recycling makeup

for another class that i'm taking at temple (environmental resources) we had to research a product that you would normally throw away when you are finished with it, and find a way to recycle it instead. my product is cosmetics. i guess everyone just throws away their empty makeup containers. they're made out of plastics that can't be recycled, so what else can you do with them? i was really unsure of what i was going to be able to find out.

the first thing i discovered is that mac makeup has a "back to mac" program. you take six empty makeup containers (they have to be mac brand) to the store, or return them via mail, and in return you get a free lipstick.

at this point, i figured i was at least on the right track, but how many people actually buy that makeup? that's where origins comes to the rescue. they just started a recycling program last month, where you can take back any of your cosmetics packaging - tubes, bottles, jars, caps, compacts, etc. - any brand! - and they will be recycled. according to the website, consumer goods packaging takes up 1/3 of all landfill waste. the more people know about it, the less waste will end up in landfills, so spread the word! origins also has a commitment to the environment and have a cool plant a tree program.

as for the other items that students in my class are researching - i will hopefully be getting a list of all the items and where they can be recycled. when that happens i will definitely be sharing it.