During Earth Month 2016, Tom’s of Maine is teaming up with TerraCycle to encourage consumers – as well as kids – to adopt a few easy habits to help reduce waste.

The #LessWaste Challenge asks consumers to take the online pledge, and commit to reducing household waste by one pound per week. In-store events and displays, as well as social media, will help promote the challenge.

Susan Dewhirst, goodness programs manager at Tom’s of Maine said, “As a mother, I want to do all I can to ensure a healthy future for my daughter and generations to come. We launched the #LessWasteChallenge this year to remind families just how easy it is to make a difference, and to teach our children how they can impact their home, school and community with just a few simple changes.”

TerraCycle’s CEO, Tom Szaky, added, “Making a lifestyle overhaul can be overwhelming to someone, so the #LessWasteChallenge is the perfect way to get started. A lot of little steps add up to one big one.”

The Problem

More than 250 million tons of waste is generated every year in the United States, and a recent study by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that the average person generates 4.4 pounds of waste per day. This adds up to more than 30 pounds per week – and that can instead be composted, recycled or upcycled into other useful items for your home.

Leading By Example

Tom’s of Maine uses sustainable manufacturing practices and materials for its natural personal care products. The company has a goal of zero waste to landfills by 2020.

Through its partnership with TerraCycle, the Tom’s of Maine Natural Care Brigade enlists volunteers to collect personal care packaging from any brand, helping to keep 195,787 pounds of packaging out of landfills in 2015 alone.

Tom’s of Maine also gives 10% of profits back to helping people and the planet. Last year, the company ran its 50 States for Good Community Giving Program, and awarded $20k to the consumer who purchased the winning toothpaste tube – along with one million dollars to various local community groups.