buisness, or kid's school can collect these items and get paid for collecting it while helping reduce waste-pretty incredible.

One local school in Rockford, Illinois does a great job collecting non-recyclable items and sending them to TerraCycle.

TerraCycle continues to expand its reach into all types of packaging waste with its latest collection programs for tortilla and cheese bags. The New Jersey-based upcycling company will take the tortilla packaging and use it to make new tortilla holders and other consumer products. It will also collect packaging from the companies' dips and salsas. TerraCycle already collects waste from various Kraft Foods products like Capri Sun and Lunchables, and will now take packaging from its Kraft Naturals, Velveeta, Philadelphia, Athenos and other cheese products.

Kraft Foods has added cheese packaging to its TerraCycle collection programs. Called the Cheese Brigade, TerraCycle and Kraft Foods will pay postage and two cents per unit of packaging to a charity of the collector’s choice for any packaging from Kraft Naturals, Philadelphia, Philly, Athenos, Kraft Singles, macaroni and cheese, Easy Mac, Cracker Barrel, Polly-O, Breakstone, Velveeta and Knudsen. TerraCycle finds new uses for the packaging, thereby keeping it out of landfills. Kraft Foods has had previous success with upcycling packaging with its Capri Sun, Nabisco and Lunchables products.

Why not go for something different and give your child a green gift for Christmas instead? Our top 10 green gifts for kids are eco-friendly and good for the planet; they come in minimal packaging and are made from recycled materials and products. They are also great fun for kids and their friends, encourage imagination, and best of all, each one is under $20!

1) Skittles Boombox1) Skittles, Peanut M&M or Starburst Gummie Boomboxes $18.99
Looking for the perfect gift to light up your child’s face this Christmas morning? Look no further! TerraCycle has joined forces with Merkury Innovations to create these fun “upcycled” boombox eco-speakers. Upcycling takes unused rolls of wrapping material that would otherwise go to waste, and turns it into a variety of useful, eco-friendly products. These boombox speakers are universally compatible with all MP3 players and are battery-free, plus the kids absolutely love them! Choose from Skittles, Starburst Gummies or Peanut M&M versions.

The school is ranked 63rd nationwide among elementary schools in the Drink Pouch Brigade of TerraCycle.