Ecotality Life

Yogurt, drink pouches and worm poop? And yes, actually, I am kind of hungry as I write this…well, not THAT hungry.

I came upon a neat story that gives me the opportunity to stay within my “Green Money” realm and throw ”poop” into one of my posts. Maybe I’ll be able to now entice one of my nephews who are at “that stage” to read something I’ve written. As bright as they (hey, Con-Con and Gav!) are, I just don’t see them being engaged by solar stocks or the latest in cellulosic ethanol. Where have my siblings gone wrong?

The green gadget folks here usually have the cool, fun and entertaining items come within their realm. Sigh. But they can eat their hearts out on this one — while hopefully also eating their yogurt out (of the cups)! Once empty, those cups can be collected, turned over to TerraCycle for money, and re-used as containers for plants potted in worm poop or other related products. 

TerraCycle is a young (started in a Princeton University dorm room in 2001), NJ-based company that is the leading maker of organic plant food, as well as the first company in the world to package mass-produced product in used soda bottles. It has been heralded as one of the “Most Innovative Companies” by a prestigous business publication and has received many other accolades. The company is privately-owned (I wonder if it gives those hard-working worms a cut?), but given its fast growth and anticipated future growth, perhaps a public stock offering is in the near future.   

Under its website’s ”collect waste for money” tab, one will see “Yogurt Brigade” and “Drink Pouch Brigade.” The company will pay 2 cents for every 6 ounce and 5 cents for every 32 ounce yogurt container collected. Those who sign-up will receive boxes from the company with return postage paid. A similar set-up exists with the drink pouches. Stonyfield Yogurt is the sponsor of the Yogurt Brigade and Honest Kids the sponsor of the Drink Pouch Brigade. The money must be donated to a cause of choice — looks like it can be used by schools. This looks like a good lesson for kids in eco-capitalism (cringe…don’t like that word, but that’s another topic…). 

TerraCycle has hit the big leagues recently as heavy-weights such as Home Depot, Target and Whole Foods are now carrying its enterprising products. So next time you’re shopping at one of these retailers, you might want to look for some of that worm poop to go along with your yogurt and drink pouches (ummm…in the cart, I mean).

Yogurt program only available in CT, DC, DE, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VA, VT and WV. Drink pouch program looks like it is nationwide.

Aside: Stonyfield Yogurt is worth checking out. Not only are its products tasty and good for your health (organic), but the company was green before green was “in,” meaning it actually gives a worm’s poop (smile) about your health (human and environmental health are closely linked) and is not just using “things green” as a marketing tool.