For the Reporter
Hazelwood Elementary students are cleaning up the environment and earning money for their school.
By simply collecting Capri Sun® drink pouches, Hazelwood students can win playgrounds, park benches and recycling bins for their school or community.
Capri Sun is increasing the prizes and benefits of recycling through the Drink Pouch Brigade, the free recycling program operated by eco-pioneer TerraCycle, in order to mark the milestone of almost 200 million drink pouches collected and almost $4 million given to charity since the start of the program six years ago.
“We needed money for our library due to budget cuts,” said Brigade leader Erin Wickstron. “We have recycle bins in each hallway and the kids drop their pouches in after lunch. Each week, we collect the bags from the recycle bins, put them in a box and mail them off.” For each piece of waste Hazelwood Elementary returns, students earn points toward charity gifts or a cash donation to their school.
The Auburn community can help students recycle more drink pouches. Interested residents can contact Erin Wickstrom at Hazelwood Elementary at 253-931-4740 or ewickstron@auburn.wednet.edu.
“As the Drink Pouch Brigade reaches its sixth year, we are thrilled Capri Sun is giving dedicated collectors even more to look forward to this school year,” said Tom Szaky, CEO, TerraCycle. “We hope the prizes will encourage people to keep even more waste out of landfills and get the larger community involved.”
To learn more about or sign up for the Drink Pouch Brigade, visit www.terracycle.com. The program is free to any interested organization or individual, and all shipping costs are paid.
