Earth Day post: Beauty recycling!

Happy Earth day! Lately I’ve been really obsessed with beauty products, specifically skin and hair care. Personally, I have so much trouble throwing away beauty product containers because often it’s beautifully packaged and I’d rather reuse it than toss it. I’ve been tempted to invest in some Tatcha empties people are selling online, but I’m still thinking I’d like to try the products first. Moneycrashers has some info on a few beauty recycling programs with rewards (though some might not be active).

I’ve noticed a few interesting posts and emails on recycling for beauty products, so I thought I’d round up a few of these programs in one place:

bareMinerals

A few days ago, I saw an ad for bareMinerals recycling program, which seems like a great example. Looks like you can actually be rewarded for trading in your empty containers:

“Send back a recycling kit to earn 20 points, or for each item you recycle in store, we’ll reward you with 5 loyalty points (maximum 5 items per day, per customer). Sign up for a free bareMinerals Good Rewards loyalty account online or at a bareMinerals boutique.”

Back to MAC

MAC Cosmetics recycling program makes me want to use their products more!

“Through our BACK 2 M·A·C take back program, M∙A∙C is working to reduce the environmental impact of our packaging by helping to reduce the amount of plastic sent to landfill.

Upon returning six empty M∙A∙C makeup containers to a participating M∙A∙C counter or sending via mail, consumers can choose a standard M∙A∙C lipstick of their choosing as a thank you. Please note, Lipsticks provided at no charge cannot be returned or exchanged. Consumers who are M∙A∙C Lover loyalists may choose a standard Lipstick, Lipglass or small Eye Shadow. M·A·C Lover Back-to-M·A·C Expanded is only available in stores at this time. LEARN MORE”

Eva NYC

I recently received an Influenster VoxBox for Eva NYC‘s Tone It Down Purple Shampoo and Conditioner and noticed their new packaging using aluminum bottles! It was kind of exciting to see that their packaging is more earth friendly and they participate in Terracycle’s recycling program.

Loop x Ulta

I remember reading about this program with Ulta and Loop to provide conscious beauty in reusable containers, but it doesn’t appear to be available on Loop’s website anymore:

“We’re teaming up to give you easy access to beauty and personal care products from leading brands in durable, returnable packaging.”

LUSH Bring it Back/Take Back program

Lush started their Bring it Back/Take Back program in 2008 where customers can bring back five empty Lush black or clear pots to be recycled, in exchange for a free fresh face mask.

TerraCycle

I noticed a number of great brands can be recycled with Terracycle to recycle empty bottles, aerosol cans, etc. Terracycle has free recycling programs in partnership with a huge list of companies, including Acure, Amika, Aussie, Babybel, Bliss, Burt’s Bees, Deciem, Eva NYC, Garnier, Gatorade, Glow Recipe, Head & Shoulders, Herbal Essences, Kopari, L’Occitane, Living Proof, Murad, Pantene, Paula’s Choice, Schwarzkopf,Tide, TULA, even Wellness Pet Food!

I got an email from Murad about their recycling program with Terracycle, which just involves filling out a form to get a free label and then mailing your empties to give them a second life. There’s no extra reward other than knowing your expensive product containers aren’t going to a landfill, which is actually a pretty good thing.

Zoya Earth Month Exchange

It’s a shame Zoya only runs their recycling program once a year, but I guess it must be popular. Here’s the text from their email:

“Just a reminder… Only 2 weeks left. Do you have old, dusty (not so environmentally friendly) unwanted, bottles of nail polish? Trade them in for brand new Zoya colors, the world?s first toxic-free, longest wearing natural nail polish and let us properly dispose and recycle your old stuff! We’ll even give you a $5 credit for every bottle you purchase of a new Zoya Nail Polish (0.5oz Polish) towards. And (wait for it) Shipping is on us in the continental USA. See zoya.com for all details. Tell a Friend!”

This is a very short list compiled from a few emails and ads I’ve seen for programs. If you know of any more recycling programs (in the beauty industry), please let me know. It would be nice to know what brands are rewarding customers for recycling!