Tossing a single gift card in the trash may not seem like a big deal, but these small bits of polyvinyl chloride (commonly known as PVC, the plastic resin used to make gift cards and other household items like CD cases) can really add up. TerraCycle offers a mail-back box for gift cards, but given the size and expense, it’s most likely catered to retailers or consumers that generate a considerable number of cards.

TerraCycle is a company that is in the forefront of the recycling movement – they have a recycling program for just about anything you could imagine; things that aren’t easily recyclable in curbside programs. According to TerraCycle, everything can be recycled, it’s just about allocating the money and the resources to do so. And they are taking the initiative to do just that! So this is their “Zero Waste Box”: you can put anything and everything into this box* that is sitting around your house that you no longer brings you joy being in your space, but that you don’t necessarily know how to get rid of. TerraCycle will take care of it! For those of us who don’t want to contribute to landfill waste, this is an invaluable resource!

The videos have been devastating: infernal fires threatening Los Angeles like in a Hollywood disaster movie, a starving polar bear collapsing of hunger, “once in a century” hurricanes devastating island after island. Will this finally be enough to persuade Americans to act against climate change? There’s technological innovation all over the place, from Tesla to TerraCycle. And renewables are getting cheaper, while fossil fuels—until the fracking boom, at least—are getting more expensive.

While the debate continues over who is "responsible" for making plastic material more recyclable, and more valuable, brands and companies can take initiative in using less and committing to research. Recently, the U.N. recognized a partnership between TerraCycle, Procter & Gamble and Suez that has made recyclable shampoo bottles using the material. This is especially relevant as the recycling industry grapples with China's changing import policies. There is widespread agreement that recycling in the U.S. needs to change — which is especially true with strict contamination standards coming into force in a matter of months.  

There’s one super-easy way to do the right thing and give back: recycle. Making waste into new materials and items is genius. Not only does it help lower greenhouse gas emissions, it prevents waste and stops exhausting new, raw materials. Ultimately, recycling reduces water pollution from landfills, air pollution from incinerating waste, and energy use. In addition, recycling creates jobs, protects wildlife, and helps slow global warming. There’s really no reason not to do it. If you don’t recycle, please start. And if you do, please keep it up. Regardless of which camp you fall into, keep reading to find out some really odd things you might not even know are recyclable.

It is estimated by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation that by 2050 there will be more plastic in the sea than fish.[gallery orderby="title"]

It’s not always possible to buy that new greenhouse or build a rain garden as a holiday gift. At Insteading, we understand that garden gifts can easily run on the large and expensive side. Gifts for Kitchens and Homes: Artistically pressed from an upcycled vinyl record, this product from the recycle artists at TerraCycle will be unique decor for your favorite music lover.

Tom’s of Maine’s deodorants feature hops and natural fragrances, along with a blend of vegetable oils, organic aloe leaf juice, and other plant-based ingredients and have 24-hour odor protection. The deodorant is also in fully recyclable packaging through local municipalities or the TerraCycle Tom’s of Maine Natural Care Brigade which is great for the environment and if that wasn’t enough, with every purchase, Tom’s of Maine donates 10% of profits back to helping people and the planet.

TerraCycle is a highly awarded recycling company that focuses on making new products out of recycled items. TerraCycle and popular hair product brand Garnier have teamed up to “provide a comprehensive solution to personal care and beauty packaging waste anywhere in the world.” When you are done with a Garnier product, look for a TerraCycle logo on the bottle and send it back to Garnier and they will recycle or reuse the packaging. Also, for every piece of waste Garnier collects from you, they will donate two cents to a charity of your choice. That’s a win-win.

Eye care professionals registered with the ONE by ONE scheme are provided with recycling bins so that patients can bring contact lens materials from home and the practice can collect lenses used within the office; all items are then sent to TerraCycle for recycling.