Tom's of Maine launches recycling initiative, charity drive

Tom's of Maine has partnered with TerraCycle, a company specializing in recycling and upcycling, on its new Tom's of Maine Natural Care Brigade.

The free collection program enables consumers to keep packaging from all Tom's of Maine products and other brands out of landfills, according to the company.

As part of the initiative, the company is also introducing the Tom's of Maine Less in Landfills Sweepstakes, through which Brigade participants can earn $1,000 for the nonprofit or school of their choice.

The Tom's of Maine Natural Care Brigade accepts toothpaste tubes and caps, mouthwash bottles and caps, deodorant/antiperspirant containers, plastic soap wrappers, and floss containers, regardless of brand. For each piece of packaging collected and sent in, the collector earns points that can be put toward charity gifts or converted to cash and paid to any school or nonprofit organization. Any individual, family, group, or school can join for free at TerraCycle.com, and all shipping costs are prepaid.

Through the Less in Landfills Sweepstakes, Tom's of Maine Natural Care Brigade leaders have up to three chances to earn more money for their school or charity. Effective immediately, each shipment from a Brigade location received before November 30, 2012, will count as an entry into the sweepstakes to win $1,000, with a maximum three entries per Brigade location.