Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Hefty® & this is part 2 of a 2-part series. All opinions are mine.

Happy Earth Day! There is never a better time than now to do more for our environment and make the Earth a better place for our children and future generations. We are fortunate that the Omaha area participates in the innovative Hefty® EnergyBag™ program. This program allows you to recover previously non-recycled plastics – like chip bags and juice pouches – and convert them into valuable energy resources.

I discussed the Hefty® EnergyBag™ program with my kids, including what items can be added to the bags and why it’s important to participate. In just one week we filled an entire orange bag with non-recyclable plastics and kept those items out of the landfills.

My kids were amazed at how many plastic items we were throwing away that could be converted into valuable energy resources. Here is information on how to participate in the Hefty® EnergyBag™ program and tips to get the whole family involved.

The Hefty® EnergyBag™ program is easy:

1. Place clean and dry non-recycled plastics in your Hefty® EnergyBag™ orange bags.
2. When full, securely tie the bag.
3. Place the full orange bag in your recycling cart during your scheduled recycling pickup.

Tips for success:

1. Discuss the Hefty® EnergyBag™ program with the entire family and why it’s important to participate.
2. Display a chart (with pictures for little kids) or print the list below of items that can be recovered with this program.
3. Create a separate collection area for non-recycled plastics.
4. Challenge your family to fill up an entire orange bag each trash collection.

Here is a list of non-recycled plastics that can be collected in the Hefty® EnergyBag™orange bags:

Plastic wrappers from potato chips, snack bags, candy, and granola bars
Shredded cheese packages
Plastic toothpaste tubes
Salad bags
Pudding cups
Foam to-go boxes
Plastic cups, plates, bowls, and utensils
Squeezable baby food pouches
Frozen potato, fruit, and vegetable bags
Packing peanuts
Plastic straws and stirrers
Plastic pet food bags
Plastic liners from dry powdered mixes
Microwavable pouches
Juice pouches
Disposable razors (without the blades)
Condiment packets
Foam cups
Single-serve coffee pods (without coffee)
All other non-recycled plastic bags

This program does not replace your regular recycling program, but gives you another option besides the trash can for non-recyclable plastics. It’s an easy way to do our part for the environment.

You can purchase the Hefty® EnergyBag™ orange bags at these Metro Hy-Vee locations:

Hy-Vee #1 5150 Center

Hy-Vee #2 14591 Stony Brook Blvd

Hy-Vee #3 8909 W Center Road

Hy-Vee #4 10808 Fort St

Hy-Vee #5 7910 Cass St

Hy-Vee #6 9707 Q Street

Hy-Vee #8 747 N 132nd St

Hy-Vee #9 17810 Welch Plaza

Hy-Vee #10 3410 N 156th St

Hy-Vee #11 1000 S. 178th Street

Hy-Vee Papillion 11650 S. 73rd Street

Learn more now about the Hefty® EnergyBag™ program in the Omaha Metro area.

Leave a comment and tell me how you encourage your family to participate in the Hefty® EnergyBag™ program?