Terracycle’s Loop

I’ve realized that I may have to treat Wednesday and Thursday as my “blog” weekend. Posts are just not working out for me midweek while I’m teaching.

School tends to make me feel rotten and my brain feel like mush. This week was no exception. So I just want to share some positive things I learned about this week because there’s way too much negativity out there this week for me.

When I panicked about truly realized the impact of disposable packaging and more specifically, the fact that I would have to give up some of my favorite products, I started googling to find out whether or not some of my products were recyclable. It was then that I found Terracycle.

Terracycle is a company that from the sounds of it, have figured out how to recycle ALL types of plastic. Even all those plastics that I thought couldn’t be recycled and I had been throwing in the trash. Terracycle will accept your plastics and recycle them fully. (They can recycle old plastic toys, cigarette butts, bras, clothes…it sounds amazing and if it’s this legit, in my mind it needs to become more of a “thing” in our society.)

I thought all my prayers had been answered.

I didn’t have to give up my Burt’s Bees! I could still use Crest toothpaste and my plastic toothbrushes! Applesauce pouches for my kids were no longer a concern!

And then I thought about it. Like really thought about it…

I don’t want to save all my trash and put it in the mail! That is not a realistic solution long-term! I’ve actually been saving some of our non-recyclable things in my basement while we phase into other solutions. It’s super annoying!

(Side Note: Every time I’m annoyed by the growing pile in my basement and I think, “Ugh – this sucks! Just throw it out, Julie!” I remember that by throwing it out, I’m just passing that annoyance on to Mother Earth. And she can’t tell me how annoyed she is by my trash…and the other 7.5 billion people’s trash…)

I realized I had to find different solutions for me and my family. Especially since only some of the Terracycle programs are free; others cost per box. Still, I love what they’re doing and I am SO happy they’re out there doin’ what they’re doin’.

That love was upped in a big way this week.

Did anyone see the news on Loop??? If not, you have to read this article, or google it and read about it for yourself.

My minimal understanding of Loop is that Loop is a new Terracycle program that involves sustainable, refillable packaging from some of the more popular, commercial brands. Crest mouthwash in a glass bottle. Axe deodorant. Food products that I know and enjoy. 

My understanding is, you order on the Loop website, it’s delivered in a sustainable Loop Tote. Once you’re finished with a product, you return the containers in the Loop Tote and receive more. (Do you see the Loop there?) It’s like the Milk Man on steroids.

!!!!!!!

You guys…I’m convinced it’s because of all the emails I wrote.

You know, all the ones I wrote barely a month ago. It’s clear that they’ve been working extremely hard on getting this up and running in less than a month, based on my urging to phase out single use plastics. 🙂 (I really need a win…)

I really want Dorito’s to join Loop. So bad. Perhaps all they need is an email from me…

I’m so happy that even though I’m sure Loop won’t be available in my area for many years, it feels like the tides are turning. And I feel it’s about time product manufacturers take some responsibility to slow down and reverse the plastic problem we’re in.

Another positive this week is that in my school building, our Student Leaders, under the wonderful leadership of a fellow teacher, have teamed up with Crayola for their Color Cycle program. Which means we can now recycle markers at my school.

All smiles from this girl when that email came through. 🙂

I also woman-ed up this past Tuesday and I called Duma’s Meats (my local butcher) to clarify the mixed signals I had been getting. After an awkward, rambling 17 minute conversation, things were explained and the floor manager said she totally understood where I’m coming from and would tell the workers to watch for me and my reusable containers.

Most establishments tend to remember their weird, slightly psycho patrons…..at least I’ll be memorable...

She also said that she lives in the country and sends nothing to a landfill and now I want to study under her tutelage.

3 positives that helped me through my work week. I hope more continue to show up.

And now I’m off to contact Dorito’s about their packaging…

(And in case you’re wondering…I did contact Terracycle and I believe that although certain “types” of recyclables are “sponsored” by one brand or another, that they’ll accept similar products of different brands.)

Update: Had to add this link about the European Union banning single use plastics!