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profile of innovation |
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| Title: |
Creative Cycle Produces Organic Plant Food |
| Organization: |
TerraCycle
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| Date: |
Monday, May 2, 2005 |
| Region of Impact: |
North America
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| Themes: |
Community Development, Ecological Flourishing |
| Keywords: |
Recycling, ecology, agriculture |
| Reference No.: |
000280 |
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Key Ideas |
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TerraCycle has developed an innovative process for creating organic
non-toxic fertilizers - the world’s first consumer product line that is
not only made completely from waste but is also packaged in waste. The
company follows ecologically sound, chemically-free methods for
delivering a product that assures the superior growth of vegetation. In
addition, TerraCycle has created innovative opportunities for local
communities such as urban community gardens and school-wide recycling
events. |
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Innovation |
The process of “terracycling” takes advantage of the natural excretory
functions of the earthworm. The cycle operates as follows: Waste from
school cafeterias is collected and used as food for worms. The worms
digest the food, and create their own waste that is turned into plant
fuel. The plant fuel nourishes plants so that they grow and complete
the photosynthesis process, generating more oxygen. The oxygen is
absorbed by humans who create more food waste, and the cycle repeats.
The process is environmentally friendly, and results in a fertilizer
with no harsh chemicals. Because the fertilizer is non-toxic, it is
practical for indoor as well as outdoor use. The company obtains its
packaging supplies with the assistance of elementary school children,
and from other companies’ surplus material. While environmentally
sound, this method is expensive because it requires obtaining materials
from a wide variety of suppliers in unconventional ways. However, that
cost is recaptured because TerraCycle is compensated for collection of
organic waste from institutions that traditionally pay for it to be
placed in landfills with other waste. |
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Impact |
TerraCycle’s plant fuel products have a positive impact on the earth by
reducing the amount of waste that is deposited into the soil and
creating more oxygen. Businesses are becoming aware of the
environmental advantages of organic fertilizer. The USDA projects that
organic food sales are growing at an annual rate of 20% each year, and
are expected to reach $20 billion by 2005. TerraCycle has captured the
market by tapping into this growth trend.
In addition to financial success, TerraCycle has had a positive social
impact on communities. The company has joined with a nationally
recognized non-profit group to develop urban community gardens and even
a new TerraCycle facility in the inner city. It has also created and
supported school-wide recycling events. |
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Inspiration |
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In creating TerraCycle, Tom Szaky has established a complete cyclical
method of production that results in a final product that is produced
by waste and packaged in waste. Earth Plant Fuel is the “first mass
produced consumer product” that has a “negative environmental
footprint.” The company has shown its commitment to the global
community by active involvement in consumer education. Most of
TerraCycle employees are students. They volunteer their summers to help
run the business, and learn skills and values first hand. The company
encourages community organizations such as churches and schools to
become involve in recycling, and provides hands-on programs. TerraCycle
employees share a passion for creating a positive change in the
environment and in society while promoting a successful product. |
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| Primary Sources |
 World
Inquiry Interview with Tom Szaky, founder, TerraCycle Rich Terwoord;
landscaper; Jim Romano, owner, Romano and Sons Nursery by Doug Blank,
Angela Galati, Zachary Gryzlo Jessica Kardos, Allison Mole, Sara
Pellissier, and Shannon Sopko
 Final_TerraCycle_Powerpoint (755.5KB)
 TerraCycle_Case_Final (34.0KB)
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| Organization Links |
 TerraCycle:Official Site
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| Additional Resources |
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BAWB Feature Story
Student aims to hit paydirt with worm poop
TerraCycle in the News
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| The
World Inquiry editorial team edited this profile from the original
submission of the interviewer or other source. The views expressed do
not necessarily represent Case Western Reserve University, the
Weatherhead School of Management or the Center for Business as an Agent
of World Benefit. More >> |
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