Q&A: Preserve CEO Eric Hudson

ToothHugger sat down with Preserve founder and CEO Eric Hudson and learned more about how his company is changing the world, one tooth at a time.

What’s so clean and green about Preserve?

This year, Preserve will keep one million pounds of #5 plastic out of landfills—transforming it into new Preserve products. Preserve is powered by individuals’ and companies’ recycling efforts via the Preserve Gimme 5 program. Gimme 5 accepts #5 plastics that many municipalities do not currently recycle—such as yogurt cups and other common household containers. All Preserve products are BPA-free and all recycling and manufacturing is done in the USA.

How did Preserve get started?

In 1996, I wanted to start a business that developed creative ways to conserve and re-use the earth’s resources. There was a lot of recycling going on back in the early ’90s but there weren’t a lot of companies putting those materials back into new products. I saw an opportunity in that 45% percent of people recycled and thought they would have an interest in products made from their efforts. The biggest opportunity was with #5 plastics. They weren’t being recycled well nor reused well. And there you have it. I also wanted to start a company I’d feel good about coming to every day.

What’s your favorite Preserve product?

Picking a favorite isn’t easy. I would pick a product from the Preserve Kitchen line like the Preserve Cutting Board, which I use every day, or the Preserve Mixing Bowls, which are extra wide for easy mixing and come in fun colors like all of Preserve’s products!

What makes you smile brighter?

My Preserve Toothbrush! Kidding aside, we smile at Preserve knowing that our products are not only made from recycled materials but from the recycling efforts of people nationwide who are looking for ways to lighten their environmental footprint and find products for their homes that are good for the earth and for them.