Contest: America Recycles Day Video Contest

USAgain, the company that helps divert millions of pounds of clothing and textiles from landfills each year, announces today its first annual America Recycles Day Video Contest to benefit schools.

In honor of America Recycles Day (November 15, 2011) USAgain invites K-12 schools to submit short videos (2 minutes or less in length) highlighting how their school is making a difference by ‘going green.’ Videos will be judged by USAgain on their creativity and clarity of message and winners will be awarded cash prizes of $500, $300 and $250 respectively. The video will be featured on the USAgain’s website and promoted through their social networking channels.

“This contest is a great way for schools to highlight their recycling efforts,” said Mattias Wallander, CEO of USAgain. “We encourage kids to get creative and have fun with this challenge!”

The contest is a fun and educational way to raise recycling awareness and earn cash for schools. The contest is open to all K-12 schools. While mention of USAgain in the video is mandatory, the schools do not have to be enrolled in USAgain’s Greenraiser program to participate. All entries must be received before November 30, 2011. Contest winners will be announced on Jan 9, 2012.

USAgain, a leader in the textile recycling industry, with corporate headquarters in Chicago, is a for-profit company that recycles and resells unwanted clothing and other textiles. In 2010 alone, the company collected 56 million pounds of discarded clothing. USAgain operates over 10,000 collection bins in fifteen states. Their mission is to provide consumers with a convenient and eco-friendly option to rid themselves of excess clothing, which are then diverted from landfills.

Buying Green: New Green Products

Kids can get into injuries all over - on the playground, playing sports, and even getting scrapes indoors. Omyst helps you treat all sorts of injuries (well, it won't set a broken bone, but it takes care of a lot of other common wounds). The bottle is small, so it's easy to carry around. It's made with 100% organically grown herbs and is the first patented organic first-aid spray. Instead of being an ointment that can irritate kids as you push to spread it around, it's a fine spray that dries quickly, helping wounds like cuts, scratches, rashes, bites, and minor burns. The ingredients are specially blended to treat mild injuries: Calendula soothes, softens and reduces inflammation; Yarrow kills a wide range of bacteria and prevents fungal growth; Plantain restores, kills germs and helps stop bleeding; Wild roses rejuvenate, soothe and heal. The spray is non-toxic and safe for all ages. It's easy to use, and my daughter actually enjoyed the cooling feeling of the spray as well!

Also for parents - Dr. Drip Coffee provides a single-serve brewing system. Just add hot water! The packets are recyclable and compostable, easy to use, and come in several varieties, including one 100% organic variety.

Then there's the Vapur - a very portable BPA-free reusable water bottle. When it's empty it rolls up, so you can stick it in any bag without wasting space. There are two sizes, one of which is perfect for kids, and it comes in many fun designs so kids and parents alike will enjoy using it.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary bottle of Omyst, package of Dr. Drip, and Vapur bottle to facilitate this review.