TerraCycle Upcycled Products Review
11:25 AM Posted by Mommy Is Green
If you haven't yet heard of TerraCycle, they are a company dedicated to reusing items that would otherwise end up in a landfill. They collect used packaging like drink pouches, yogurt cups, chip bags, and candy wrappers. These items are then upcycled to make messenger bags, lunch boxes, kites and much more.
TerraCycle offers free collection programs where non-profits and schools can raise money by gathering materials that can be repurposed or upcycled. These collection programs are called Brigades. Two of the newest Brigades are the Sprout Brigade and the Huggies Brigade.
The Sprout Brigade collects used Sprout Organic Baby Food packaging and converts it into hip diaper wallets, bibs, backpacks and totes (tote shown above). This saves the pouches from being dumped in landfills. If you've made the choice to feed your baby organic food this program can help you take that eco-friendly choice one step further. For every empty baby food pouch the Sprout Brigade collects, 2 cents will be donated to the school or non-profit charity of the collector's choice. Participation and sign-up are free and all shipping costs are paid by the program.
The Huggies Brigade collects plastic diaper packaging from Huggies diapers. Millions of pieces of plastic diaper packaging ends up in landfills each year. If you use disposable diapers but you want to do something to help reduce your waste this is a great program. Every step toward helping the environment has an impact. I used to think that I couldn't make a difference as one person making small steps but I've come to learn I can make a difference. Every step we take toward reusing and recycling helps to keep this planet cleaner for our children. Just like the Sprout Brigade, TerraCycle will donate 2 cents per each piece of diaper packaging received to the school or non-profit charity of the collector's choice.
I've been trying out some very cool products from TerraCycle:
Drink Pouch Tote (Small) - This Small Tote is made from used juice pouches that have been sewn together. This bag is the perfect size to take shopping for a couple of clothing items, or packing some drinks and snacks to go to the park. If you're looking for something a bit bigger, the Drink Pouch Tote also comes in Medium and Large.
Drink Pouch Pencil Case (Medium) - I love this pencil case! Just like the tote bag, it is made from used juice pouches that are sewn together. I carried this around with me in my bag at the BlogHer '10 conference. I used it to hold my extra business cards and my pens. It's super cute and convenient. It kept my things in one place so I wasn't digging all over my bag for them.
Circuit Board Coasters - If you want coasters that are fun, different and even appealing to men, you'll want to check out these coasters. They are fantastic for a home office, by the computer, or even on a coffee table as a conversation piece. I really like how they are made from actual circuit boards. I think they are a very clever way to reduce waste.
Circuit Board Coasters - If you want coasters that are fun, different and even appealing to men, you'll want to check out these coasters. They are fantastic for a home office, by the computer, or even on a coffee table as a conversation piece. I really like how they are made from actual circuit boards. I think they are a very clever way to reduce waste.
TerraCycle Products can be found at Target, Home Depot, Walmart, Whole Foods Markets, and online. Be sure to check out TerraCycle on Twitter & Facebook too!
Happy Upcycling!
Happy Upcycling!
I did not receive any monetary compensation for this post. I was provided with TerraCycle prouducts at no cost for review. The opinions expressed here are my own. Please see Terms of Use for more information.
August 11, 2010 9:13 AM
This is awesome! I love it.
August 21, 2010 1:30 AM
So clever!
September 1, 2010 10:20 PM
Genius. Who comes up with this stuff! Makes me want to get creative with our own junk here at home... get the kids involved...
September 7, 2010 3:34 PM
TerraCycle is such a wonderful organization. I watched a show about them when they first started out. They come up with useful and clever ideas to upcycle, recycle and make money. My daughter has a large Capri Sun bag by TerraCycle and uses it for school. There's also a Capri Sun pouch recycling program at her school where the students can receive prizes. It's a bit of a pain to cut and rinse the pouches, but so worth it.