I partnered with Tom’s of Maine in exchange for sharing my honest opinion and this information.
Did you know that April is Earth Month? It is a pretty important month seeing as we all have to live here as do our future generations. Earth Month is a reminder that we need to keep the planet healthy and clean.
Tom’s of Maine is a company that believes basically everyday can be Earth Day. For over 45 years they have been inspired to make natural, effective products while still nuturting the environment. With the average family producing nearly 125 pounds of trash every week, Tom’s of Maine is encouraging families to keep as much waste out of landfills as possible.
The #LessWasteChallenge is a challenge to reduce 1lb. of waste a week. Just 1lb. which really is not much if you think about it. If everyone reconsiders that 1lb. of waste, landfills will not fill up as quickly, every little bit really does help.
What are some ways to save waste?
- Use reusable containers (baggies = .84lbs.)
- Bring your own grocery bags (plastic bags = .93 lbs.)
- Use your own travel mug (paper cups = 11.13lbs.)
- Switch to a reusable water bottle (plastic bottles = 3.61lbs.)
- Switch to ebilling and pay bills online (wood for paper = 23lbs.)
- Unsubscribe from mailing lists (junk mail = 41lbs.)
- Send online greetings (cards = 1.78lbs.)
- Use washclothes (paper towels = 45lbs.)
I challenged my neighborhood to help with the #LessWasteChallenge for just a few days. I put a blue recycle bin on my porch and my kids and neighborhood kids filled it up with recyclables.
Once the bin was full, I put out some scissors, tape and markers for the kids to make some recyclable creations. Now for my family this is not something new. My kids regularly are pulling toilet paper tubes and boxes out of our recycle bin to re-purpose them. Now we got the neighborhood kids involved and all the kids actually asked if we could make our “recyclable party” a regular thing! It is a great way for kids to learn about recycling, repurposing and reducing their carbon footprints.
Now that I showed off our #LessWasteChallenge party, I wanted to talk a little bit about the company behind our inspiration.
Tom’s of Maine features:
- Products contain no artificial fragrances or preservatives.
- No animal testing or animal ingredients.
- Tom’s of Maine has invested in hundreds of nonprofit efforts by giving 10% of its profits back to organizations that support people and the planet and by encouraging employees to use 5% (12 days) of paid time to volunteer.
- Most Tom‘s of Maine products are vegan, kosher and halal certified and gluten-free.
- All packaging is recyclable through a partnership with upcycling leader TerraCycle or participating municipalities.
Tom’s of Maine came out with some awesome videos on items they created with recycled items:
Check out the Goodness Report and see how Tom’s of Maine is taking the #LessWasteChallenge everyday from its ingredients to waste.
Don’t forget to pledge that your family will take the #LessWasteChallenge!
Stay Connected with Tom’s of Maine:
Tom’s of Maine WEBSITE | Tom’s of Maine FACEBOOK
WIN IT: (1) US winner will receive a Tom’s of Maine Prize Pack
Need help entering a giveaway? Check out my blog post for some help!
GIVEAWAY ENTRY:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This Giveaway Ends April 22, 2016.
Sarah L says
I’m a big recycler. And I try to buy only necessities.
Thanks for the contest.
Lisa L says
We try our best to recycle most of our paper and plastic goods
Michelle S says
I choose to recycle (everything possible) over re-purpose the majority of the time
DEBIJOT says
We recycle our aluminum cans.
AEKZ2 says
My city has a recycling program. They pick up my recyclables once a week
Nicole Lancaster says
I do the normal recycling glass and paper products in the recycling bin and I also try and repurpose items like plastic milk jugs and toilet paper rolls as craft materials for my children.
Anne says
Aside from sorting and recycling as much of our trash as possible, I repurpose food containers when I can, too. For example, I use a pretty jar next to the sink to hold brushes and scrapers, and I find clean peanut butter jars are perfect for storing things like dog treats.
J C JR. says
Cool story, dog
Michelle Coles says
We recycle everything we can here and it gets picked up every 2 weeks!!
rosemary says
wow
Dandi D says
We recycle everything that we can to reduce our garbage.
Emilee Bond says
My daughter and I just love making crafts with used items! We love adding ribbon from presents to make hair bows or in crafts/scrapbooking. She loves to make little characters out of toilet paper rolls! It’s just lots of fun.
Christina G. says
I recycle everything that my county allows: plastic, glass, paper, etc. Thanks for the giveaway!
trixx says
We use recycle shopping bags for groceries and general shopping
Stacy says
We are fortunate that we have curbside recycling, although only plastic #1 and #2, so we recycle everything we can at home. I try to use as much no-waste packaging as possible, but if I do have something (like a water bottle) that needs to be recycled when I am out, I bring it home to make sure it gets recycled. We also take glass that we don’t repurpose to the local recycling center because that is not included in our pick-up
EMMA L HORTON says
WE RECYCLE PLASTICS, PAPERS, CARDBOARD AND GLASS
Brandon Sparks says
We recycle every 2 weeks here in my town
Susan Smith says
I recycle all of our paper and glass and aluminum goods! I also reuse plastic bags that I get from the store.
Susan Smith says
I recycle all of our paper and glass and aluminum goods!
Lesley F says
We recycle paper, plastic & glass
bn100 says
recycle paper
Angela says
I recycle everything that my city’s facilities takes
Maryann D. says
I do recycle or re-purpose by putting out all of my plastics, or glass to be picked up by my town and I also donate a lot of clothing and items for someone else to use.
Noelle Carroll says
we recycle every week our bottles, cardboard, newspapers
Gail S. says
We have a recycle bin for paper, plastic, glass, aluminum
Rajee Pandi says
we recycle old bulbs and water bottle
Elicia P says
We have the larger trash can as our recycle. Also, reusable water bottles are a addiction here!
Katherine Oliveira says
I always recycle whenever possible. I upcycle jars and cans and other containers.
Cassandra Eastman says
We repurpose old milk jugs as watering cans!
Jenny Willis says
I reuse glass jars to organize my garage.
Suzanne Fleming says
I wash all our cans and take them to our metal recycling center. It’s a little work but I feel good about it!
Candace Galan-Calderon says
We recycle cans and other things, reuse things such as mason jars and if we do get some plastic bags from the store to use in our bathroom trash can.
Mary Agloro says
We recycle or reuse most things. I bought a pack of microfiber clothes that I am using without chemicals and that means less paper towels as well. I take reusable bags when grocery shopping. Often do not get a bag for small purchases. I put our old clothing in bags and save for ARC pickup. They pick them up several times a year.
KELLY KROL says
I recycle everything that I can
Becky VanGinkel says
I love re-purposing items!! I keep egg cartons, tin cans, and different cloths for craft projects with the kids, instead of throwing them away. When our older children grow out of their clothes, I keep them for the younger kids or cut them up and use them for rags or sew little pouches for the kids out of them. I’ve turned our sons jeans into cute little jean skirts and hair bows for our little girls 🙂 I love looking at things people might consider trash and seeing how I can re use them! I call it upcycling 🙂
[email protected]
Christina A. says
We try to recycle all of our paper and glass and aluminum goods! We live rurally and quite far from the closest recycling center but really try!
Sandra Watts says
I really try to sort everything out and recycle what I can. I am trying to be more conscious about buying products with less packaging and eco friendly.
Maria C. says
We recycle almost everything that we can. From cardboards to plastic, bottles, aluminum cans & papers & so much more. This is a very simple way to help save & preserve the environment
joyce Frederick says
I recycle every thing I can. I feel it is my contribution to keeping the environment cleaner.
Linda G. says
I recycle everything I can, we have a recycle bin that they pick up along with our regular garbage.
Cheryl Chervitz says
I recycle all of my cans and paper.
Jeanne Coulombe says
I try and recycle everything I can make a purpuse for it. Crafts for the kids I use toilet paper rolls to hold cords and wrapping paper.
vera wilson says
The little plastic meat pkgs, will use in the cooler when packing stuff to take off. They are great for sliced fruits, etc.
David says
I put out out in the recycling bin for pick up
Connie McCullough says
Our city has a good recycling program, so anything we can recycle through the city, we can. We re-purpose a lot of used things into arts/crafts – toilet paper rolls, old clothes for fabric, bottles and jars, etc.
Laura says
I try to recycle everything that I can and we reuse plastic grocery bags as trash can liners and cat litter bags.
Laura says
I try to recycle everything that I can and we reuse plastic grocery bags as trash can liners and cat litter bags.
Laura says
I try to recycle everything that I can and we reuse plastic grocery bags as trash can liners and cat litter bags.
Laura says
I try to recycle everything that I can and we reuse plastic grocery bags as trash can liners and cat litter bags.
Courtney McGarvey says
I make sure everyone in my home recycles all our plastic, paper and cans.
Liberty J says
I repurpose various items into art or craft projects 🙂
Christina Moore says
I recycle all of our plastic containers and cans
Michelle R says
We recycle everything we can and fill a huge garbage can every two weeks. The harder thing for me is repurposing. I do however reuse cardboard boxes for gift wrapping and storage. Egg cartons go to school for crafts.
Wilma P says
Our town recycles plastic, glass and aluminum so we just put stuff in the recycle bin and they pick it up same day as the garbage is picked up….2 different trucks of course.
Local church recycles newspaper.
No excuse not to recycle.
Also, any clothes, etc. in good condition are taken to the local Good Will store.
Melissa R says
I’m lucky to have recycling at my apartment complex, which makes it easy for me.
sheila ressel says
we recycle paper, plastic, aluminum cans and cardboard.
Liz Blake says
We recycle all of our plastic containers and our newspapers.
tammy says
I recycle everything that is plastic
Emily Benzing says
I recycle everything that I can like cans, bottles, etc. I also reuse plastic bags for everything. Sometimes I bring my own bags to stores.
Holly Thomas says
I recycle newspaper and plastic grocery bags.
Gina N. says
We recycle everything possible, use reusable water bottles, and re-purpose many things for craft projects.
Sue E says
I LOVE to recycle & I challenge myself! I reuse shopping bags – like Walmart’s, etc.
We use tap water & fill up our travel cups, keep them in the fridge, & grab them when we need them. Then we repeat the process. We recycle plastics, cans, paper products, our newspapers, donate clothes & other items. Our village has recycle bins so they help in making recycling easier!
Chelle says
We recycle everything! We actually fill up our outside recycling bin faster than our garbage bin.
shannon fowler says
i always use reusable water bottles and bags. i also will use some packaging things as craft ideas for storage
Becca says
I almost always use reusable water bottles. I also own my own bags for the grocery store!
Rebecca Orr says
We recycle our cans and bottles. Plastic, aluminum, and glass. I am going to look into recycling our paper products too.
Ty says
Recycling is a big deal in my community. We recycle paper, plastic, glass, etc. As long as it has the recycle symbol, we do so. There is a reward program for those who participate that makes it fun and rewarding.
Donnie Johnson says
I recycle beans & potatoes, pork chops, steak, Just about any kind of food. It makes great vertalizer.
Jackie says
We recycle paper, plastic, batteries, aluminum and glass.
Thank you!
tiffany c (@sweetmatcha) says
I reuse toilet paper rolls and milk gallon jugs as planters, also I’m crafting with old magazines to make coasters and pot holders. I love to reduce, reuse, recycle things from the home!
Sharon Kaminski says
We recycle by using grocery bags for garbage.
Abigail says
We try to recycle everything possible and just added a container in our bathroom so those recyclables dont get thrown out anymore.
Kara Kudro says
We try to resuse anything that we can, and also compost for the garden
Kara Kudro says
We recycle everything we can and are blessed to have our city pick up recycling once weekly
Lauren says
We recycle e-waste at my husband’s work.
Cynthia C says
I recycle everything possible at our local recycling center.
Cheryl says
We recycle paper, plastics, and metals faithfully and reuse whatever we can.
Kayla @ TheEclecticElement says
Truth be told we can be better when it comes to recycling things. We do have a recycling bag we hang off our pantry door but sometimes people forget and just throw things away in the regular garbage. As for recycling I enjoy buying newer, vintage, or broken jewelry and upcycling them into new jewelry pieces 🙂
Thank you for this awesome giveaway!
Shelly Leatham says
We have a recycle can that is picked up every 2 weeks and we recycle everything possible! We also compost!!
Jacquelyn Cannon says
I love to recycle. My family and I usually recycle items such as used batteries (I take them to a waste handler to dispose). I also recycle paper products, which include newspapers, magazines, catalogs, junk mail, printer paper, envelopes, gift wrapping paper, cardboard, and egg cartons. I take the paper products to the local waste haulers.
Dayna says
I try and recycle as much paper and plastic as I can. Used gum wrappers, receipts, bottle caps, toilet paper rolls, etc.
Mia says
We use our recycling containers faithfully including our food waste which gets hauled off and turned into compost.
Allison Swain says
I usually recycle as much as I can. Our recycle bin gets picked up every week so its easy for me to recycle 🙂
Thanks for the giveaway!
Jan Lee says
We recycle plastic bags, glass bottles and newspapers, then take them all to the local recycling center 🙂
Nancy says
We always recycle paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, etc. We donate gently used items to charity for re-use.
Christina Foley says
I actually recycle and repurpose everything I possibly can, I hate waste! Food scraps that can, get recycled in the compost for our garden. I recycle everything that is allowed and it gets picked up weekly in our city like the trash. I use old prescription bottles for small craft items, save them for the local rescue we volunteer for, any glass bottles get reused for storage or crafts.
Edye says
I love recycling! I try and help the planet anyway I can 🙂
Karen Adams says
We recycle cans and plastic bags and also reuse glass jars like pickles,honey etc
laura feist says
i recycle everything i can
June S. says
Our family has recycled everything now for over six years. It truly makes a difference in the amount of trash that goes into the landfills.
Rosa says
I re-use gift bags and when I use a gift box, I only wrap the top so it can be re-used later.
Julie Lundstrom says
I recycle cans, newspaper, magazines, and bottles.
Dana Rodriguez says
We recycle paper and glass. We also upcycle through Freecycle donations.
Dana Matthews says
I recycle magazines. After I finish them, I take them to my local library. I reuse plastic containers that sandwich meats come in. I reuse bags that I get from the grocery store. I pass on clothes that the kids outgrow.
Anne Perry says
We reuse glass jars, recycle and reuse cardboard by painting.
Marilyn Legault says
Have to admit we are the best at recycling everything, and also washing stuff out to reuse.
Katy says
We compost, hang laundry out, use cloth napkins, reuse things as much as possible. I would love to recycle but haven’t found out how to do it well….as there are certain rules for it. Only certain things can be recycled…and sometimes you have to take off lids or other things and I am just not sure of all the ins and outs of it. 🙂
vickie couturier says
where we live its manatory to recycle,,we recyle glass,plastic,metal,etc I don’t use paper plates or napkins or towels,only the ones I can rewash and reuse
Jerry Cundiff says
I always use travel mugs, never paper for coffee, and wrap small gifts in TP rolls.