Customers can recycle their VTech and LeapFrog toys for free through this new program.   November 3, 2020   Posted by Kaily Cunningham   VTech and LeapFrog have announced the launch of a free, national recycling program for select electronic learning devices and electronic toys in partnership with Trenton, New Jersey-based TerraCycle.   “We are so excited to launch this new recycling program,” Andy Keimach, president of VTech Electronics North America says. “By partnering with TerraCycle, we are making it easier for parents to recycle electronic toys while making inroads to our ongoing sustainability goals for VTech and LeapFrog.” The newly announced recycling program allows customers to easily send in select VTech and LeapFrog electronic learning devices and electronic toys to be properly disposed and recycled, the company says. For every shipment sent to TerraCycle, customers earn points that can be donated to a nonprofit, school or charitable organization of their choice. To participate in the program, there are three steps:  

• Sign up on the TerraCycle program page.
• On the VTech and LeapFrog page, click to submit product, and a prepaid shipping label will populate.
• Fill any shipping box with the VTech and LeapFrog electronic learning devices and electronic toys, attach the shipping label and ship the box to TerraCycle to be recycled.

  Once collected, the electronic learning devices and electronic toys will be cleaned and the plastic will be recycled to make new products, such as playgrounds, picnic tables and park benches. “TerraCycle’s mission has always been to ‘Eliminate the Idea of Waste’ and we’ve proven that solutions do exist for items that may seem difficult to recycle – even e-waste,” Tom Szaky, TerraCycle founder and CEO says. “VTech and LeapFrog not only share our commitment but have taken it to the next level through recycling initiatives like the VTech & LeapFrog Toys Recycling Program. Together we are partnering to reduce the impact of this type of waste on the environment, help pave the way for a greener future and protect the planet for the next generation.” The VTech & LeapFrog Toys Recycling Program is open to any individual, school, office or community organization.

Vtech and LeapFrog are making a big move toward sustainability thanks to a newly inked partnership with TerraCycle.   A new, free recycling program provides an easy way for families in the U.S. to properly recycle select electronic toys and learning devices. The toys will be cleaned, melted into hard plastic, and remolded to make new products, many of which make their way into parks and playgrounds as picnic tables and benches.   “By partnering with TerraCycle, we are making it easier for parents to recycle electronic toys while making inroads to our ongoing sustainability goals for VTech and LeapFrog,” says Andy Keimach, president, VTech Electronics North America.   Families wishing to recycle their VTech and LeapFrog toys can visit a special program page on the TerraCycle website to find shipping information and to print a prepaid shipping label.   With the launch of its new program, VTech and LeapFrog join a growing number of toymakers, including Hasbro, Mattel, MGA Entertainment, and ZURU that have partnered with TerraCycle in an effort to reduce toy waste.

If you’re committed to a cruelty-free lifestyle and seeking a cool pair of kicks that are free from animal byproduct and are planet-friendly we’ve got you covered. Whatever your style preferences, tastes and budget, we hope this list helps you discover your perfect pair of eco-friendly vegan sneakers – whether you’re working from home, needing a pair for travel adventures or just need some dope footwear for your street style.

1. ethletic

For fair-trade, sustainable vegan sneakers for both men and women, award-winning German brand ethletic has what you’re after. The brand uses organic cotton that is Fairtrade and GOTS certified and the sneakers are ethically produced in Pakistan by workers who are paid a living wage. For each pair of sneakers sold, one US dollar is paid as a premium to the Talon Fair Trade Workers Welfare Society. We should point out, ethletic is a pioneering ethical footwear brand, becoming the first sneaker brand to be certified and marketed with the Fairtrade quality seal. Browse ethletic here.

2. Vivobarefoot

Sustainable outdoor shoe brand Vivobarefoot specialises in producing ergonomic barefoot-style shoes for men and women that follows the form of the foot and provides maximum comfort and performance. The brand’s use of innovative materials such as algae biomass and recycled plastic from bottles enables it to produce some of the most sustainable, vegan sneakers and footwear on the market. Our pick is the lightweight, flexible PRIMUS LITE II made from recycled plastics; they are a stylish and functional ethically-made vegan sneakers ideal for outdoor activities such as gym sessions, on-foot sightseeing and hiking. Shop Vivobarefoot.

3. Saola

American sustainable footwear brand Saola produces a stylish range of casual shoes and sneakers for both men and women. All of its footwear is 100% vegan, made with eco-friendly materials such as recycled plastic bottle uppers, cork insoles, recycled Algae Foam, and organic cotton laces. Saola is also a member of 1% for the Planet and commits one percent of its annual sales to environmental causes; specifically donating to Mwalua Wildlife Trust, a Kenyan charity that supplies sustainable water systems to wildlife communities. Shop Saola.

4. TOMS

Founded by Blake Mycoskie, TOMS one-for-one business model put the American shoe brand on the map. TOMS produces an affordable range of shoes for men and women, including a lightweight, classic vegan sneaker style made from canvas upper and rubber outsole. A certified B Corporation, this is a business that meets high standards of social and environmental performance and transparency. Shop TOMS.

5. Thousand Fell

Launched last November, shoe retailer Thousand Fell produces full circle, recyclable vegan-friendly footwear for men and women designed to never go to landfill. With a focus on circular fashion and closing the loop by recycling all materials at the end of life thanks to partnerships with TerraCycle and United Parcel Service, this may just be the most environmentally-conscious vegan sneaker brand in the world. To incentivise customers to recycle their shoes, the brand offers $20 which is paid upon receipt of the old or worn shoes. Designed in New York City, the shoes are responsibly made in Brazil using plant-based and recycled materials such as aloe vera, natural and recycled rubber, recycled plastic (upcycled from plastic bottles) and palm leaf fibres. Thousand Fell footwear are crafted in a family owned factory with 30 years of high end shoe-making experience and meets high standards of ethical production. The brand offers a range of lace-up sneakers and slip-on footwear. Shop Thousand Fell.

6. ‘Forever Floatride Grow’ By Reebok

Reebok has just launched its first ever 100% sustainable cruelty-free running shoe the ‘Forever Floatride Grow‘ on the back of its debut [REE]cycled sustainable collection of trainers featuring recycled and repurposed materials. This elite plant-based running shoe features eco-friendly attributes: a midsole crafted from sustainably grown castor beans, an upper made from sustainably sourced eucalyptus trees, natural rubber outsole and a sock liner utilising sustainably-harvested BLOOM algae foam. Forever Floatride is available in a variety of colours including black, white and neutral, and in men’s and women’s sizes. Shop Reebok’s running shoe here.

7. Veja

French footwear and accessories brand Veja is the darling of the sustainable sneaker industry. Since 2005 it has been responsibly producing its iconic V-branded sneakers in South Brazil under fair-trade conditions, using sustainable materials such as organic cotton, recycled cotton, recycled plastic. locally-sourced vegetable tanned leather from tanneries audited and certified by Leather Working Group and wild rubber sustainably sourced from the Amazonian forest. Not all of Veja’s sneakers are vegan though so if you’re browsing its website, make sure to specifically search the vegan category. Shop Veja

8. Etiko

Award-winning Australian pioneer in ethical footwear and apparel Etiko produces GOTS-certified organic and fair-trade certified low-cut and high-top vegan sneakers for men and women. Think ethical alternative to the iconic brand Converse and you get the gist of the brand’s shoe offerings. Every aspect of Etiko’s business that has been considered, from biodegradable packaging, transparent supply chain, relevant ethical certifications, and it has even scored highly in fashion ratings app Good on You and in the annual Ethical Fashion Report by Baptist World Aid. Shop Etiko.

9. Beflamboyant

Designed in Galicia, Spain, these fairtrade, unisex vegan sneakers are handcrafted in Felgueiras, Portugal by skilled artisans. Carrying the PETA seal of approval, Beflamboyant vegan sneakers consider the welfare of animals, people and environment. Made from high quality microfiber, recycled cottons, recycled PU insole and manufactured with zero carbon emissions, these vegan kicks are as cruelty-free as they are planet-friendly. The timeless design means you’ll always be on trend- no matter the season or year. Shop Beflamboyant.

10. MIRET

After a successful crowdfunding campaign earlier this year, Croatian eco-friendly sneaker brand MIRET was able to launch its business. In its product mix, the brand offered vegan-friendly sneaker options, ‘Hempies’ and ‘Veggies’. The Hempies are made from European-grown chemical-free hemp and its Veggies range are made from a high quality, biodegradable vegan textile that carries a Cradle to Cradle™ certification. The MIRET outsole contains 100% natural latex harvested from rubber trees and the insole is made of cork. The sneakers are ethically manufactured in Croatia. Shop MIRET.

11. AKS

Previously known as Purple Impression, fairtrade brand AKS launched its line of eco-friendly vegan sneakers last year. Made from organic cotton and sustainably harvested natural rubber, the unique embroidered designs and vibrant colours is what makes this vegan sneaker label stand out from the rest. The brand’s Instagram tagline “building artisan communities, one sneaker at a time” is in reference to empowering its female artisans in Pakistan, helping to revive the traditional art of embroidery and preserve the skills for future generations. As each shoe is handmade, each pair is unique and it’s this human touch that makes them much more valuable; slow fashion embraces humanity; fast fashion, not so much. Shop AKS here. Disclosure: Details are correct at time of publishing. Opinions are that of the writer’s. This curated list does not fully take into account all the ethical considerations that are unique to each individual. Before making a purchase, we encourage you to do your own research paying particular attention to the supply chain and your own particular set of ethics. You can also check out online tools and apps that provide product reviews and brand ratings here. Click here to read more about our policies. Cover image via Saola.

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AeroFlexx today announced a partnership with TerraCycle® as part of its sustainability commitment. This new partnership is an extension of AeroFlexx’s sustainable liquids packaging offering that begins with source reduction, using 50 to 70% less plastic than traditional rigid bottles. AeroFlexx packaging solutions also deliver significant e-commerce benefits and are ISTA 6 Amazon approved. AeroFlexx packaging creates a more environmentally friendly supply chain as it ships flat prior to filling, with less weight and less transportation required, creating a significantly lower carbon footprint. The AeroFlexx partnership with TerraCycle®, the world's leader in the collection and repurposing of complex waste streams, further demonstrates AeroFlexx’s commitment to sustainability, offering brands and customers easy-to-use, recycle-ready solutions, so that AeroFlexx Paks do not end up in landfills. Through TerraCycle®’s recycling program, any AeroFlexx Pak can be recycled by requesting a free mail-back envelope online. AeroFlexx, a portfolio company of Innventure, revolutionized liquid packaging by combining the best attributes of flexibles and rigids to create a disruptive new-to-the-world packaging form. "Our commitment to a circular economy is to create an ecosystem where no AeroFlexx Pak ends up in the environment," said Andrew Meyer, CEO of AeroFlexx. "AeroFlexx has been recognized for its ability to reduce the amount of plastic through source reduction and we’re excited to continue to deliver against our sustainability promise by making it easy for customers to recycle their AeroFlexx packaging through TerraCycle®."

You may have heard some of the staggering statistics around the amount of waste within the beauty industry. (For example, Euromonitor International reported that nearly 7.9 billion units of rigid plastic were used for beauty and personal care products in the U.S. alone in 2018). Another disappointing reality is that “only a small fraction of plastics in the U.S. are actually getting recycled,” says Danielle Jezienicki, the director of sustainability for Grove Collaborative, the company behind Peach, a plastic-free collection of face, body and hair soaps that recently launched. “Those that are more likely to be recycled are larger bottles and containers that aren’t as commonly used in the cosmetics industry,” she adds. The good news is that the beauty industry is starting to think about sustainable packaging in a more meaningful way (though, to be clear, we still have a long way to go). Leaders like Unilever (which owns Dove, Suave and Simple) and L'Oréal (parent company to Kiehl’s, Maybelline and Garnier) have both pledged to make 100 percent of their plastic packaging reusable, recyclable, refillable, or compostable by 2025; Procter & Gamble (who owns Olay, Pantene and Secret) says 90 percent of its packaging will be recyclable or reusable by 2025 and 100 percent by 2030. Alas, sustainability is a team effort. We, as individual consumers, must work together to reduce waste in the beauty industry—and beyond. It sounds like a lofty goal, but a few small steps can make a big difference over time. Let’s start with some easy ways to recycle smarter.  

P&G Beauty bringt eine Verpackungsinnovation für seine Haarpflegemarken auf den Markt, die verantwortungsbewussten Konsum und die Kreislaufwirtschaft fördert und die Art und Weise verändern wird, wie Shampoo-Flaschen gekauft, verwendet und entsorgt werden.

TerraCycle is a company specializing in finding recycling solutions for waste which is considered “non-recyclable” through traditional council recycling systems. This includes a wide range of waste such as biscuits and snack wrappers, baby food pouches, crisps packets, water filters, toy packaging, and personal care and beauty packaging. Through recycling, we aim to eliminate the idea of waste.

Thousand Fell, the environmentally conscious, direct-to-consumer shoe retailer which launched last November, has revealed the details of the recycling program that’s a core component of its pitch to consumers.   The company, which has now sold enough shoes to start seeing its early buyers begin recycling them after ten months of ownership, expects to recycle roughly 3,000 pairs per quarter by 2021, with the capacity to scale up to 6,000 pairs of shoes.   The recycling feature, through partnerships with United Parcel Service and TerraCycle, offers customers the option to avoid simply throwing out the shoes for $20 in cash that the company pays out upon receipt of the old shoes.   With the initiative, Thousand Fell joins a growing number of companies in consumer retail that are experimenting with various strategies to incorporate reuse into the life-cycle of their products. Nike operates a reuse a shoe program at some of its stores, which will collect used athletic shoes from any brand for recycling. And several companies are offering denim recycling drop-off locations to take old jeans and convert the material into other products.   What’s more, Thousand Fell’s recycling partner, TerraCycle, has developed a milkman model for reusing packaging to replace consumer packaged goods like dry goods, beverages, desserts and home and beauty products under its Loop brand (and in partnership with Kroger and Walgreens).   Across retail, zero waste packaging and delivery options (and companies emphasizing a more sustainable, circular approach to consumption) are attracting increased interest from investors across the board, with everyone from delivery companies to novel packaging materials attracting investor interest.   With the initiative, Thousand Fell joins a growing number of companies in consumer retail that are experimenting with various strategies to incorporate reuse into the life-cycle of their products. Nike operates a reuse a shoe program at some of its stores, which will collect used athletic shoes from any brand for recycling. And several companies are offering denim recycling drop-off locations to take old jeans and convert the material into other products.   What’s more, Thousand Fell’s recycling partner, TerraCycle, has developed a milkman model for reusing packaging to replace consumer packaged goods like dry goods, beverages, desserts and home and beauty products under its Loop brand (and in partnership with Kroger and Walgreens).   Across retail, zero waste packaging and delivery options (and companies emphasizing a more sustainable, circular approach to consumption) are attracting increased interest from investors across the board, with everyone from delivery companies to novel packaging materials attracting investor interest.

Thousand Fell, the environmentally conscious, direct-to-consumer shoe retailer which launched last November, has revealed the details of the recycling program that’s a core component of its pitch to consumers.   The company, which has now sold enough shoes to start seeing its early buyers begin recycling them after ten months of ownership, expects to recycle roughly 3,000 pairs per quarter by 2021, with the capacity to scale up to 6,000 pairs of shoes.   The recycling feature, through partnerships with United Parcel Service and TerraCycle, offers customers the option to avoid simply throwing out the shoes for $20 in cash that the company pays out upon receipt of the old shoes.   With the initiative, Thousand Fell joins a growing number of companies in consumer retail that are experimenting with various strategies to incorporate reuse into the life-cycle of their products. Nike operates a reuse a shoe program at some of its stores, which will collect used athletic shoes from any brand for recycling. And several companies are offering denim recycling drop-off locations to take old jeans and convert the material into other products.   What’s more, Thousand Fell’s recycling partner, TerraCycle, has developed a milkman model for reusing packaging to replace consumer packaged goods like dry goods, beverages, desserts and home and beauty products under its Loop brand (and in partnership with Kroger and Walgreens).   Across retail, zero waste packaging and delivery options (and companies emphasizing a more sustainable, circular approach to consumption) are attracting increased interest from investors across the board, with everyone from delivery companies to novel packaging materials attracting investor interest.   With the initiative, Thousand Fell joins a growing number of companies in consumer retail that are experimenting with various strategies to incorporate reuse into the life-cycle of their products. Nike operates a reuse a shoe program at some of its stores, which will collect used athletic shoes from any brand for recycling. And several companies are offering denim recycling drop-off locations to take old jeans and convert the material into other products.   What’s more, Thousand Fell’s recycling partner, TerraCycle, has developed a milkman model for reusing packaging to replace consumer packaged goods like dry goods, beverages, desserts and home and beauty products under its Loop brand (and in partnership with Kroger and Walgreens).   Across retail, zero waste packaging and delivery options (and companies emphasizing a more sustainable, circular approach to consumption) are attracting increased interest from investors across the board, with everyone from delivery companies to novel packaging materials attracting investor interest.