Why are Most Mascara Tubes Non-Recyclable? The Ugly Truth

Waste. Consider the impact that your consumption has on the planet. What single thing can you do this year to change the environmental impact of your habits? Taking a long, hard look at the mascara you use is a great place to start.

Saying goodbye to ugly cosmetic manufacturing practices may be easier said than done, however. Part of the problem stems from the fact that most mascara tubes aren’t recyclable. Every time you buy and use a product that doesn’t take that into account, you’re becoming part of the problem, not the solution.

Some Cosmetic Companies Pledge to Go Zero Waste

The beauty industry has pressure to adopt a Zero Waste policy when it comes to the packaging it sells its products into consumers. Accountable for how it presents its products, many cosmetic companies have vowed to reduce the amount of waste they generate by embracing recycled materials and eco-friendly manufacturing processes. Plastic, although often recyclable, ends up in the ocean, putting 4.8 to 12.7 million metric tons there annually.

Why You Shouldn’t Throw Away Mascara Tubes

Many brands of mascara contain ingredients that leech into the soil and pollute sources of water when improperly disposed of by you. Having a solution for recycling mascara tubes and wands prevents the destruction of entire ecosystems. If disrupting the circle of life to maintain your current beauty routine is a concern of yours, solutions exist to change that immediately.

How to Take a Stand Against Wasteful Consumer Practices Concerning Cosmetics

Environmentally-conscious consumers, take note. Now that you know there is a problem with mascara tubes being non-recyclable, there are things you can do about it. Learn more about the ugly truth behind cosmetic packaging and how it affects the planet negatively. Then, support companies that have resolved to take a stand against wasteful practices today.

TerraCycle, along with its partner, Garnier, has teamed up to provide a free recycling program for all types of cosmetic packaging. If the mascara has a #1 or #2 recycling symbol on it, the company helps you locate local recycling facilities willing to take on your old mascara tubes. If no such facility exists, you can print a free shipping label and send your empties to TerraCycle.

Appalachian Wildlife Center’s Wands for Wildlife Program accepts donations twice a year in February and October of used, clean mascara wands. They use the items to clean the fur of the wildlife in their care. You can vow to save your wands for the organization who has had an outpouring of support since they announced their program on social media.

The Result of Your Inspired Actions

You can look beautiful and act beautifully, too. The choices that you make concerning the type of cosmetic packaging that you buy directly affects the environment that you live in today. By opting to support companies that take into account the problem that traditional mascara tubes have by being non-recyclable, you’re stating what you will and will not condone. By utilizing the programs listed above for recycling tubes and wands, you’re doing your part to keep mascara packaging out of landfills.

Get a Glimpse Into the World of Responsible Mascara Manufacturing

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