By Gennifer Delman, Staff Writer
Do you have a strong commitment to protecting the environment? You can have more fun being green by participating in programs or purchasing products from certain cosmetic and beauty lines that are organic and eco-friendly. Here are some tips:
The skin and beauty company Origins will accept any empty cosmetic packaging (glass and plastic jars, bottles, tubes, or lipstick covers) at their store locations. It is critical that the packaging is completely empty in order to avoid contaminating the recycling process. Any packaging brought to them will be sent to a consolidation operation where it will be separated, grinded, washed, and re-palletized to use in new items.
A percentage of the packaging will also be utilized for energy recovery. The site explains that Waste to Energy facilities generate electricity and/or steam from waste by feeding mixed waste into large furnaces to burn trash and produce power. They are able to do this while strictly controlling emissions.
Origins also clarifies the frequently asked question, "Why can't most cosmetic packaging be recycled in the typical packaging way?" Recyclers can only accept items made from easily recognizable materials such as soda, water, milk, or detergent bottles. Since most community recycling guidelines don't include cosmetic closures like lipstick cases, the recyclers don't readily recognize the materials cosmetic packaging is made from.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, approximately 1/3 of landfill waste is made up of packaging from products such as cosmetics. That's why cosmetics companies such as M.A.C. have put in programs to recycle their own packaging and also reward their customers. The "Back to M.A.C Program" is a program that will accept six empty M.A.C containers and give you a free lipstick of your choice. They will accept anything from empty mascara tubes, eye shadow pans, power compacts and foundation bottles. You can return them over the counter or through their website, maccosmetics.com.
While the cosmetics line Urban Decay is known for having a great variety of vegan products, they also use environment-friendly products in their packaging. Their Sustainable Shadow Box consists of ten fabulous hues and a cruelty-free brush secured in a lacquered bamboo case. Bamboo is a durable and abundant material and is a great alternative to plastic or paper. The eyeshadows also rest in a tray made of recycled paper. Check out urbandecay.com.
The drug-store brand Physician's Formula is home to the first certified organic line of make-up in the U.S., Organic Wear. Its eco-conscious packaging paper compacts use 93 per cent less plastic than traditional compacts. All of its products are 100 per cent free of harsh chemicals, synthetic preservatives, parabens (antifungal agents used as preservatives in foods and pharmaceuticals), synthetic fragrances, animal cruelty, and genetically modified organisms. A product such as its Pressed Powder has organic oil ingredients from jojoba seeds, olive fruits and soybeans. Try organicwearmakeup.com.
Looking for organic skin care? Whole Foods offers an array of skin and beauty products that are 100 per cent natural. The Alaffia Everyday Shea Moisturizing Body Lotion comes in scented and unscented and meets Whole Foods premium body standards. The standards require mild preservatives for lowering the risk of causing allergies, gentle surfactants (which remove essential fatty acids that may irritate the skin) and natural essential oils for fragrances.