Raise your hand if you have tons of empty or expired skincare or beauty packages that you wish you could recycle!! Yes, this is me too!! I have a collection of MAC Cosmetic lipsticks/lipglosses and I have a bag full of mascara wands that is ready to be shipped off. Let me share with you in honor of EARTH DAY some great organizations and options for beauty recycling!!
Terra Cycle if you haven’t heard is an organization that recycles everything!! In a partnership with Garnier…they have created a free recycling program for all brands of skin care, hair care, and cosmetic packaging. Amazing news, right?! It’s easy to do…just join their program and download a free shipping label or you can search the map on this website for recycling solutions near you. An important note, as of April 1, 2021…recycle shipments must be at least 15lbs in order to earn Terra Cycle points which is an added incentive for consumers. These points can be redeemed for charitable donations, non-profit organizations or schools. This is really an incredible resource for us BEAUTY enthusiasts! YAY Earth and giving back!
Nordstroms which is my personal ‘MotherShip’ of stores has a BeautyCycle program to help recycle a wide array of products for eventual reuse. There are collection bins in the beauty department. They also are committed to giving you sustainable options for beauty purchases. They want it to be easy to find elements that align with your values from sourced materials to the ingredients. Please go to link to view the list of acceptable products that they collect. Just another reason to be Nordies #1 fan!
Loop by Ulta is another great option for those that wish to purchase beauty with a zero waste component. “With Loop, temporarily place a 100% refundable deposit to borrow the packaging, and we'll professionally clean and reuse it once you're finished.” They even deliver your products in a reusable tote! When you’re done with the product, just schedule a pick up from your home or you can use UPS. Once items are returned, your refundable deposit gets placed back into your account ready for the next purchase. Easy peezy!!
Back to M-A-C program helps reduce the amount of plastic sent to landfills by asking consumers to bring back their MAC containers. 6 empty M-A-C containers returned to a participating store will in turn receive a FREE lipstick of their choosing. Smooch-tastic!
Wands for Wildlife will take washed and cleaned mascara wands to use to help remove fly eggs and larva from the fur and feathers of wild animals. There is no more noble of a cause for my used wands of which I have many. I love the fact that this organization went viral after posting a picture seen at this link and is now global. This program has been paused due to the pandemic but of course, a very worthy recycling program to note.
Here is another resource link of many other beauty brands that accept and embrace recycled packaging and that also may have rewards as well.
I hope I introduced you to some easy and fun ways to recycle your beauty packages in honor of Earth Day!