The amount of waste being produced all over the world is shocking. According to the National Geographic, 91% of plastic isn’t being recycled. Tons of plastic has been produced for decades, and the beauty industry has contributed a lot to this number. Many brands are creating products that are within in disposable materials, which will take over 1,000 years to decompose. Just think about it – the next blusher or highlighter you buy, the compact will still be around in 3019!
A lot of people are unaware that some makeup brands have their own recycling programmes. They’re trying to encourage their customers to be ‘green’. Here are a few of them:
Back to MAC Recycling Programme
MAC has been running this scheme for a few years now. All you have to do is bring in 6 empty MAC product containers, it can be from any product such as lipstick tubes, foundation bottles, eye shadow pots and blush/highlighter compacts. You can return them online through their website or in your nearest MAC store and you will have a free lipstick of your choice. On their website it reads, “Because we share your commitment to the environment, MAC accepts returns of its primary packing through the Back To MAC Program.”
Credit – https://www.greenmatters.com
Recycling & Be Rewarded Kiehl’s Recycling Scheme
Kiehl’s accepts empty containers and bottles from their customers and recycle them to support the idea of making our environment more sustainable. Sometimes they even give out freebies! Back in 2006 they had a successful programme which provided customers with a free product of any size in return for three Kiehl’s containers. Since then they have ended the programme but occasionally promote recycling.
Credit – https://www.treehugger.com
The Guide on How to Recycle Your Makeup Bag:
The majority of us get confused on how to recycle our products, where to recycle them and what we can recycle. So here’s a few tips:
WET WIPES – It is a common mistake made by many people to either flush their wipes down the toilet or try to recycle them. They should always be put in your rubbish bin as they pollute our water supplies and clogs up landfill sites.
COTTON BUDS – They should be put in your normal waste bin as they aren’t recyclable. You should never flush them down the toilet as they block the systems and pollute the water.
MASCARA WANDS – You can donate your used mascara wands to the Appalachian Wildlife Refuge. They discovered that the fine bristles were perfect for caring after the animals. They are used to groom them, examining injuries, removing dirt and cleaning equipment.
Credit – https://www.greenmatters.com
Here is a link to their website if you want to learn more about their scheme or even donate some wands! https://www.appalachianwild.org/wands-for-wildlife.html
FOUNDATION BOTTLES – You can only recycle foundation bottles if they are made of glass, the pump must be removed, and the bottle must be cleaned.
SHAMPOO BOTTLES – These are recyclable as long as the cap is removed and all excess product has been washed out.
MAKEUP BRUSHES – No brushes are currently allowed to be recycled, even if the hairs are vegan friendly.
So next time you’re about to throw one of your products away, just think, can I recycle this?
Let us know how you’re helping to make our environment more sustainable through our Instagram or Twitter @Fashion_north
