From trash to treasure!

MIS employees upcycle for a cause

BROOKLYN, Mich. — One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. At least that’s what the employees of Michigan International Speedway say.

The staff of the track, in partnership with TerraCycle, have pledged to upcycle paper and plastic goods that would normally be thrown into the garbage.

In return, TerraCycle will pay MIS Cares, the track’s charity component, up to two cents for every piece collected so the wrappers can be turned into cool, every-day products such as pencil bags, laptop cases, flower pots and toys.

“We have pledged to do everything we can, not only as a business, but as individuals, to minimize our effects on the environment and set a positive example that ‘every little bit counts,’” speedway President Roger Curtis said.

So what can be upcycled? Drink pouches, potato chip bags, candy bar wrappers, cookie wrappers, energy bar wrappers, pens, markers and highlighters — you name it. Just about anything can be upcycled by TerraCycle.

Sandy Moore, the speedway’s receptionist, is one of the active participants in the speedway’s program.

“It’s really easy to participate,” she said. “I really feel like I’m making a difference and keeping trash out of the landfill every time I drop in a gum wrapper or a cookie bag. It takes a little bit of guilt out of eating that junk food, too,” she added with a giggle.

Wrapper collection boxes are in the racetrack’s breakrooms. Collected wrappers will be sent to TerraCycle, who will make a donation back to MIS Cares.

TerraCycle collection boxes have also been placed in area Subway stores. All wrappers collected will benefit MIS Cares.

MIS Cares is the charitable component of Michigan International Speedway that raises money and distributes dollars through grants to non-profit groups in the region. Some organizations that have been or are being assisted by MIS Cares include Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor, Boys and Girls Club of Lenawee County, Hospice of Lenawee, Boy Scouts Great Sauk Trail Council, Allegiance Heart Center in Jackson, Mich., the Ryan Newman Foundation and The Conservation Fund through its charity, Racing for Wildlife.

MIS Cares has several fund-raising events planned for 2010 including “Fish Your Bass Off,” a bass-fishing tournament, Aug. 12 on Wampler’s Lake right down the road from MIS, and a NASCAR Day party at Jerry’s Pub on May 21. Watch for details on www.MISpeedway.com.