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Tom Szaky (on the right) started out as a young man with a dream and a whole lot of . . . worm poop. Really! He first encountered a worm composter as a student at Princeton, and once he saw how organic fertilizer was born, he was hooked. Eager to turn this earth-friendly process into a business, he dropped out of school and soon landed a million bucks in capital investment.

Unfortunately, the money came with directives that didn’t mesh with Szaky’s green focus. The whole endeavor almost came to an end until he realized he could move the business forward with the cost-cutting step of repurposing discarded soda bottles as packaging.

Today TerraCycle not only sells that same fabulous organic fertilizer in recycled plastic bottles, they boast an entire line of 100% recycled products. Whether you go for fertilizers, cleaners, or any of their “zero carbon footprint” products fashioned from recycled drink pouches (the pencil cases are my favorite), you’re getting something cool and helping the earth. Want to do more? Sign up for the Drink Pouch Brigade; it’s a great way to involve kids and earn money for their school.

It’s no wonder the New York Times called TerraCycle the most eco-friendly business on the planet.

— Mir

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  • Terracycle produces a variety of products including items for: plant food, household cleaners, holiday items, school & office supplies.

  • All products are made from waste & recycled products.

  • Revolution in a Bottle, by Tom Szaky describes the wild, entrepreneurial adventures of starting the Terracycle business.

  • Fertilizer & Plant Food: Product developed from worm poop, bottles are recycled plastic pop/water bottles.

  • Fertilizer has no harsh chemicals and is good for the planet.

  • Backpacks, lunch bags and pencil cases are made from juice pouches/cookie wrappers.
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