UCC Coffee to bring Japanese coffee brand Ueshima to the UK
The brand, which is from Kobe, is billed as offering a range of “unique, sustainable and premium coffees”
TERRACYCLE NEWS
ELIMINATING THE IDEA OF WASTE®
Posts with term TerraCycle X
The greening of goods
Consumers still care about making environmentally-friendly choices. Innovation in products and packaging is helping them do it
Rosalind Stefanac | January 22, 2021
In spite of a recent uptick in single-use products, the research shows that even a global pandemic can’t shake consumers’ desire to make sustainable choices when it comes to food and food packaging. “Conscious consumption was gaining traction before and COVID has only accelerated that,” says analyst Shelley Balanko, senior vice-president at the Hartman Group. “Consumers are looking for foods that are sourced in sustainable ways—and produced and packaged in a way that’s in accordance with their values.”
According to a 2020 U.S. survey by global management consulting firm Kearney, 48% of respondents said the pandemic has made them more concerned about the environment, and 55% said they were now more likely to purchase environmentally-friendly products. The survey also showed an 85% increase in consumers who planned to decline plastic utensils with food orders and a whopping 164% increase in those who were planning to buy more items in bulk.
Whereas shoppers may have focused on sustainable packaging pre-pandemic, Balanko says now that they’ve gotten “up close and personal” with the fact our food supply chain isn’t infinite, they’re also looking at food waste and carbon impact when selecting products. She expects consumers will not only be looking to see if retailers are carrying sustainable brands, but whether they have sustainable programs in place at the store level, too.
Lu Ann Williams, director of innovation at Innova Market Insights, says we can also expect to see some truly innovative developments in packaging coming down the pipe. “Making packaging compostable, biodegradable or easy to recycle will be more and more important going forward,” she says. A good example is SupraPulp, a plastic-free packaging made of sugarcane waste from Israeli food tech startup W-Cycle. Not only is it fully compostable and toxin-free, but it’s durable enough for greasy, wet or hot food and can be frozen or heated.
During these pandemic times especially, Williams says packaging with antimicrobial properties (which can kill foodborne diseases) are gaining particular favour. (A European Union-funded project called NanoPack has already produced one successful option.)
Even big-name brands are looking to mitigate plastic in landfills by turning to more sustainable packaging solutions. This year, Johnnie Walker launched a paper-based whisky bottle, while PepsiCo is using aluminum cans instead of plastic for its Aquafina water brand.
For those retailers still hesitating to implement sustainable programs into their business strategies now, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation (a U.K.-based charity focused on inspiring a circular economy) estimates that converting just 20% of plastic packing into re-use models (such as refill and return packaging options) is a US$10-billion global opportunity. According to the Foundation’s 2019 Reuse: Rethinking Packaging report, reuse models can cut down on packaging and transportation costs, improve user experience and build loyalty.
Reuse and recycling programs at work
Some of Canada’s grocery giants have already made concerted efforts to go sustainable, especially when it comes to products and packaging. This year, Sobeys released its first sustainability report establishing “key action pillars” of People, Planet and Products to steer its future strategies. Part of that is the commitment to reduce food waste, maximize recycling efforts and make it easier for customers to reuse in general.
The retailer has already introduced reusable mesh produce bags (partially made from recovered plastic found in oceans), in all Sobeys, Safeway, IGA and Foodland stores. It’s also working with Dartmouth, N.S.- based LakeCity Plastics to turn plastic bags into waterfront benches and tables for installation in public spaces across Atlantic Canada. This project will help divert 720,000 plastic bags from landfills.
Last year TerraCycle—a global company that offers free recycling programs funded by brands, manufacturers and retailers—partnered with Loblaw in using its Loop platform, which gives consumers the option to get commonly used products delivered to their door in branded, sustainable packaging that is later collected, cleaned, refilled and reused. “Loblaw is our exclusive grocery retail partner in Canada during the pilot phase … [and] ultimately, Loop’s goal is to be integrated into as many retailers and channels as possible to make the biggest impact,” says Anthony Rossi, executive vice-president of business development at TerraCycle & Loop. Loblaw will launch an online pilot program using Loop in the Greater Toronto Area in early 2021. (Just this past October, Tim Hortons announced it was partnering with Loop on a plan to offer reusable food and beverage containers at select Toronto stores in 2021.)
Rossi encourages grocers to promote brands that use TerraCyle right on the landing page of their websites and in-store to prompt shoppers to make sustainable choices. “Retailers can partner with TerraCycle and the brands to offer compelling, emotionally engaging retail programs with simple, intuitive and accessible ways to recycle,” he adds.
In the meantime, online grocers like SPUD.ca are using TerraCycle Zero Waste Boxes to recycle products for their customers. While the program is currently on hold during COVID-19, pre-pandemic shoppers simply left their empty packaging in the SPUD bin for pickup and the retailer would ship it back to TerraCycle in bulk. (Consumers can also drop off their used containers to any of the SPUD-owned Be Fresh Market and Cafés or Blush Lane Organic Markets located in British Columbia and Alberta.)
SPUD has introduced several other recycling initiatives to its customers, including glass bottle distribution and pickup for milk and soap refills. Michelle Austin, SPUD’s sustainability lead, says the fact SPUD is doing the pickup removes the barrier of customers having to return containers to a store. “Customers are actually asking us to do more in this space and we’re responding,” she says. “We’re glad they see value in the zero waste that we do.”
Focusing on food waste
At Organic Garage, an independent grocer in Ontario, zero food waste initiatives have been a priority from the onset, says Randee Glassman, director of marketing. “We have a fantastic bulk program with up to 60 items,” she says. “We have amazing teas and spices in bulk, along with household cleaners and soaps.” Even with COVID-19, she says they’ve been able to bring the bulk program back by providing containers and featuring hand sanitizing stations throughout.
The grocer also works with waste companies to ensure all vegetable trimmings and fruit waste are recycled into cattle feed. Inedible byproducts from its meat department (i.e., meat bones, discarded meat fats and store grease) are also transformed into both industrial and consumer fare.
This whole idea of “upcycling” (or using food waste to create new products) is a trend that both analysts and retailers anticipate will gain momentum in the coming years as the effort to tackle the world’s 1.3 billion tons of annual food waste becomes a bigger priority. “We make an effort to identify and bring in upcycled products where available as it is a category that is growing,” says Anthony D’Addario, vice-president of operations at Nature’s Emporium in Ontario. He points to favoured brands like Barnana, which upcycles bananas to make sweet and savoury treats, and Outcast Foods, which makes protein powder and vitamins from imperfect produce.
In fact, Outcast Foods is now working with Sobeys in Nova Scotia to divert the grocer’s unsellable fruits and veggies from landfills into quality products. This aligns with Sobeys’ pledge to reduce food waste across its operations by 50% by 2025.
As more and more upcycled products come into the market, the expectation is that shoppers will want complete transparency, too. The Upcycled Food Association is in the process of developing a certification program that will allow qualified products to carry an identifying seal clearly showing they are upcycled or contain upcycled ingredients.
Cutting carbon footprint
It’s not surprising that shoppers concerned about climate change will be looking for food products with smaller carbon footprints. To that end, this year Panera became the first restaurant chain to partner with the World Resources Institute (WRI) in listing entrees on its menu as climate-friendly “Cool Food Meals.” Similar to recommended calories per day, the WRI has established a maximum recommended daily carbon footprint for a person’s diet, which is 38% smaller than the current average.
While carbon labels on grocery products aren’t new, there’s been a resurgence of late in this area, with companies like Oatly and Quorn Food in the United Kingdom launching carbon label initiatives in 2020. To further raise awareness around the environmental impact of food, Swedish food company Felix opened a pop-up “Climate Store” in Stockholm in October and based all product prices on carbon footprint: the bigger the emission, the higher the price. The company is also starting to add low climate impact labels on products with emissions that are at least half of the average for food in Sweden.
Nespresso is another manufacturer that recently announced plans to better tackle carbon emissions across its products and supply chain. Along with increasing the use of low-carbon virgin aluminum in its coffee capsules, the company has committed to planting trees in coffee farms and investing in forest conservation and restoration projects. The goal is for every cup of Nespresso coffee to be carbon-neutral by 2022.
Sustainable next steps
As manufacturers and suppliers address a growing trend towards sustainable products and packaging, grocers are, ultimately, tasked with helping consumers make sustainable choices. “One challenge with sustainability is the metrics can vary so it’s hard to say one product is more sustainable than another in absolute terms,” says Innova Market Insights’ Williams. “But there is always the opportunity to look for products that have attributes that are sustainable so shoppers looking for that could more easily find [them].”
To keep sustainability initiatives on track, there’s also a need to make “sustainable choices the sustainable choice,” says Eli Browne, director of corporate sustainability at Sobeys. “[Consumers] may be asking for sustainable products but there is always that value pricing pressure, and we need to be able to respond accordingly to provide quality products at price points people can afford,” she explains, adding that this is both the challenge and opportunity in working with suppliers.
Browne says there are instances where suppliers have come to Sobeys or vice-versa to come up with new innovations when it comes to sustainable packaging. “I think a great example is our cucumber trays, which went from a non-recyclable plastic to a molded fibre tray that can be recycled,” she says. “Now it’s grown to be an industry standard.”
Along with providing shoppers with sustainable choices in products and packaging, there’s an onus on retailers to educate their customers in how to promote environmentally friendly habits at home too, adds Browne. “I see education and engaging customers to make the right choice going hand in hand,” she says. “Being in a retail space where people have to go to eat, we have that privilege and responsibility to be part of the solution.”
VTech to Launch Green Electronic Learning Products
VTech announced that it will launch a variety of green electronic learning products in 2021, which marks an important step for its sustainability commitment towards replacing fossil based plastics with sustainable alternatives by 2030. VTech’s eco-friendly products include three new vehicles in the popular Go! Go! Smart Wheels line made from plant-based plastic, and the Sort & Recycle Ride-on Truck™ made from reclaimed plastic.
For LeapFrog products, in addition to a new Choppin’ Fun Learning Pot with vegetables and accessories made from plant-based plastic, VTech will source materials from responsibly managed forests certified by Forest Stewardship Council for two new wooden toys, Touch & Learn Nature ABC Board™ and Interactive Wooden Animal Puzzle.
The introduction of sustainable product packaging for VTech toys is also well underway. Currently 94% of the packaging materials is recyclable, while 90% of the cardboard used in the packaging is recycled materials. VTech is also committed to eliminating fossil-based blister packaging and replacing it with plant-based alternative in 99% of the electronic learning products by 2025.
In order to support circular economy initiatives in its major markets, VTech has engaged in various post-consumer packaging recycling programs in the US, UK, Australia and New Zealand. Packaging recycling labels such as “How2Recycle” and “On-Pack Recycling” have also been placed on the product packaging of its electronic learning products for consumers’ easy reference.
To encourage post-consumer product recycling, VTech has partnered with leading international recycling companies such as TerraCycle in the US and Electronic Products Recycling Association in Canada. It has also followed the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive in Europe by adding product recycling labels on the product packaging. These recycling programs provide an easy way for consumers to recycle VTech’s electronic learning products in the respective countries.
VTech’s ongoing efforts to develop eco-friendly products and packaging and continuous engagement in various post-consumer recycling programs in the major markets have demonstrated its commitment to the 5-year Sustainability Plan 2025 released on June 5, 2020.
“VTech’s sustainability vision is to create sustainable value for the lives of people and protect the planet for the future generations,” said Dr. Allan Wong, Chairman and Group CEO of VTech Holdings Limited. “We are committed to using sustainable materials in our products and packaging and recycling them in a responsible way, using eco-friendly transportation modes in our supply chain management, increasing the use of renewable energy and reducing the consumption of natural resources in our production process.”
To learn more about VTech’s sustainability efforts and achievements, please visit https://www.vtech.com/en/sustainability/ .
How to Properly Recycle Electronics, Styrofoam, Batteries and More
Target
Target is helping customers do their part to help the environment through their recycling program. At the entrance of each store is a series of recycling bins. Each bin is designated to dispose of certain things. In fact, several of these bins allow for items to be disposed that cannot be recycled at home, such as electronics and ink cartridges. “In 2010, we launched a comprehensive guest-facing recycling program in our stores to bring our commitment to recycling out of the backroom and allow guests to be part of the process. We help guests recycle cans, glass, plastic bottles, plastic bags, ink cartridges, MP3 players and cell phones, making our recycling program one of the most robust in the industry,” a spokesperson for Target explains. Before making your next Target run, consider bringing your recyclables with you and placing them in the store’s complimentary recycling bins.
Terracycle
Perfect for these socially-distanced times (or if you don’t live near a Target), Terracycle has an online recycling program that you can join from the comfort of your home. The private recycling company has partnered with several brands to create free, nationwide recycling programs. These programs were born from an idea that was the brainchild of Terracycle Founder and CEO, Tom Szaky. “TerraCycle’s free, brand sponsored recycling programs started in 2007 when Founder/CEO Tom Szaky pivoted away from vermicompost (the world’s first product made from and packaged entirely in waste) that initially established the company’s reputation. This shift came when Tom realized that he could make a larger impact by using product and packaging waste, deemed to have no value, to create new raw materials that could be sold to manufacturers to produce new products,” Payne tells Planet Home. From personal care products to balloons, a variety of products can be recycled through Terracycle’s program, and Payne says the registration process is relatively simple. “As a first step, participants can make an account on TerraCycle.com. Once signed up, they'll be able to download collection materials, request UPS shipping labels, track their recycling progress, and in many cases, raise money for their favorite school or non-profit with every shipment. Some programs even offer collection locations where consumers can visit to drop-off waste for recycling.” Not sure if the products you’re looking to recycle are Terracycle recycling program participants? Check out Terracycle’s Free Recycling Programs page to see if your items qualify.
Foam Facts
While Styrofoam is often the material of choice used to make carryout boxes for food delivery, it can’t be recycled at home. Many recycling facilities do not accept Styrofoam because it is lightweight. In order for Styrofoam recycling to be profitable, a whole lot has to be recycled, so the expenses to ship and process it can be covered as well. In a nutshell, it’s too expensive for recycling facilities to process Styrofoam. However, Styrofoam recycling drop off locations have been developing across the country, and the organization Foam Facts is helping Americans find out where. At the bottom of their homepage, the organization has a map that pinpoints all of the organizations in the United States that accept Styrofoam. On the upper left hand corner of the map is a search engine that allows you to type in your location. Once you enter your town’s name, the map will show you the organizations near you that can take your Styrofoam, and you’re set! Never throw your Styrofoam in the recycling bin at home. Instead, collect your Styrofoam in a bag that can be taken to a Styrofoam drop off location at a later date.
Call2Recycle
Batteries are always a no-go when it comes to knowing what cannot be recycled in your personal bin. For nearly three decades, Call2Recycle has spearheaded the efforts of recycling batteries.Call2Recycle hosts drop off locations where people can drop off their used batteries at a local business. Not so keen on heading to a store to drop off your batteries? Not to worry! Call2Recycle also sells boxes for those who wish to participate in their shipping program. For more information on Call2Recycle’s shipping program, head to their online store to learn more about the process.
Think Before You Toss
Before making your next rounds of recycling, ask yourself, “Can these things be thrown in my recycling bin?” If not, there are many organizations both online and in your community that will accept these items. Wherever your comfort level lies with heading into the outside world, these recycling programs make recycling possible from anywhere!I Tried to Reduce My Trash by 50%—Here's What Happened
Welcome to I Tried It Month, where we'll be publishing a new fashion, beauty, or wellness article every day in January that features a first-person account of shaking up an old habit, pushing beyond a comfort zone, or simply trying something new. Follow along for 31 days of storytelling, including everything from going without a cellphone for 40 days to trying the polarizing low-rise pants trend.
Name: Jacqueline Lee, Photo Editor
What did you try?
I tried to completely cut out plastic and reduce my household trash by 50%.
Why did you want to try it?
I think, like a lot of THE/THIRTY readers, I've become really conscious over the last few years about the detrimental effect our trash has on the environment, especially plastic pollution in the ocean, and I'd like to start taking control of my part of that.
What do you hope to learn or accomplish through this?
My hope is to make some significant and lasting changes to my everyday life. For that to be maintainable, I have to search out effective and affordable alternatives that also look pretty on my shelves.
How much trash do you normally accumulate in a week?
I've been gradually swapping things like cleaning products and laundry for more sustainable options, like buying concentrates or getting refills, but our house of two adults and two cats still creates a lot of trash in a week. We are lucky to have a curbside recycling program in our neighborhood, which means it's fairly easy to recycle the majority of glass, plastic, paper, and aluminum, but we still have products that are not recyclable or compostable. I really want to eliminate those from our life.
What do you think will be a challenge for you?
I think groceries will be the hardest area to cut down packaging on, especially with the pandemic meaning most stores have closed their refill dry goods sections. Oh, and giving up takeout is going to hurt!
What do you think will be easy?
I'm hoping some updates to my bath and shower routine will make some easy changes.
What are you looking forward to most in this challenge?
I'm really excited to try out shampoo and conditioner bars!
These are some of the things I've found that really help so far.
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Multi-Surface Cleaner Concentrate ($16)
I use this to clean pretty much every surface in my house, and this concentrated refill bottle has lasted for months and is recyclable.
Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps Pure-Castile Liquid Soap ($32)
Dr. Bronner's uses recycled and recyclable packaging, so I use this soap to fill up all my hand soap dispensers and dishwashing liquid bottles.
Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent ($11)
I switched to this just before Christmas when I had run out of detergent and had too many grocery bags to carry home already. It lasts just as long as a normal detergent bottle but is about one-third of the plastic.
Public Goods Walnut Scrubber Sponge ($4)
I love these all-natural scrubber sponges from Public Goods. It took me ages to find a kitchen sponge that wasn’t wrapped in plastic packaging.
Unni Compostable Trash Bags ($17)
If you just make one change, this is the one I would recommend.
Here's what happened:
How much trash did you accumulate?
I was able to cut out plastics for the week (except for one cheat item), but we still had lots of recycling and compostable trash.
What was the hardest part of this challenge?
Resisting takeout after a busy day of work was about as much of a struggle as I expected!
What was the easiest part?
Switching out my shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel plastic bottles for bars that came wrapped in paper was such an easy change with the added plus that my bathroom permanently smells of lemongrass now.
What were some surprising things you learned?
I was really surprised by how much of our weekly rubbish was recyclable. When I checked on our local council's website, it had good and clear guidance on what to recycle. I also had no idea TerraCycle partnered with so many brands on mail-back recycling. It also has a new initiative called the Loop, where you lease the packaging of the product and return it for refills. Another thing I learned about recycling is that plastic has a limited recycle life, but glass and aluminum retain their integrity much longer, so they're much better choices of packaging to go for.
Are there any tricks that you picked up along the way?
I discovered so many cute products to help work a sustainable lifestyle. There's a lot more choice than I was expecting.
What would you do differently next time?
I definitely made some real progress toward a 100% no-trash sustainable lifestyle. I think the only thing I would change up if I did this again next week is to hire myself a personal chef.
Do you have any tips for someone who wants to try it?
If you wanted to try this at home, try—every time you finish with a product, be it a toothbrush or a scrubbing brush—taking a look for an alternative replacement that is refillable, recyclable, or biodegradable and comes without excess packaging rather than setting a time limit on yourself. I was definitely excited by the choices in sustainable solutions compared to even just a year ago.
Here are some of the tricks I learned and products I used.
For the Shower
There are so many great options for shampoo, cleanser, shower, and conditioner bars right now, and I would definitely recommend this change to everyone. Safety razors are another easy swap that worked for me.
By Humankind Shampoo ($15)
Christophe Robin Hydrating Shampoo Bar ($22)
HiBar Solid Shampoo Bar and Solid Conditioner Bar ($27)
Erno Laszlo White Marble Treatment Bar ($38)
Herbivore Botanicals Bamboo Charcoal Deep Cleanse Detoxifying Soap Bar ($12)
Cleo+Coco Deodorant Bar Zero-Waste ($18)
Eu'Genia Shea 100% Pure Shea Butter Dermatological Formula ($20)
Some aspects of grocery shopping were definitely a challenge. Unpackaged fresh veggies from the farmers market or store was my first step. Then, getting fish and meat from the counter wrapped in paper helped cut back on a lot of plastic and cling wrap. I managed to find a local cheese delicatessen that wrapped the cheese in wax paper for me, and then, I made my own bread. Local is definitely the way to go for dry goods and household care. Companies like Precycle in Brooklyn and the Waste Less Shop in L.A. offer really great refill services. All in, getting groceries was definitely the most time-consuming part of trying to reduce my trash, and I'm not convinced I would cook so much in a normal week, but it was the area where I cut out the most waste.
Clover Organic Farms Organic 1% Low Fat Milk ($3)
365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Flour, All-Purpose ($5)
Olipop Vintage Cola Sparkling Tonic ($31)
Traditional Medicinals Organic Chamomile With Lavender Tea ($4)
Amy's Kitchen Chunky Tomato Bisque ($3)
For Dental Care
Last year, I switched my single-use toothbrush for one with replaceable bristles and a solar-power battery charger, and I'm trying a toothpaste that comes in a recyclable aluminum tube. I haven't tried toothpaste tabs yet, but THE/THIRTY team is definitely a fan.
Quip Electric Toothbrush ($32)
The Waste Less Shop Silk Dental Floss ($7)
For My Morning Coffee
I've cut back on the daily coffee-shop run since we aren't able to bring in reusable cups right now. I switched to buying fresh ground coffee from my local shop to make at home. A lot of grocery store coffee is packaged in nonrecyclable materials, so it's worth searching out some reliable sustainable brands.
Tiny Footprint Coffee Nicaragua Segovia Dark Roast ($13)
Public Goods Organic Ground Coffee ($7)
More Sustainably Packaged Choices
Cleancult Liquid Hand Soap Refill ($22)
Public Goods Dental Floss ($6)
Mad Hippie Night Cream ($33)
Olas Oral Care Natural Bamboo Toothbrush ($8)
Next up: I Tried HIIT Workouts for 30 Days Straight, and the Results Were Wild
This article originally appeared on The Thirty
I Tried to Reduce My Trash by 50%—Here's What Happened
Welcome to I Tried It Month, where we'll be publishing a new fashion, beauty, or wellness article every day in January that features a first-person account of shaking up an old habit, pushing beyond a comfort zone, or simply trying something new. Follow along for 31 days of storytelling, including everything from going without a cellphone for 40 days to trying the polarizing low-rise pants trend.
Name: Jacqueline Lee, Photo Editor
What did you try?
I tried to completely cut out plastic and reduce my household trash by 50%.
Why did you want to try it?
I think, like a lot of THE/THIRTY readers, I've become really conscious over the last few years about the detrimental effect our trash has on the environment, especially plastic pollution in the ocean, and I'd like to start taking control of my part of that.
What do you hope to learn or accomplish through this?
My hope is to make some significant and lasting changes to my everyday life. For that to be maintainable, I have to search out effective and affordable alternatives that also look pretty on my shelves.
How much trash do you normally accumulate in a week?
I've been gradually swapping things like cleaning products and laundry for more sustainable options, like buying concentrates or getting refills, but our house of two adults and two cats still creates a lot of trash in a week. We are lucky to have a curbside recycling program in our neighborhood, which means it's fairly easy to recycle the majority of glass, plastic, paper, and aluminum, but we still have products that are not recyclable or compostable. I really want to eliminate those from our life.
What do you think will be a challenge for you?
I think groceries will be the hardest area to cut down packaging on, especially with the pandemic meaning most stores have closed their refill dry goods sections. Oh, and giving up takeout is going to hurt!
What do you think will be easy?
I'm hoping some updates to my bath and shower routine will make some easy changes.
What are you looking forward to most in this challenge?
I'm really excited to try out shampoo and conditioner bars!
These are some of the things I've found that really help so far.
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Multi-Surface Cleaner Concentrate ($16)
I use this to clean pretty much every surface in my house, and this concentrated refill bottle has lasted for months and is recyclable.
Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps Pure-Castile Liquid Soap ($32)
Dr. Bronner's uses recycled and recyclable packaging, so I use this soap to fill up all my hand soap dispensers and dishwashing liquid bottles.
Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent ($11)
I switched to this just before Christmas when I had run out of detergent and had too many grocery bags to carry home already. It lasts just as long as a normal detergent bottle but is about one-third of the plastic.
Public Goods Walnut Scrubber Sponge ($4)
I love these all-natural scrubber sponges from Public Goods. It took me ages to find a kitchen sponge that wasn’t wrapped in plastic packaging.
Unni Compostable Trash Bags ($17)
If you just make one change, this is the one I would recommend.
Here's what happened:
How much trash did you accumulate?
I was able to cut out plastics for the week (except for one cheat item), but we still had lots of recycling and compostable trash.
What was the hardest part of this challenge?
Resisting takeout after a busy day of work was about as much of a struggle as I expected!
What was the easiest part?
Switching out my shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel plastic bottles for bars that came wrapped in paper was such an easy change with the added plus that my bathroom permanently smells of lemongrass now.
What were some surprising things you learned?
I was really surprised by how much of our weekly rubbish was recyclable. When I checked on our local council's website, it had good and clear guidance on what to recycle. I also had no idea TerraCycle partnered with so many brands on mail-back recycling. It also has a new initiative called the Loop, where you lease the packaging of the product and return it for refills. Another thing I learned about recycling is that plastic has a limited recycle life, but glass and aluminum retain their integrity much longer, so they're much better choices of packaging to go for.
Are there any tricks that you picked up along the way?
I discovered so many cute products to help work a sustainable lifestyle. There's a lot more choice than I was expecting.
What would you do differently next time?
I definitely made some real progress toward a 100% no-trash sustainable lifestyle. I think the only thing I would change up if I did this again next week is to hire myself a personal chef.
Do you have any tips for someone who wants to try it?
If you wanted to try this at home, try—every time you finish with a product, be it a toothbrush or a scrubbing brush—taking a look for an alternative replacement that is refillable, recyclable, or biodegradable and comes without excess packaging rather than setting a time limit on yourself. I was definitely excited by the choices in sustainable solutions compared to even just a year ago.
Here are some of the tricks I learned and products I used.
For the Shower
There are so many great options for shampoo, cleanser, shower, and conditioner bars right now, and I would definitely recommend this change to everyone. Safety razors are another easy swap that worked for me.
By Humankind Shampoo ($15)
Christophe Robin Hydrating Shampoo Bar ($22)
HiBar Solid Shampoo Bar and Solid Conditioner Bar ($27)
Erno Laszlo White Marble Treatment Bar ($38)
Herbivore Botanicals Bamboo Charcoal Deep Cleanse Detoxifying Soap Bar ($12)
Cleo+Coco Deodorant Bar Zero-Waste ($18)
Eu'Genia Shea 100% Pure Shea Butter Dermatological Formula ($20)
Some aspects of grocery shopping were definitely a challenge. Unpackaged fresh veggies from the farmers market or store was my first step. Then, getting fish and meat from the counter wrapped in paper helped cut back on a lot of plastic and cling wrap. I managed to find a local cheese delicatessen that wrapped the cheese in wax paper for me, and then, I made my own bread. Local is definitely the way to go for dry goods and household care. Companies like Precycle in Brooklyn and the Waste Less Shop in L.A. offer really great refill services. All in, getting groceries was definitely the most time-consuming part of trying to reduce my trash, and I'm not convinced I would cook so much in a normal week, but it was the area where I cut out the most waste.
Clover Organic Farms Organic 1% Low Fat Milk ($3)
365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Flour, All-Purpose ($5)
Olipop Vintage Cola Sparkling Tonic ($31)
Traditional Medicinals Organic Chamomile With Lavender Tea ($4)
Amy's Kitchen Chunky Tomato Bisque ($3)
For Dental Care
Last year, I switched my single-use toothbrush for one with replaceable bristles and a solar-power battery charger, and I'm trying a toothpaste that comes in a recyclable aluminum tube. I haven't tried toothpaste tabs yet, but THE/THIRTY team is definitely a fan.
Quip Electric Toothbrush ($32)
The Waste Less Shop Silk Dental Floss ($7)
For My Morning Coffee
I've cut back on the daily coffee-shop run since we aren't able to bring in reusable cups right now. I switched to buying fresh ground coffee from my local shop to make at home. A lot of grocery store coffee is packaged in nonrecyclable materials, so it's worth searching out some reliable sustainable brands.
Tiny Footprint Coffee Nicaragua Segovia Dark Roast ($13)
Public Goods Organic Ground Coffee ($7)
More Sustainably Packaged Choices
Cleancult Liquid Hand Soap Refill ($22)
Public Goods Dental Floss ($6)
Mad Hippie Night Cream ($33)
Olas Oral Care Natural Bamboo Toothbrush ($8)
Next up: I Tried HIIT Workouts for 30 Days Straight, and the Results Were Wild
This article originally appeared on The Thirty
These Eco-Friendly Toys Are Saving the Planet
Many industries are switching to more eco-friendly practices, and the toy industry is hopping on board. VTech has announced that it has plans to launch a variety of green electronic learning products throughout 2021––working towards the company’s goal of replacing fossil-based plastics with sustainable alternatives by 2030.
Both VTech and LeapFrog will be dropping a combined seven new eco-friendly products this year. In addition to green alternatives for toy construction, VTech packaging currently is made up of 94 percent recyclable materials and the company is committed to getting rid of fossil-based blister packaging by 2025.
Kids will soon be able to play with three new vehicles in the Go! Go! Smart Wheels line made from plant-based plastic, and the Sort & Recycle Ride-on Truck made from reclaimed plastic. Looking for LeapFrog products? Keep your eyes peeled for a new Choppin’ Fun Learning Pot with vegetables and accessories made from plant-based plastic, and two new wooden toys that include a Touch & Learn Nature ABC Board and Interactive Wooden Animal Puzzle.
Dr. Allan Wong, Chairman and Group CEO of VTech Holdings Limited states, “VTech’s sustainability vision is to create sustainable value for the lives of people and protect the planet for the future generations. We are committed to using sustainable materials in our products and packaging and recycling them in a responsible way, using eco-friendly transportation modes in our supply chain management, increasing the use of renewable energy and reducing the consumption of natural resources in our production process.”
So how else is VTech changing the toy landscape? The company is taking part in post-consumer packaging recycling programs in the US, UK, Australia and New Zealand, included packaging recycling labels like “How2Recycle®” its packaging to promote awareness and has partnered with recycling companies like TerraCycle® as an easy avenue for consumers to recycle products.
Lancement par VTech de produits d'apprentissage électroniques verts avec un engagement de développement durable d'ici 2030
HONG KONG, 19 Janvier 2021 /CNW/ - L'entreprise VTech a aujourd'hui annoncé qu'en 2021, qu'elle lancera différents produits d'apprentissage électronique verts, ce qui marque ainsi une étape importante de son engagement en matière de développement durable pour le remplacement des plastiques d'origine fossile par des produits alternatifs durables d'ici 2030. Les produits verts VTech comprennent quatre nouveaux véhicules dans la célèbre série Go! Go! Smart Wheels® fabriquée en plastique d'origine végétale et la série Sort & Recycle Ride-on TruckTM fabriquée en plastique recyclé.
Quant aux produits de marque LeapFrog, en plus d'un nouveau Choppin 'Fun LearningPotTM avec des accessoires à légumes fabriqués en plastique d'origine végétale, VTech se fournira en matériaux provenant de forêts gérées de manière responsable certifiées par le Forest Stewardship Council® pour deux nouveaux jouets en bois : le Touch & Learn Nature ABC BoardTM et le Interactive Wooden Animal PuzzleTM. L'utilisation d'emballages de produits durables pour les jouets VTech est également bien avancée. 94 % des matériaux d'emballage sont actuellement recyclables, tandis que 90 % des cartons utilisés dans les emballages proviennent des matériaux recyclés. VTech s'engage également à éliminer les emballages blisters à base de matériaux d'origine fossile et à les remplacer par des alternatives d'origine végétale dans 99 % des produits d'apprentissage électronique d'ici 2025. Afin de soutenir les initiatives d'économie circulaire au sein de ses marchés principaux, VTech s'est engagé dans divers programmes de recyclage d'emballages post-consommation aux États-Unis, au Royaume-Uni, en Australie et en Nouvelle-Zélande. Des étiquettes de recyclage d'emballages telles que How2Recycle® et « On-Pack Recycling » ont aussi été placées sur l'emballage de ses produits et produits d'apprentissage électronique pour faciliter l'information des consommateurs. Afin d'encourager le recyclage des produits post-consommation, VTech a établi un partenariat avec des entreprises de recyclage internationales de premier plan telles que TerraCycle® aux États-Unis et l'Electronic Products Recycling Association au Canada. Elle a également suivi la directive sur les déchets d'équipements électriques et électroniques Européenne en ajoutant des étiquettes de recyclage aux emballages de ces produits. Ces programmes de recyclage permettent aux consommateurs de recycler facilement les produits d'apprentissage électronique de VTech dans leurs pays respectifs. Les efforts continus de VTech en faveur du développement de produits et d'emballages respectueux de l'environnement et son engagement continu dans divers programmes de recyclage post-consommation sur les principaux marchés ont démontré son engagement dans le plan de développement durable de 5 ans 2025 publié le 5 juin 2020. « La vision de VTech en matière de développement durable consiste à créer une valeur durable pour la vie des gens et la protection de la planète pour les générations futures », a déclaré le Dr Allan Wong, président-directeur général du groupe VTech Holdings Limited. « Nous sommes résolus à utiliser des matériaux durables au sein de nos produits et nos emballages et à les recycler de manière responsable, à travers l'utilisation de modes de transport respectueux de l'environnement dans la gestion de notre chaîne d'approvisionnement, l'utilisation croissante d'énergies renouvelables et la réduction de la consommation de ressources naturelles au sein de notre processus de production ». Pour en savoir plus sur les efforts et réalisations de VTech en matière de développement durable, veuillez visiter https://www.vtech.com/en/sustainability/ . À propos de VTech VTech est le leader mondial des produits d'apprentissage électroniques pour les bébés, les petits-enfants et les enfants de niveau maternelle et le plus grand fabricant de téléphones résidentiels aux États-Unis. Elle fournit également des services de fabrication en sous-traitance très recherchés. Depuis sa création en 1976, VTech a été pionnier dans la catégorie des jouets d'apprentissage électroniques. Grâce à une expertise pédagogique avancée et à une innovation de pointe, les produits VTech offrent plaisir et apprentissage aux enfants du monde entier. Tirant parti de décennies de succès dans le domaine de la téléphonie sans fil, le large éventail de produits de télécommunication de VTech enrichit l'expérience des utilisateurs particuliers et professionnels grâce aux dernières avancées en matière de technologies et de design. Étant l'un des principaux fournisseurs de services de fabrication électronique au monde, VTech offre des services clés en main complets et de classe mondiale aux clients dans nombre de catégories de produits. La mission du Groupe est la conception, la fabrication et la fourniture de produits novateurs et de haute qualité afin de minimiser tout impact sur l'environnement, tout en créant une valeur durable pour les parties prenantes et pour la communauté. Pour plus d'informations, veuillez visiter www.vtech.com.
TerraCycle partners with Schneiders Lunch Mate to target lunch waste recycling in schools
VTech to Launch Green Electronic Learning Products with Sustainability Pledge 2030
HONG KONG, Jan. 19, 2021 /CNW/ -- Hong Kong – VTech Holdings Limited (HKSE:303) announced today that it will launch a variety of green electronic learning products in 2021, which marks an important step for its sustainability commitment towards replacing fossil based plastics with sustainable alternatives by 2030. VTech branded eco-friendly products include four new vehicles in the popular Go! Go! Smart Wheels® series made from plant-based plastic, and the Sort & Recycle Ride-on Truck™ made from reclaimed plastic.
As for LeapFrog branded products, in addition to a new Choppin' Fun Learning Pot™ with vegetables accessories made from plant-based plastic, VTech will source materials from responsibly managed forests certified by Forest Stewardship Council® for two new wooden toys, Touch & Learn Nature ABC Board™ and Interactive Wooden Animal Puzzle™.
The introduction of sustainable product packaging for VTech's toy products is also well underway. Currently 94% of the packaging materials is recyclable, while 90% of the cardboards used in the packaging is recycled materials. VTech is also committed to eliminating fossil-based blister packaging and replacing it with plant-based alternative in 99% of the electronic learning products by 2025.
In order to support circular economy initiatives in its major markets, VTech has engaged in various post-consumer packaging recycling programmes in the US, UK, Australia and New Zealand. Packaging recycling labels such as How2Recycle® and "On-Pack Recycling" have also been placed on the product packaging of its electronic learning products for consumers' easy reference.
To encourage post-consumer product recycling, VTech has partnered with leading international recycling companies such as TerraCycle® in the US and Electronic Products Recycling Association in Canada. It has also followed the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive in Europe by adding product recycling labels on the product packaging. These recycling programmes provide an easy way for consumers to recycle VTech's electronic learning products in the respective countries.
VTech's ongoing efforts to develop eco-friendly products and packaging and continuous engagement in various post-consumer recycling programmes in the major markets, have demonstrated its commitment to the 5-year Sustainability Plan 2025 released on 5 June 2020.
"VTech's sustainability vision is to create sustainable value for the lives of people and protect the planet for the future generations," said Dr. Allan Wong, Chairman and Group CEO of VTech Holdings Limited. "We are committed to using sustainable materials in our products and packaging and recycling them in a responsible way, using eco-friendly transportation modes in our supply chain management, increasing the use of renewable energy and reducing the consumption of natural resources in our production process."
To learn more about VTech's sustainability efforts and achievements, please visit https://www.vtech.com/en/sustainability/ .
About VTech
VTech is the global leader in electronic learning products from infancy through toddler and preschool and the largest manufacturer of residential phones in the US. It also provides highly sought-after contract manufacturing services. Since its establishment in 1976, VTech has been a pioneer in the electronic learning toy category. With advanced educational expertise and cutting-edge innovation, VTech products provide fun and learning to children around the world. Leveraging decades of success in cordless telephony, VTech's diverse collection of telecommunication products elevates both home and business users' experience through the latest in technology and design. As one of the world's leading electronic manufacturing service providers, VTech offers world-class, full turnkey services to customers in a number of product categories. The Group's mission is to design, manufacture and supply innovative and high quality products in a manner that minimises any impact on the environment, while creating sustainable value for its stakeholders and the community. For more information, please visit www.vtech.com.