Reality TV Redefining “Trashy Television”

A new show on the Pivot network titled “Human Resources” is putting a whole new meaning to trashy television.

The “reality docu-drama” will focus on Trenton, New Jersey-based recycling company TerraCycle Inc. as they recycle everything from potato chip bags to cigarette buds by turning them into colorful consumer products.

The company’s founder, Tom Szaky, hopes the show will inspire millennials  to become more environmentally conscious as both citizens and entrepreneurs.

“A lot of people have said the show is like a 20-something socially conscious reality version of ‘The Office,'” said Szaky. “I’m a big fan of content with a purpose; there isn’t that much TV out there like this.”

Szaky, now 32, founded the company in 2001 while studying at Princeton University.  Since then the company has branched into 22 offices around the world.

“The main point is to get more people to know about TerraCycle,” Szaky adds. “The second is to really inspire young people to look at becoming entrepreneurs for socially responsible reasons.”

Belisa Balaban, Pivot VP of Original Programming, is excited about Terracyle’s vision for the future.

“We knew they were a perfect fit for Pivot, perfectly aligned with everything we want to do, to create positive social change through entertainment,” said Balaban. “TerraCycle is an amazing company that’s doing amazing things,” she added. “It’s a funny place to spend time at, a place with great bold characters who are unique individuals and extremely passionate about what they do.”

The first episode of “Human Resources” airs on Pivot on Friday, August 8th.  The network currently has plans to air 10 episodes of the show in its first season.