TerraCycle Juice Pouch Brigade in the schools. The brigade is another one of those win-win-win propositions. The kids recycle their juice pouches at conveniently located receptacles within the schools, the schools get $0.02 per pouch that goes to TerraCycle, and TerraCycle turns the pouches into totes, backpacks, pencil cases, lunch bags – in total, 185 items for the home, office, garden, pets, school and more. Besides the first place winners each winning a $100 savings bond, donated by PNC Bank, all of the contest winners (first through third place) each won a prize donated by TerraCycle.

"Trash 2 Treasure is a wonderful way to tap into and inspire children's creativity and innovation, while at the same time bringing attention to how much garbage we produce in our homes and encouraging kids to think about steps we can take toward sustainable lifestyles and lowering our carbon footprint," said McMurrer. McMurrer rode the momentum from last year's contest even further, as she used the impetus of the contest to start, with the help of local mom Karen Baker, the TerraCycle Juice Pouch Brigade in the schools. The brigade is another one of those win-win-win propositions. The kids recycle their juice pouches at conveniently located receptacles within the schools, the schools get $0.02 per pouch that goes to TerraCycle, and TerraCycle turns the pouches into totes, backpacks, pencil cases, lunch bags – in total, 185 items for the home, office, garden, pets, school and more. Besides the first place winners each winning a $100 savings bond, donated by PNC Bank, all of the contest winners (first through third place) each won a prize donated by TerraCycle.

McMurrer rode the momentum from last year's contest even further, as she used the impetus of the contest to start, with the help of local mom Karen Baker, the TerraCycle Juice Pouch Brigade in the schools. The brigade is another one of those win-win-win propositions. The kids recycle their juice pouches at conveniently located receptacles within the schools, the schools get $0.02 per pouch that goes to TerraCycle, and TerraCycle turns the pouches into totes, backpacks, pencil cases, lunch bags – in total, 185 items for the home, office, garden, pets, school and more.

TerraCycle’s recycling campaigns are so easy to participate in that nearly any company with any sense (and the opportunity) can get on board and get some good green PR for doing so. While I wouldn’t give most of the cheese companies below much green credit, it is at least good that they joined TerraCycle’s new Cheese Packaging Brigade, and big props to TerraCycle for its success in getting these huge brands to participate in such a program. Here’s more on the new Cheese Packaging Brigade from TerraCycle: Kraft Cheese has partnered with eco-innovator TerraCycle to help provide a second life for cheese packaging materials by converting waste materials into fun and unique products sold at major retailers! Every time you buy a Kraft product you and your organization can help divert the packaging from our landfills by sending it to TerraCycle. For each approved item received, 2 cents will be paid to the non-profit organization or school of your choice.

Teenagers—Anything from TerraCycle. This local company offers a wide range of items made from what would otherwise end up in a garbage dump. Sounds strange, but the shoulder bags, clocks, picture frames and other items don't look trashy at all. Its products are available everywhere from Whole Foods to Walmart. The flagship store is in Princeton in Palmer Square West.

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.

TerraCycle’s recycling campaigns are so easy to participate in that nearly any company with any sense (and the opportunity) can get on board and get some good green PR for doing so. The program is currently sponsored by Kraft Singles, Kraft String Cheese, Polly-O String Cheese, Philadelphia Cream Cheese, Kraft Natural Cheese, Cracker Barrel Cheese, Velveeta, Kraft Grated Parmesan, Athenos, Breakstone’s, Knudsen Cheese, and all other delicious Kraft Cheese products. TerraCycle also recently launched the Tortilla and Tostada Bag Brigade with Mission Foods, its first Mexican food partner. “Two cents per bag collected will be paid to Share our Strength, Mission’s charity partner, or to the charity of the collector’s choice,” Stacey Cusack of TerraCycle wrote in an email to me.

As you all know, I’m on a rampage to expand the way we measure out business success to be more than just about profits.  We need to move from a blazing lack of integrity and ethics to a socially responsible mindset.  Frito Lay is already ahead of that game. For over 70 years, Frito Lay has been taking steps to reduce impact on the earth. Here are some of their moves: Imagine a future where chip bags won’t end up in landfills, where used packaging will be given a second lifecycle as an everyday product, like a clipboard, tote bag, or trash can. That’s what Frito Lay’s partnership with Terracycle delivers, thanks to Terracycle’s innovative upcycling.  But that’s not all Frito Lay does.

’Tis the holiday season and here at FILTER we believe in giving gifts that keep on giving. So in the spirit of the holidays, throughout December we’ll be posting our Good Gift Guide ideas for your picky loved ones. The saying goes that it’s greater to give than it is to receive. So what if you could give in more ways than one? The TerraCycle manufacturing company is making that possible this holiday season with gifts that are also good for the environment. Dedicated to using non-recyclables to create new items, or “upcycling,” their speakers and vinyl picture frames are perfect for the eco-enthusiast. Made from M&M’s, Starburst and Skittles candy wrappers, the speakers run on the power supply of your iPod or MP3 player, available here for $13.99. Their vinyl picture frames are—you guessed it—made out of old records, available here for $12.99. While they may not live to spin another day, at least they can still look impressive.

The school has been named one of the top 100 schools by TerraCycle for collecting juice pouches. More than 56,000 juice pouches have been collected for this project. Staff member Sarah Ramey heads the recycling committee and club, aided by students, parents and staff.