I love Tom’s of Maine. To me, the name is synonymous with great products and environmental stewardship — a winning combination. To that end, Tom’s of Maine does not conduct animal testing or include any animal-based ingredients in its products. The company divulges every ingredient, its purpose and where it comes from at tomsofmaine.com. Tom’s of Maine makes it a priority to use sustainable practices in every part of its business. The company does not use artificial colors, artificial flavors, fragrances or preservatives in its products. Especially of note: Tom’s of Maine endeavors to use recycled content in its packaging and make it recyclable when it has reached the end of its useful life. To maximize its products’ recyclability, Tom’s of Maine has teamed up with TerraCycle to provide a second life for empty and used toothpaste tubes, toothbrushes, floss containers, mouthwash bottles, soap packaging and antiperspirant and deodorant containers. “TerraCycle’s purpose is to eliminate the idea of waste,” a statement on TerraCycle’s website reads. “We do this by creating national recycling systems for previously non-recyclable or hard-to-recycle waste.” Your organization can sign up and join the Tom’s of Maine Natural Care Brigade, and while you’re at it, sign up for any of the other 40+ Brigade programs available through TerraCycle at terracycle.com/en-US/brigades/. You can join as many Brigade programs as you like. For each approved item that TerraCycle receives, your collection location will be awarded two TerraCycle points, which can be redeemed for a variety of charity gifts or for a payment of 1¢ per point to the school or nonprofit organization of your choice. Now, for all of the bonuses: The program is free, there are no signup or participation fees and the shipping is covered by the program. Once you have joined the Tom’s of Maine Natural Care Brigade, follow these simple steps below to receive your TerraCycle points:

• Collect enough approved items to fill up a box or bag: toothpaste tubes, toothpaste caps, floss containers, mouthwash bottles, mouthwash caps, deodorant containers and caps, soap packaging and toothbrushes. Remember to reuse a shipping box or bag and use eco-friendly padding.
• Download a free shipping label from TerraCycle.com. To acquire a prepaid label, simply access your TerraCycle account online, and click “SHIP US YOUR WASTE.” You can print them out yourself or request that TerraCycle send the label.
• Ship the box to TerraCycle by affixing the prepaid postage label and dropping it off at a UPS Store location.

For more information, visit the Tom’s of Maine Natural Care Brigade FAQ page. Make sure to check out other eco-friendly Tom’s of Maine innovations as well.