(StatePoint) Everyday choices can affect your family’s health as well as the environment. There’s a growing trend among consumers to make choices reflecting the goals and values that matter to them most.  In fact, two out of five people say they’re more inspired to try a natural product that does something good for themselves, their family and the planet, according to a recent study conducted by Toluna for natural products brand Tom’s of Maine. So where can your family start? Here are a few ideas for easy changes:

The Basics

Starting with the products you use most frequently can be a simple way to shift your choices to a healthier place. Many hygiene products, such as soap, shampoo, and toothpaste use unnecessary chemicals that can be unfriendly to those with sensitive skin or allergies. Natural ingredients work as well or better than the artificial variety, so look for options that don’t rely on dyes, formaldehyde or parabens. Such ingredients directly impact waterways once they go down the drain. More natural options can be kinder to your body and the environment. Cleaning products like floor polish, glass cleaners, and bathroom disinfectants can be harsh. Consider gentler alternatives. Additionally, certain food products contain artificial sweeteners or use pesticides. Try switching to less processed foods and buying organic when possible. Look for locally sourced foods for added freshness and to reduce overall carbon footprint in transit.

Support Sustainable Companies

Companies with smart environmental policies do exist. Do your research and support brands that work to lessen their environmental impact, and take pride in the quality of their ingredients, which should be listed in full on the packaging. Brands like Tom’s of Maine, which makes personal care products like soap, deodorant and toothpaste, as well as others, share their progress in helping the planet by publishing goals and results to the public. The recently released second edition of the Tom’s of Maine Goodness Report details the company’s approach to ingredients, packaging, waste, water, energy, the community, and itsemployees. For example, the company has opted to use steam capturing technology, ultimately reducing water usage. Additionally, cartons used for packaging toothpaste are made of 100 percent recycled paperboard and can be recycled again after use. The company is even looking into future “smart packaging” alternatives, such as biodegradable packaging made of potato starch.

What’s Inside Matters

Are there really wildflowers in your toilet bowl cleaner? Ignore eye-catching packaging and simply read the ingredients. Seek out a list of simple and understandable renewable and naturally-sourced ingredients. And while you’re reading that label, inspect the material on which it’s printed. Minimal packaging made of recyclable materials is ideal. If your town doesn’t take in a wide range of waste for recycling, TerraCycle is an innovative upcycling leader that enlists volunteers to recycle waste to make products such as benches, picnic tables or deck materials, ultimately sending less to landfills. We can all be part of the solution by using greener products. The impact of a few simple changes can have a lasting ripple effect that goes well beyond your home.

(StatePoint) Everyday choices can affect your family’s health as well as the environment. There’s a growing trend among consumers to make choices reflecting the goals and values that matter to them most.  In fact, two out of five people say they’re more inspired to try a natural product that does something good for themselves, their family and the planet, according to a recent study conducted by Toluna for natural products brand Tom’s of Maine. So where can your family start? Here are a few ideas for easy changes:

The Basics

Starting with the products you use most frequently can be a simple way to shift your choices to a healthier place. Many hygiene products, such as soap, shampoo, and toothpaste use unnecessary chemicals that can be unfriendly to those with sensitive skin or allergies. Natural ingredients work as well or better than the artificial variety, so look for options that don’t rely on dyes, formaldehyde or parabens. Such ingredients directly impact waterways once they go down the drain. More natural options can be kinder to your body and the environment. Cleaning products like floor polish, glass cleaners, and bathroom disinfectants can be harsh. Consider gentler alternatives. Additionally, certain food products contain artificial sweeteners or use pesticides. Try switching to less processed foods and buying organic when possible. Look for locally sourced foods for added freshness and to reduce overall carbon footprint in transit.

Support Sustainable Companies

Companies with smart environmental policies do exist. Do your research and support brands that work to lessen their environmental impact, and take pride in the quality of their ingredients, which should be listed in full on the packaging. Brands like Tom’s of Maine, which makes personal care products like soap, deodorant and toothpaste, as well as others, share their progress in helping the planet by publishing goals and results to the public. The recently released second edition of the Tom’s of Maine Goodness Report details the company’s approach to ingredients, packaging, waste, water, energy, the community, and itsemployees. For example, the company has opted to use steam capturing technology, ultimately reducing water usage. Additionally, cartons used for packaging toothpaste are made of 100 percent recycled paperboard and can be recycled again after use. The company is even looking into future “smart packaging” alternatives, such as biodegradable packaging made of potato starch.

What’s Inside Matters

Are there really wildflowers in your toilet bowl cleaner? Ignore eye-catching packaging and simply read the ingredients. Seek out a list of simple and understandable renewable and naturally-sourced ingredients. And while you’re reading that label, inspect the material on which it’s printed. Minimal packaging made of recyclable materials is ideal. If your town doesn’t take in a wide range of waste for recycling, TerraCycle is an innovative upcycling leader that enlists volunteers to recycle waste to make products such as benches, picnic tables or deck materials, ultimately sending less to landfills. We can all be part of the solution by using greener products. The impact of a few simple changes can have a lasting ripple effect that goes well beyond your home.

(StatePoint) Everyday choices can affect your family’s health as well as the environment. There’s a growing trend among consumers to make choices reflecting the goals and values that matter to them most.  In fact, two out of five people say they’re more inspired to try a natural product that does something good for themselves, their family and the planet, according to a recent study conducted by Toluna for natural products brand Tom’s of Maine. So where can your family start? Here are a few ideas for easy changes:

The Basics

Starting with the products you use most frequently can be a simple way to shift your choices to a healthier place. Many hygiene products, such as soap, shampoo, and toothpaste use unnecessary chemicals that can be unfriendly to those with sensitive skin or allergies. Natural ingredients work as well or better than the artificial variety, so look for options that don’t rely on dyes, formaldehyde or parabens. Such ingredients directly impact waterways once they go down the drain. More natural options can be kinder to your body and the environment. Cleaning products like floor polish, glass cleaners, and bathroom disinfectants can be harsh. Consider gentler alternatives. Additionally, certain food products contain artificial sweeteners or use pesticides. Try switching to less processed foods and buying organic when possible. Look for locally sourced foods for added freshness and to reduce overall carbon footprint in transit.

Support Sustainable Companies

Companies with smart environmental policies do exist. Do your research and support brands that work to lessen their environmental impact, and take pride in the quality of their ingredients, which should be listed in full on the packaging. Brands like Tom’s of Maine, which makes personal care products like soap, deodorant and toothpaste, as well as others, share their progress in helping the planet by publishing goals and results to the public. The recently released second edition of the Tom’s of Maine Goodness Report details the company’s approach to ingredients, packaging, waste, water, energy, the community, and itsemployees. For example, the company has opted to use steam capturing technology, ultimately reducing water usage. Additionally, cartons used for packaging toothpaste are made of 100 percent recycled paperboard and can be recycled again after use. The company is even looking into future “smart packaging” alternatives, such as biodegradable packaging made of potato starch.

What’s Inside Matters

Are there really wildflowers in your toilet bowl cleaner? Ignore eye-catching packaging and simply read the ingredients. Seek out a list of simple and understandable renewable and naturally-sourced ingredients. And while you’re reading that label, inspect the material on which it’s printed. Minimal packaging made of recyclable materials is ideal. If your town doesn’t take in a wide range of waste for recycling, TerraCycle is an innovative upcycling leader that enlists volunteers to recycle waste to make products such as benches, picnic tables or deck materials, ultimately sending less to landfills. We can all be part of the solution by using greener products. The impact of a few simple changes can have a lasting ripple effect that goes well beyond your home.

Shopping Smarter for Family Necessities Can Help the Environment (StatePoint) Everyday choices can affect your family’s health as well as the environment. There’s a growing trend among consumers to make choices reflecting the goals and values that matter to them most.  In fact, two out of five people say they’re more inspired to try a natural product that does something good for themselves, their family and the planet, according to a recent study conducted by Toluna for natural products brand Tom’s of Maine. So where can your family start? Here are a few ideas for easy changes:

The Basics

Starting with the products you use most frequently can be a simple way to shift your choices to a healthier place. Many hygiene products, such as soap, shampoo, and toothpaste use unnecessary chemicals that can be unfriendly to those with sensitive skin or allergies. Natural ingredients work as well or better than the artificial variety, so look for options that don’t rely on dyes, formaldehyde or parabens. Such ingredients directly impact waterways once they go down the drain. More natural options can be kinder to your body and the environment. Cleaning products like floor polish, glass cleaners, and bathroom disinfectants can be harsh. Consider gentler alternatives. Additionally, certain food products contain artificial sweeteners or use pesticides. Try switching to less processed foods and buying organic when possible. Look for locally sourced foods for added freshness and to reduce overall carbon footprint in transit.

Support Sustainable Companies

Companies with smart environmental policies do exist. Do your research and support brands that work to lessen their environmental impact, and take pride in the quality of their ingredients, which should be listed in full on the packaging. Brands like Tom’s of Maine, which makes personal care products like soap, deodorant and toothpaste, as well as others, share their progress in helping the planet by publishing goals and results to the public. The recently released second edition of the Tom’s of Maine Goodness Report details the company’s approach to ingredients, packaging, waste, water, energy, the community, and itsemployees. For example, the company has opted to use steam capturing technology, ultimately reducing water usage. Additionally, cartons used for packaging toothpaste are made of 100 percent recycled paperboard and can be recycled again after use. The company is even looking into future “smart packaging” alternatives, such as biodegradable packaging made of potato starch.

What’s Inside Matters

Are there really wildflowers in your toilet bowl cleaner? Ignore eye-catching packaging and simply read the ingredients. Seek out a list of simple and understandable renewable and naturally-sourced ingredients. And while you’re reading that label, inspect the material on which it’s printed. Minimal packaging made of recyclable materials is ideal. If your town doesn’t take in a wide range of waste for recycling, TerraCycle is an innovative upcycling leader that enlists volunteers to recycle waste to make products such as benches, picnic tables or deck materials, ultimately sending less to landfills. We can all be part of the solution by using greener products. The impact of a few simple changes can have a lasting ripple effect that goes well beyond your home.

TIFTON — It ain’t easy being green, as the saying goes, but one local church wants to make it easier. St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, Tifton, will host a recycling and composting workshop this Saturday from 9 a.m. until noon, to help area churches improve their environmental stewardship. Registration is free. Part of a three-part Green Church Workshop Series across South Georgia, the workshop aims to educate the public on many ways to reduce and recycle waste on church campuses. It will include a tour of the church’s composting and recycling systems, including their collection bins for Terra Cycle, a recycling fundraising program. Participants can help build a new compartment to the church’s compost system using wooden pallets, and paint decorative “walls” to be attached to the outside of the compost bins. The group will also tour the church’s new community garden.

En af de institutioner, der er gået ivrigt ind i indsamlingen, er Virklund SFO. Herfra fortæller man gennem en pressemeddelelse fra miljøvirksomheden Terracycle og Arla, at børnene i SFO’en har indsamlet omkring 10.000 mælke- og yoghurtlåg, og da Arla belønner hvert låg med en femøre, er der altså cirka 500 kr. i belønning til SFO’en. Læs artiklen her: Midtjyllandsavis: Virklund SFO indsamler låg og genanvender.

Julemærkehjemmet Kildemose er gået aktivt ind i et genbrugsprojekt med indsamling af mælke- og yoghurt låg. Læs mere her.

Benjamin Franklin Elementary School students collected more than 18,000 Capri Sun pouches for recycling to earn $1,700 for the school as part of Capri Sun's Drink Pouch Brigade recycling program. In collaboration with TerraCycle, the Drink Pouch Brigade has collected more than 200 million recyclable pouches.

Students at Jay Stream Middle School earn over $2,600 for collecting more than 18,000 Capri Sun drink pouches. Suburban Life July 11, 2014

Students at Frohardt Elementary School in Granite City earn money and prizes for their school by collecting and recycling the drink pouches they use at home and in the lunchroom. Frohardt Elementary students have just reached the second level of TerraCycle and Capri Sun's Drink Pouch Brigade milestone contest by collecting more than 18,000 drink pouches. The students have earned more than $1,500 for their school by collecting the drink pouches. The Drink Pouch Brigade is a free recycling program that rewards people for collecting and sending their waste to TerraCycle to be recycled or upcycled. The Milestone Program began in September 2013 when Capri Sun added prizes for collecting certain amounts. Now, in addition to the money they earn for each piece of waste collected, participants can win prizes made from recycled drink pouches, such as park benches, recycling bins and a playground, among other things. To learn more about the program or to sign up, visit www.terracycle.com. The program is free to any interested organization or individual, and all shipping costs are paid.