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6 Companies That Will Give You Free Stuff for Recycling Your Makeup

Feb 04, 2019

If you're anything like me, you're a sucker for good marketing and cute packaging. Over the years this has led me to buy more beauty products than I could ever need, and as I've become more educated on sustainability and the environmental impact of plastics, I've started to feel real guilty about the countless containers I didn't even think twice about tossing into my trash bin. 


Dwelling on the past never got anybody anywhere, but as I've made strides to become a more conscious consumer and buy products that are better for my body and the planet, I've also done my research on how to better dispose of the plastics already in my cabinets. 


Over the past few years, SO many beauty companies have made strides to make their products cleaner and more eco-friendly, making it easier than ever to buy healthy, ethical products. But none of us are perfect, and there is still waste that comes along with most of the products we buy. 


That's why companies like the ones listed below have started programs to make recycling your empty and unwanted products effortless, and most of them even give you a little reward. Plus, you'll feel good about making a small choice that contributes to a global effort to care for our planet. 


1. LUSH


I could go on for days about why I love LUSH, but one of the many reasons is their 5 Pot Program. Basically, all you have to do is bring back five empty, clean black LUSH pots, and they'll give you a free full-sized face mask. The pots you return are recycled and reused to make new pots. 


2. BareMinerals


In September of this year, another one of my favorite clean beauty companies, BareMinerals, launched their Recycling Rewards Program, which gives you FAB points towards your next purchase in exchange for any makeup or skincare empty. 


3. Origins


According to their site, Origins was actually the first beauty brand to launch a recycling program for cosmetic packaging back in 2009. Origins accepts containers from any brand that they recycle or process for energy recovery. They don't currently offer any reward other than that good-doer feeling of saving the planet. 


4. MAC


Did someone say free MAC lipstick? Through the Back to MAC program, all you have to do is bring six MAC packaging containers (tubes, bottles, eyeshadow pots) that your makeup came in back to a MAC location. It doesn't matter if the product is used, empty or full, it just has to fall within their return guidelines. Help the planet, rock a new lipstick. Not a bad deal if you ask me. 


5. Kiehl's


Through Kiehl's recycling program, for every 10 full-sized empty Kiehl's bottles you return to them, you'll be gifted a free travel-sized product. 


6. TerraCycle


TerraCycle has partnered with Garnier to recycle beauty product packaging from any brand. All you have to do is create an online account, and they'll provide you with a printable shipping label. For every donation of 10lbs or more, you'll earn two TerraCycle points that can be redeemed and converted into donations to one of TerraCycle's charities, or a non-profit, school, or charity of your choice. You don't get a gift on this one, but there's no better reward than knowing you're helping the planet, and others. 


Know any other beauty brands that have recycling programs? Comment them below! 

By Ana Cahill 30 Mar, 2022
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By Ana Cahill 30 Mar, 2022
'Tis the season for resetting, organizing and and getting rid of all the things that no longer serve you - physically and metaphorically. A recent study actually found that 78% of people notice a boost in wellbeing when their home is tidy, and 53% say a clean home helps them feel productive. I put together a checklist that includes a complete list of things you clean in your space + in your virtual world over the next few weeks - grab it for free below!
By Ana Cahill 04 Aug, 2021
Today's National Underwear Day, and it's got me reminiscing on one of my favorite jobs ever - a bra specialist at Victoria's Secret. When I started working there at 18, it was a dream job. I adored the brand, worked with some amazing girls, and the company took great care of us in terms of competitive pay and all the free things. At this point in my life, I didn’t really know anything about sustainability or fast fashion, but I remember the first time I was asked to cut a garbage can full of “damages” (merchandise with small holes, minor stains or other imperfections) to shreds before tossing them in the dumpster, like it was yesterday. I asked my manager why we couldn’t just bring them home or donate them and she said “because the company doesn’t want anyone wearing an imperfect version of their product.” Excuse me?! I was shook by this statement, and it inspired me to start asking questions and doing my research on things like what other companies were doing with their damaged goods, who was making them, why we were getting so many imperfect items we could afford to just throw away. And so began my pursuit into sustainable fashion, supporting brands who do good for people and the environment, and educating others on how to be conscious of the brands they’re buying from. Does Victoria’s Secret still make some dang cute clothes + lingerie? Heck yeah they do, but at what cost? Good On You (my favorite app for learning about brands ethics) rates them “not good enough” in both labor and environmental impact. Thankfully, there are so many INCREDIBLE alternative brands available now that are doing good for both people and the planet. And nothing makes you feel good like looking good AND doing good. Here are a few of my favorites: Third Love Third Love was founded by women, for women, with the goal of celebrating every body type, every dimple, scar, and blemish. If they are unable to sell a product for any reason, it's donated to charities or to other causes where it can be repurposed. The founders believe in giving back to the community, and are actively donating to women’s charities across the nation. You can use the code " TL-UNDIES " to get 10% off 3 for $30 or 10% off any undie packs on your first purchase! 2. Azura Bay Azura Bay is the first sustainable undie brand I ever shopped, and I absolutely adore them. They're a small, female-owned business dedicated to providing a variety of cute and comfortable options for loungewear, bras, undies and more! You can use the code " ANA10 " for 10% off your purchase! 3. Organic Basics "Basically Better Made” is Organic Basics motto, and they live up to it with their super comfy everyday underwear from high-quality organic materials, They even weave silver into the organic cotton for their SilverTeach pieces which makes them antibacterial and heat regulating! 4. Boody Wear The most comfortable bras and bodysuits I've ever worn, and they make everything from activewear to loungewear and more, all crafted from organically-grown bamboo viscose for comfortable, sustainability, and health. Use code " ANA15 " for 15% off your first purchase! 5. Cuup Cuup is a great option for sustainably-made underwire bras. They offer forty sizes ranging from AA to H, and they partner with a vertically integrated production facility to ensure that every bra is of the highest quality. 6. Wama Underwear Wama Underwear is on a mission to "pioneer the hemp underwear industry by making the best hemp undies in the world and constantly improving the fit, function and design." Hemp fabric has many benefits like being naturally anti-bacterial , super soft and breathable, and of course it's environmentally-friendly - and unbelievably comfy! 7. Pact Their cotton basics are perfect for building a sustainable stable wardrobe. They go to great lengths to make sure their entire supply chain, from the growing and harvesting of the organic cotton to the final sewing and all the processes in between, is as clean and responsible as possible. I hope you love these brands as much I do! xx, Ana
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