This fall, have your friends go green with envy while you go green for a more beautiful world (and a more beautiful you). Get good karma & get free stuff!

Here’s the latest in little green gems:

Origins, a cosmetic company that prides themselves on being all natural, is now taking back any empty beauty container to be recycled, regardless of what brand it is. Kudos to them for making this move, as it appears to be an industry first.

Why you should do it:

• Approximately 1/3 of all landfill waste is made up of every day packaging items.
• Many community recycling programs only take items made from materials that are easily recognized as being recyclable, like water and soda bottles.
• Amongst items that are not often recognized are cosmetic and toiletry bottles, tubes, caps and jars- so these are more often than not trashed, like last week’s boy toy, instead of being recycled.

What you’ll get in return: a FREE sample of your choice of one of Origins high-performance skincare products. And of course, bragging rights for doing your part to save the ozone layer, since global warming doesn’t mean a better tan.

MAC also offers a similar program, called “Back to MAC”. Bring in any six empty MAC containers (eyeshadow containers, lipstick containers, empty compacts, foundation bottles, etc) and you’ll receive a free full size lipstick. I’ve been hearing that if you take it to a store and not a counter, you can get an eyeshadow instead of a lipstick.

Tip: You can depot your eyeshadows & put them in a palette instead. It’s easier to carry around & work with a palette as opposed to the little pots, and you’ll get your six empty containers faster.

Chanel Jade nail polish is a must have for manicures this season. The Jade Nail collection was just released at Fashion Week this year & has been popping up in many beauty blogs.

Lastly, I urge you to check whatever products you’re using and make sure that you’re giving money to companies who aren’t using it to hurt harmless baby bunnies and other cute critters. Makeup can’t mask an ugly heart- for a list of cruelty free cosmetic companies, you can visit www.caringconsumer.com, where they are giving away a free pack of LUSH (all natural, handmade products) soaps.

What do you guys think about animal testing & cosmetics?

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