Colgate announced that it would participate in a recycling effort with ShopRite stores in a recycling initiative launched by TerraCycle. TerraCycle said the Oral Care Brigade program would “encourage healthy smiles and environments among school children and consumers.”
The program, which is scheduled to last through June 30, targets eligible schools located throughout New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Connecticut, and Maryland. If they join the Oral Care Brigade program, the schools compete for a new playground made completely of recycled material.
The Oral Care Brigade is a free recycling program run by Colgate and TerraCycle. Schools earn one “Playground Credit” for each shipment of empty toothpaste tubes, toothbrushes, and floss containers sent to TerraCycle. Schools can earn additional Playground Credits by encouraging parents and teachers to vote online by logging onto www.terracycle.com/colgateshopriteplayground.
“Colgate is committed to contributing to our communities and respecting the environment,” said Justin Skala, President, North America and Global Sustainability, Colgate-Palmolive. “Programs like the Colgate Oral Care Brigade and Recycled Playground Challenge offer us an innovative way to reinforce these commitments and for consumers to positively impact the environment by repurposing their Colgate oral care products.”
The winning school with the most Playground Credits will be announced by July 18, and the playground will be installed during the 2014/2015 back-to-school season. The first runner-up school will win 500 upcycled tote bags, 500 upcycled pencil cases, 500 upcycled pens, and a $750 ShopRite gift certificate. The second and third runner-up schools will win 250 upcycled tote bags, 250 upcycled pens and a $500 and $250 gift certificate, respectively. Finally, five honorable mention participants will win 250 upcycled pens and $150 ShopRite gift cards.
In addition to donating gift certificates for the runner-up schools, ShopRite is also encouraging community participation in the contest with displays throughout its stores.
The Colgate Oral Care Brigade program are making a difference for the environment and their community. The initiative is an ongoing activity open to any individual, family, school, or community group. For each piece of waste sent in using a pre-paid shipping label, participants earn money toward donations to the school or charity of their choice.
“At TerraCycle, collecting the oral care waste is only half of the story,” explained Tom Szaky, TerraCycle Founder and CEO. “The real magic happens when our partners choose to reuse the waste in a way that has a lasting benefit a community, like Colgate and ShopRite have done with these playgrounds.”
For instructions on how to participate in the Recycled Playground Challenge, please visit www.terracycle.com/colgateshopriteplayground or your local ShopRite retailer.
To learn more about the Colgate Oral Care Brigade program and to sign up, please visit www.terracycle.com/colgate.
