This post is sponsored by PepsiCo Recycling, the nationwide initiative on a mission to increase the U.S. beverage container recycling rate through community engagement. TerraCycle® is proud to spread awareness about the PepsiCo Recycle Rally, one of the nation’s leading beverage container recycling initiatives for K-12 schools.
In a season full of holiday planning, traveling, and entertaining, it’s easy for even the most eco-conscious among us to slip when it comes to sustainability; on average, household waste increases by 25% during the holidays, in part due to all of the single-use dining disposables and beverage containers used during get-togethers and holiday celebrations.
You can reduce your waste impact without sacrificing your traditions. Recycle your beverage bottles and cans through the PepsiCo Recycle Rally: a K-12 school initiative challenging young people to recycle and engage with their communities. Since 2010, nearly 5,000 K-12 schools have recycled 100 million bottles and cans. This holiday, divert bottles and cans from landfills to see them to a second life and make the New Year’s resolution to keep up the green activity year-round.
The winter holidays are also a time for charity, but many of us (especially young people) may not have the spare time or money to help. Recycling is one way to raise money for important causes, while also protecting the environment by reducing waste any time of year. Companies in the aluminum industry pay more than $800 million for recycled cans each year.
While this is one of the simplest, most well-known ways to earn money through recycling, PepsiCo Recycling is a more kid-friendly and community-driven program that is also a great way to earn rewards for good. K-12 schools have received portions of $1 million in prizes to support schools, which have the chance to earn reward points that can be redeemed for supplies and recycling bins (if they need them) throughout each school year, helping schools help themselves.
In the end, the holidays are about fun and togetherness. Looking for a DIY project as a way to spend time with your family and friends? Then consider upcycling your old plastic bottles and soda cans and giving them a whole new life as a bird-feeder, planter, or cute bracelet.
Being more mindful of the ways you can reduce your own environmental footprint is important, and companies like PepsiCo are there to help you. The more people like you participate in energy-saving waste reduction activities, the closer we’ll be to a sustainable, peaceful Earth.