I think that this is a great idea. You see used gel pouches all over the place at common cycling routes and trails. Why not put a receptacle at trail heads, collect the pouches and use the proceeds for trail maintenance or cycling advocacy?
It’s all possible now due to a new partnership between GU Energy and recycling pioneer TerraCycle with the Performance Nutrition Brigade® sponsored by GU Energy Labs.
For every two pounds of packets returned, TerraCycle will award points which can be used for charity gifts or converted to cash and donated to the school or non-profit organization of the collector’s choice.
The Performance Nutrition Brigade will accept foil packets for any endurance gel food, regardless of brand. Shipping is free and any school, organization, family or individual is welcome to participate. The waste collected will be recycled into new, innovative consumer products ranging from flowerpots to recycling bins to playgrounds.
“As manufacturers of performance nutrition, there is nothing more deflating than seeing spent gel packets on the road or trail during a run or ride,” said GU VP Marketing, Adam Chamberlain. “While we still need to encourage athletes to stash their trash, we are excited and proud to offer our community a way to recycle our packaging and reduce our and their impacts on the beautiful places we play.”
“By offering consumers a way to responsibly dispose of their energy gel packets, GU provides the ideal product to the active environmentalist,” said TerraCycle CEO and Founder, Tom Szaky. “By participating in the Performance Nutrition Brigade, GU fans can now enjoy the endurance foods they love and feel guilt-free about the waste the individually-wrapped snacks produce.”
People interested in the Performance Nutrition Brigade® sponsored by GU can sign up for free at www.terracycle.com. Once an individual or organization is signed up, the packaging can be mailed to TerraCycle in any cardboard box.
Collectors download a UPS pre-paid shipping label directly from their account and drop boxes off at any UPS store or pick-up site. Performance Nutrition Brigade®members must send at least two pounds per shipment to receive TerraCycle points.
Ron is the chief cook and bottlewasher at Bike World News, doing everything from website design to bike reviews.
Websites:
Bike World News
Ron’s Bike Garage
Current Bike Quiver:
Bird Bikes Zero 29 29″ hardtail mountain bike
Commencal Absolut 26″ Dirt Jump/Pump Track bike
Commencal Tempo 29″ full suspension mountain bike
Felt ZA 700c race bike
Kona Kilauea vintage 26″ mountain bike
Niner RLT9 700c road/gravel bike
Specialized Stumpjumper vintage 26″ mountain bike
Day Job: Digital Marketing
Night Job: Digital Marketing, eCommerce Consultant, Web Consultant, Bike Shop Operator, Husband, Dad, Tenor