Tervis giving away 10,000 tumblers to reduce plastic waste

SARASOTA (FOX 13) - The company has become a Florida staple: Tervis Tumbler stands out for keeping cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot. Now they're also working to help save the environment. 

"It is a reusable plastic so it is something that can be with us, that can travel with us, can have many different functions, but at the same time really benefiting the environment," Tervis president Rogan Donelly explained.

Donelly works to keep his company's footprint as green as he can get it, and for good reason.

"The ocean is very important to me. I grew up in Florida. I'm a big boater, big fisherman," he said. "Every Tervis that is returned to us, we are able to control where it goes, so we are able to use every piece of that return in some piece or another."

The Tervis plant holds a 56-percent recycling rate and now he's asking consumers to sign a pledge to stop using disposable cups, which can take years to break down in landfills.

He'll even give you a free Tervis Tumbler in exchange. 

"I hope that it will remind people how important it is to really take care of our oceans and take care of our environment," he said. 

If you sign the pledge on Thursday, September 27, you'll receive a free tumbler with #TakeYourTervis as a reminder. 

"Something as simple as bringing a reusable plastic can really go a long way in order to deter from the pollution on the beaches, in the ocean and even the air," said Donelly. 

The Florida-based company says it will give away 10,000 exclusive, reusable tumblers on September 27. That could mean a big reduction in plastic waste.

All customers will have to do is sign the #TakeYourTervis pledge to stop using disposable cups to receive one free tumbler, until they are all gone.

The giveaway will take place at the following Bay Area locations:

- Tampa: 2223 N. West Shore Boulevard, Suite 105

- Sarasota: 319  John Ringling Blvd, St. Armand's Circle

- Osprey: 928 South Tamiami Trail

- The Villages: 1109 Main Street

For additional information, visit tervis.com.