Our northern neighbors made us proud this week! The Canadian government announced that it will ban single-use plastic by the end of 2021. Items like plastic bags, straws, six-pack rings, and cutlery will be part of the nationwide ban. The move is ultimately part of Canada’s larger goal of achieving zero plastic waste by 2030.
Next, we take a look at the ugly side of the beauty industry. In an article for Elle, beauty reporter Jessica DeFino makes people question whether it’s the end of an era for sheet masks. Sheet masks are typically made from petroleum-based fibers and are packaged in non-recyclable foil bags or non-recyclable coated cardboard. So, the 20 minutes of pampering creates excess waste that will outlive you. But what about the biodegradable versions? They’re not any better if you throw it in the garbage, because nothing biodegrades in a landfill.
Did you know many cosmetic products can’t be recycled in curbside recycling programs? In an effort to reduce excessive beauty waste, Nordstrom and TerraCycle are partnering to create the BeautyCycle program. The program will allow people to drop off their hard-to-recycle beauty items in BeautyCycle drop boxes available at 94 Nordstrom’s locations. You can drop off your empty bottles at a participating location whether or not you purchased them at Nordstrom.
The BeautyCycle program is a step in the right direction for the industry, but another great way to put your empty bottles to good use is to reuse them! Have you checked out package-free and bulk shops in your area? Many of these stores carry everything from shampoo and conditioner, to face and body lotion, oils, and more.
Is there a topic you’d like to learn more about when it comes to plastic pollution? Send us a DM on Instagram!