Subscribe to My Mobile Link
TerraCycle Partners with OfficeMax to Take Recycling to a New Level
Want to win a free eco-binder or cleaning products? See details below.
As the lazy days of August start, I am reminded that I have to get my children ready for school. This include shopping for clothes, school supplies, and doctor appointments.
Last year, I wanted to buy eco-friendly binders for them. I looked into both the recycled vinyl coated and cardboard binders. The vinyl coated ones were too expensive especially when you have to buy multiple notebooks for many children. The cardboard notebooks were only available via the Internet, so I was not able to see how sturdy they were. Plus, I had to pay shipping for a box full of binders. So, I ended up buying the standard heavy duty binders hoping they would last the whole year. Guess what? They did not and are clogging up a landfill as I write this article.
Why office supplies? When I questioned Albert Zakes, Director of Press Relations about this decision, he replied that Tom (the CEO) sees TerraCycle as the new Proctor and Gamble offering a multitude of eco-products for our needs.
OfficeMax’s expertise in office supplies combined with TerraCycle’s ingenuity in making trash into treasure is a wining combination. “At TerraCycle, we believe that OfficeMax is the ideal retailer for our products,” said Tom Szaky CEO and Founder of TerraCycle as stated in the OfficeMax press release. Szaky further states, “they share our vision of making products from waste and supplying them to a mass audience without charging a premium. We are excited to help achieve that goal with the help of an industry leader like OfficeMax.” The key is that these products are being offered at competitive prices and are relatively easy to obtain.
The binders are made out of sturdy 100% recycled cardboards and 90% recycled metal rings. They are priced as follows:
1 Inch: $3.99
1.5 inch: $4.49
2 inch: $4.99
As I mentioned above every Fall, I buy a bunch of vinyl clad binders which evidently fall apart in a couple of months. The vinyl skin comes apart and the corners fray. So, what happens to the notebooks? I tear them apart and recycle the cardboard and throw out the rest. What a waste…literally.
With the new eco-binders, I will no longer have to throw away the vinyl part, which will not decompose in the landfills. As protection for the corners I figured I would cover the binders with a book sock to see if this helps the corners not to fray. If your kids are creative, then they can decorate each of the cardboard binders in their own styles to distinguish them for each different subject. OfficeMax will take back the binders when the its life has been exhausted.
The pencil holders are made out of old juice pouches collected by TerraCycle as part of a school/not for profit fundraising program. The program pays schools two cents a pouch. “The program helps to challenge kids to rethink what happens to the materials they discard and ways those materials can be re-used,” as stated in the OfficeMax press release.
The first time I opened a pencil holder, I smelled a grape juice smell. Zakes assured me that all the juicy pouches were cleaned. I happen to love grape juice so reaching in to get a pencil will be delightful rather than a chore. The pencil case is priced at $1.99 for a small case and $2.99 for a medium case. My wish is that the pencil cases had holes in them so that they could fit in the binders. This way the case could not get lost.
While we are on office and school supplies, what office would not be complete without a nice trash can or recycling bins? Better yet, how about a trash/recycle bin made out of recycled plastic to close the loop? I have the TerraCycle recycling trash can conveniently located right by my desk. However, it could easily be placed under my desk. Now, everyone has no excuse not to recycle paper. Priced at $10.99.
If the school and office arena is not enough, then TerraCycle wants to clean up your life too with their TerraCycle Natural Cleaners bottled in one liter used soda bottles. The Company offers an All purpose Cleaner, Window Cleaner, and Degreaser. According to OfficeMax’s press release, “over 80 billion plastic bottles were discarded and ended up in landfills.” Zakes explained that the plant based cleaners are all non toxic, biodegradable, and have received the Canadian government’s EcoLogo certification.
I am not a big fan of smelly cleaners. However, the faint smell of these cleaners did not bother me. I tried both the all purpose and window cleaners, and liked both of them. Priced at $3.99 for the Window and All Purpose cleaners and $5.99 for the Degreaser.
Let me know your experience with any of the above products. I would not be surprised if you visit OfficeMax, and find more TerraCycle products that I did not mention in this article. It is really hard to keep up with them!
The Giveaway:
TerraCycle has been very generous and has offered five lucky Green Talk readers a choice of either a binder or a set of All Purpose and Window cleaners.This contest is for US residents only.
In order to win, all you have to do is leave a comment about something you would like to learn about. Winners will be randomly selected, so the quality of your comment does not matter. It is just fun for other readers to read. However, if you do not leave a comment as requested, you will not be considered. The contest will end August 14, 2008 at 6 pm eastern time. The company will send your choice to you directly. Good luck!
Photos via OfficeMax.
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you either sign up for my free email updates via FeedBlitz, or subscribe to my RSS feed!
on August 2nd, 2008 at 8:45 am
it is very comforting to read about the important progress in recycling materials.
in a mature society, there should be no waste.
planning the many creative ways to re-use spent goods will teach the next generation to enjoy resources to the ultimate best.
ah! the sound of a clean conscience..
thank you…
on August 2nd, 2008 at 11:06 pm
Nicely stated Nadine! Anna
on August 4th, 2008 at 8:09 am
I’d love to learn about how to make your own fabric softener. I hate all the harsh chemicals on the store-bought ones.
Thanks for the giveaway chance!
on August 4th, 2008 at 8:39 am
That is so cool. I’d love to learn more about recycling materials into other cool stuff. I can’t believe they use old juice boxes!
on August 4th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
I’m so glad to hear about the binders (my kindergartner doesn’t need one yet, thanks!) and the other recycled back to school goods. I’ve been cringing thinking about the wave of consumption about to hit.
MamaBird/SurelyYouNests last blog post..Green Moms Carnival
on August 5th, 2008 at 8:35 am
I would love to learn different ways to re-use products to make crafts and gardening projects.
on August 5th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
I am so impressed with the number and assortment of green products that are available now. Thanks for the info on these. Please enter me in the giveaway.
on August 5th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
As a teacher, I would love to have these eco-friendly supplies and cleaners to emphasize to students the importance of protecting the environment.
on August 5th, 2008 at 10:57 pm
I’d like to learn more about how to get involved in our communities and to get restaurants/schools/neighbors to recycle more. At this point, when we have to pay to recycle….there aren’t too many willing people!!
on August 6th, 2008 at 1:42 am
I love the fact that this company reuses just about anything to make things new. Why can’t we use our garbage to make stuff? What a great concept. I’d love to learn more about how they get their products for recycling. Do they take donations? I’d definately set aside all of my soup can labels or juice boxes to know they were going to such a great company. Thanks for the great contest and for drawing attention to such a great company. Thanks!
on August 6th, 2008 at 4:59 am
I’d like to find a crafty re-use your own garbage book.
on August 6th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
I am looking forward to learning more about green kippot in your future post which sounds great! hope the sponsor will give you one for a giveaway b/c I would definetly walk around the city promoting it.
anyways, thanks for another great green giveaway, the eco-friendly cleaning products is specifically the kind of things our family aims to use and this would be a great addition.
on August 6th, 2008 at 11:56 pm
I would like to learn a new language. We have a lot of Spanish speaking customers and it would be nice to know what they are saying and to be able to help them better.
on August 7th, 2008 at 8:49 am
I’d like to learn most about the active ingredients in natural cleaners. Because I’d love to make my own outside of using just vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda and peroxide. Thanks for the great giveaway!
Jennae @ Green Your Decors last blog post..Green Rooms in a Box Series: A Bedroom fit for Two Boys for Under $5000
on August 10th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
These are great! Just what I have been looking for. I would love to learn how to make stuff out of juice pouches. I have seen bags and wallets that are made out of them also, and would love to be able to make them!
on August 10th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
I would like to learn how to make my own cleaning products that would be healthier for my family. Thanks!
on August 11th, 2008 at 10:12 am
i’d like to learn about how to remove stains from clothes. i’ve heard many diff ways, but my (kids’) stains tend to be very stubborn. it’s getting to be a big headache!
on August 11th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
How do I get my used juice boxes & one liter used soda bottles to the folks that recycle them???
on August 11th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Sherrill, they only take a particular juice box so check their site. In addition, you can call them to see if anyone in your area is collecting them or in the alternative, if you belong to a religious organization or have kids at a school, you can start on yourself by signing up on their website.
As of a while ago, they stop collecting soda bottles because of freight costs. I am hoping they will resume this great program. Again, check with them and see where the soda bottle collection stands. If you have any problems, getting in contact with them, contact me and I will get your questions answered. Anna
on August 12th, 2008 at 10:36 am
I would definitely like to try out one of these binders. As a teacher and mom to two teens, I cringe every year on the last day of school to see garbage bins in the hallway full of tattered binders going to the landfill. Count me in!
Half-Past Kissin’ Times last blog post..Not sure who to vote for? How about my mom?!
on August 12th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
What a wonderful company!!! I’d like to learn about other recycling fundraisers out there- it’s such a great way to involve kids with recycling and with supporting an organization. I’ve seen fundraisers where your organization earns money for each used ink cartridge sent in…any others out there?
on August 12th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
Hanna, take a look at my post, Eco-fundraising Made Easy and profitable ( http://www.green-talk.com/2007.....rofitable/) to give you more ideas. Note the Staples program has changed so I am looking for new ink cartridge program that pays good money. Anna
on August 12th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
Half-Past, I can totally relate. With four kids, you can imagine. This is why this year I am buying these binders and putting book socks on them. Anna
on August 12th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
I would like to see schools involved in recycling and start using some used school supplies in arts and crafts classes.
on August 13th, 2008 at 3:10 am
I learned how you can make your own cleaning products.
Hil’Leshas last blog post..Free Sample A Perfect World for Eyes with Purchase at Origins
on August 13th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
I would definitely like to try out one of these binders
on August 13th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
The schools should find ways to incorporate recycled goods into every day things (ie paper etc)
on August 14th, 2008 at 6:55 am
i would like to learn about different eco-friendly art products, since most art supplies have a lot of chemicals in them
on August 14th, 2008 at 7:12 am
i would really like to learn about different products that i usually buy that are eco-friendly, so i can continue to buy them
on August 14th, 2008 at 8:04 am
I have been cleaning and saving all of the plastic containers food products come in from coffee cans, creamer bottles, plastic trays etc. and would like ideas on how to use them to keep them out of the landfills. I would also like to learn how to use discarded organic matter for pest control, gardening etc.
Thanks!
on August 14th, 2008 at 10:39 am
I would love to learn more about how to compost without the smell.
on August 14th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
I would love to try the cleaning products. The thing I want to learn more about is composting.
on August 14th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
I am so glad these are now available near me. No more shipping cost. I hope to convince my daughters school to start recycling their juice pouches and cookie wrappers. Thanks for the info.
on August 14th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
i would love to learn how to make compost properly
on August 15th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
These are neat, but check out Sustainable Group’s Rebinders. The rings can actually be removed making the cover recyclable. They have other great accessories to go with the binders as well. Our school has been using them for some time and the kids love them!
on August 15th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
Right on!
on August 15th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
Brad, I know your product well and love it too! Anna
on October 9th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
I’ve seen the rebinders from Sustainable group and they are excellent. It’s good to see someone finally making these binders from a recycleable material as it helps me teach my kids about the value of recycling.
Brians last blog post..7700 Series Swivel Task Chair, Olefin Fabric, Black, HON7701AB10T
on October 9th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
Brian, to be honest, I did not think Rebinders are very durable without a book sock. I looked at them and thought they were thin. Terracycles’ are so much heavier and thicker. Right now we are in our second month of school and the Terracycle ones are holding up. Anna
on November 16th, 2008 at 12:48 am
Too bad I missed the contest, but oh well.
Just wanted to drop by and let you know that I think it is pretty cool all the new sustainable and green products that are available.
Anyword on whether WholeFoods will carry any of these kinds of items? I know they primarily focus on food, but they have the whole body section, and the clothing store now….
Matts last blog post..Quantum of Solace
on November 16th, 2008 at 1:18 am
Matt, not that I know of. I would like to see Office Max carry it on their online store so they are accessible to everyone. But, it does not hurt to mention it to your store manager. Perhaps they would consider selling them! I do lots of contests, so you should either check back, or sign up for my email or RSS feed! Anna