As a custom thermoformer, we are proud to manufacture our own line of proprietary plant trays and containers to support the horticulture industry. And when the need and opportunity arise, we're happy to support the education and learning of the next generation of horticulture leaders.
As an example, we donated 1,800 square pots and 90 matching carry trays to Peace by Peace, a Florida-based plant nursery and peace movement that supplies indoor air-purifying plants to school students.
Through its Green Classroom Initiative, Peace by Peace works to reconnect students with nature and teach them about caring for plants. Other Initiative goals include decreasing toxins and increasing oxygen in classroom air to help students perform better. It's an incredible program with an even more impressive set of goals, and we're happy to play a small part.
“T.O.'s donation to Peace by Peace's Green Classroom Initiative improves the quality of our plant gifts to students, and we greatly appreciate their contribution,” said Garrett Collins, who founded Peace by Peace with his brother Russell.
Peace by Peace has provided plants, propagation demonstrations and educational presentations during 23 visits to 15 schools in Florida and Louisiana. It also helps build community, church and school gardens throughout the area.
“In the past, we have organized with local nurseries to recycle their pots,” Garrett Collins said. “This worked well for us, but now that T.O. is our partner, our gifts to the schools look even better.”
The first set of T.O. Plastics’ square pots went to 15 students in Christina Bise's kindergarten class at Discovery Elementary School in Deltona, FL, on March 8. “The students were very excited to have their own organic indoor air purifying plants to take care of and learn from,” Collins said.
Plants have the potential to teach incredible lessons - which are especially important to learn early in life. Responsibility, compassion, nurturing - many important life skills are wrapped up in the act of caring for a plant. The hope of learning these lessons at this early age is to foster better, more positive school environments and relationships - and encourage interest, commitment, and responsibility for the earth.
“One student said he wanted to grow up to be like us and to plant the Earth,” Collins added. “We love influencing the next generation and improving their lives. We hope they all go on to do great things in the community and make the world a better place for everyone.”
Our thermoforming facilities are located in Minnesota, but we ship product across North America, supporting plant growth in Canada, US, and Mexico. And this opportunity allowed us to expand our support of the horticulture industry into education and inspiration.
Seemingly small gestures can make a world of difference. 1,800 square pots = 1,800 new plants = potentially 1,800 students. Just imagine the ripple effect!
As a horticulture supporter, and steward of our earth, it is our responsibility to find ways to make a difference. We seek out opportunities to contribute our talents, treasures, and products to support our community, our industry, and our world. We've also donated pots to the Growing Center, a non-profit horticultural therapy center in Frederick, PA.
If you have a need that aligns, please feel free to contact us: