Last February, ELLE editors along with a team of experts reviewed hundreds of submissions for our thirteenth annual recognition of the best in eco-friendly and sustainable beauty. From Dove’s bottled products, now made from 100% recycled plastic packaging, to French heritage brand Guerlain’s goal to help save a billion bees in the next ten years, the 2020 Green Beauty Stars not only deliver results, they also leave a lighter footprint on the planet in the process.

While the COVID-19 crisis has drastically changed the current state of our world, its future remains in the balance making these beauty brand’s efforts to be more sustainable all the more critical. The need to treat each other and the planet with kindness is now.

MEGA™, a leading construction toy brand has unveiled a Free Nationwide Recycling Program to give new life to old toys. The partnership with international recycling leader TerraCycle®, will recycle used Mega Bloks®, Mega Construx™ and other non-electronic MEGA™ toys to create new products in Canada.   Through the Blocks and Bricks Recycling Program, consumers can send in MEGA toys to be recycled at no charge to the consumer. Participation is easy. You can sign up for the program at www.terracycle.com/blocks-and-bricks-en-ca, then mail in your blocks and bricks using a prepaid shipping label you can print at home. Once collected, the blocks and bricks are cleaned, melted into hard plastic and remolded to make new products from the recycled materials. This may include playgrounds, picnic tables and park benches, to name a few. The Blocks and Bricks Recycling Program is open to any individual, school, office, or community organization interested.   This comes on the heals of MEGA's new line of building products made from plant-based materials, released earlier this year. As part of the line, all products come in Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified packaging that is fully recyclable. "Our plant-based blocks were the first step towards creating a more sustainable future and we are excited to continue the momentum as we believe that with every step, together we can make an impact," said Bisma Ansari, SVP of MEGA. "By teaming up with TerraCycle, we are providing builders a more sustainable option to dispose of their well-loved toys and the ability to recycle our toys for free. We are very proud to continue our commitment towards a greener planet, one block at a time, as we build a brighter tomorrow together."   For more information on this initiative and TerraCycle's recycling programs, visit www.megabrands.com/en-ca/environmental-initiatives.  

COURTESY OF BRAND Whole Blends Gentle Shampoo Oat Delicacy Garnier walmart.com $8.20

WHY IT EARNED THE GH SEAL

  Our Beauty Lab chemists were so impressed with Garnier Whole Blends Oat Delicacy Shampoo. It delivers ultra-gentle, non-drying, shine-boosting results. And, when used with other products from the same line, left hair incredibly soft and moisturized.   1.      IMPRESSIVE POWER. Pair the mild shampoo with Oat Delicacy Conditioner and Detangling Milk (also GH Seal Stars!) for a regimen that will leave hair softer and stronger – without weighing it down. 2.    NONIRRITATING FORMULA. The shampoo, conditioner and detangler trio is great for adults and children struggling to find products for sensitive scalps. In consumer studies, testers of all ages found the routine gentle on their scalps and hair. 3.    DELICATE FRAGRANCE. In Lab evaluations, our beauty experts liked that its soft, sweet scent wasn't overpowering and helped create a soothing experience in the shower. Testers agreed too! 4.    SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING. You can feel good knowing that the bottle is made with 30% recycled material. Garnier also works with TerraCycle to keep hard-to-recycle beauty product packaging out of landfills.

With Earth Day every day, our pals at L’Occitane are sharing some super-creative ways to upcycle your empty products, so you can have fun transforming your empties all while reducing waste in your home. Let’s get crafty! —Vita Daily   planting new terrariums. Turing your empty L’Occitane jars into plant pots is a simple and creative way to both add a touch of green into your home and repurpose those beautiful glass packaging—bonus points if you throw in some of your own compost!   flower power. Another way to bring a little bit of nature into your home is to repurpose an empty shower gel bottle into a stunning hanging vase for your most beautiful flowers. Simply tie some string around the bottle, place your favourite flowers inside and voilà! For some added fun, you can also change up the colour of the bottle with some paint.   spice it up! Upcycling your empty L’Occitane jars into cute kitchen storage is both easy and practical. Just clean out the empty jar, and use it to store anything from spices to nuts, small fruits and even leftover sauces.   wait it out. If you’ve tried out these ideas and still have empties that you don’t know what to do with, don’t worry! Just hold onto the packages until L'Occitane stores reopen again, bring in your empties and they will be recycled in partnership with TerraCycle. In exchange, you will receive 10 per cent off your next skin and body care indulgence purchase at L’Occitane.   loccitane.com

Every April 22 marks Earth Day, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year! We can act at different levels to protect and preserve our planet, starting with choosing fair trade products and brands, reducing our waste and recycling. Discover now 3 easy steps to create your eco-responsible beauty routine: are you ready to start?  

1. Choose Functionalab, Canadian cosmeceuticals and nutricosmetics

Natural ingredients Products based on active ingredients from nature for exceptional skin health.   Precise dosage Products formulated according to rigorous clinical research to ensure optimal effectiveness.   Support for ecological organizations Join the movement! Dermapure donates $ 1 - for each online order of Functionalab products from April 22 to 24, 2020 - to support Earth Day Network, the world's largest environmental movement recruiter.  

2. Simplify the beauty routine

All in 1 Let yourself be charmed by the application of products targeting several objectives, such as Gel or Functionalab cleansing and toning milk . Active ingredients that cleanse, remove make-up and balance the skin's pH in a single product!   Tailor-made Selecting products that meet the specific needs of your skin will avoid the famous trial-and-error - the primary cause of wasted beauty products - in addition to ensuring optimal efficiency. You can also take advantage of a free consultation with one of our skin experts to find out which products are made for you!  

3. Recycle skin care products

  An essential habit Have you finished your jar of cream or serum? Remember to clean and recycle your containers! If knowing how to recycle the different materials is a real headache for you, discover the solution near you by consulting the TerraCycle ^® program .   ›Ready for an eco-responsible beauty routine? Do you want to be accompanied on your health and beauty journey? Contact one of our experienced consultants now! Make an appointment for your free consultation or call 1 877 781-1811   ›Be part of the Dermapure community Subscribe to our newsletter , do not miss any news or promotion and take advantage of $ 25 off the clinic treatment or the Functionalab product of your choice *!   * Offer valid on Functionalab products for all orders of $ 150 or more before taxes, and on treatments not provided by doctors.  

Through the Blocks and Bricks Recycling Program, consumers can send in MEGA toys to be recycled at no charge to the consumer. Participation is easy: consumers can sign up on the program page at www.terracycle.com/blocks-and-bricks-en-ca then mail in their blocks and bricks using a prepaid shipping label that can be printed at home. Once collected, the blocks and bricks will be cleaned, melted into hard plastic and remolded to make new products from the recycled materials, which may include playgrounds, picnic tables and park benches, to name a few. The Blocks and Bricks Recycling Program is open to any individual, school, office, or community organization interested.   "MEGA is giving builders of all ages a unique opportunity to divert waste from landfills," said Tom Szaky, TerraCycle's founder and CEO. "By collecting and recycling items that are typically not recyclable through municipal programs, consumers are given the opportunity to think twice about what is recyclable and what truly is trash."   Earlier this year, MEGA released a new line of building products made from plant-based materials. As part of the line, all products come in Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified packaging that is fully recyclable.   "Our plant-based blocks were the first step towards creating a more sustainable future and we are excited to continue the momentum as we believe that with every step, together we can make an impact," said Bisma Ansari, SVP of MEGA. "By teaming up with TerraCycle, we are providing builders a more sustainable option to dispose of their well-loved toys and the ability to recycle our toys for free. We are very proud to continue our commitment towards a greener planet, one block at a time, as we build a brighter tomorrow together."   For more information on this initiative and TerraCycle's recycling programs, visit https://www.terracycle.ca.   About Mattel Mattel is a leading global children's entertainment company that specializes in design and production of quality toys and consumer products. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain and develop children through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic franchises, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, American Girl®, Fisher-Price®, Thomas & Friends™ and MEGA™ as well as other popular brands that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television content, gaming, music and live events. We operate in 40 locations and sell products in more than 150 countries in collaboration with the world's leading retail and technology companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in exploring the wonder of childhood and empowering kids to reach their full potential. Visit us online at www.mattel.com.   About TerraCycle TerraCycle is an innovative waste management company with a mission to eliminate the idea of waste. Operating nationally across 21 countries, TerraCycle partners with leading consumer product companies, retailers and cities to recycle products and packages, from dirty diapers to cigarette butts, that would otherwise end up being landfilled or incinerated. In addition, TerraCycle works with leading consumer product companies to integrate hard to recycle waste streams, such as ocean plastic, into their products and packaging. Its new division, Loop, is the first shopping system that gives consumers a way to shop for their favorite brands in durable, reusable packaging. TerraCycle has won over 200 awards for sustainability and has donated over $44 million to schools and charities since its founding more than 15 years ago and was named #10 in Fortune magazine's list of 52 companies Changing the World. To learn more about TerraCycle or get involved in its recycling programs, please visit www.terracycle.ca.

Children’s toy brand MEGA, a brand of global manufacturer Mattel, is partnering with international recycler TerraCycle to recycle used Mega Bloks, Mega Construx and other non-electronic Mega toys to create new products in Canada.   Through the Blocks and Bricks Recycling Program, consumers can send in MEGA toys to be recycled at no charge to the consumer. Once collected, the blocks and bricks will be cleaned, melted into hard plastic, and remolded to make new products from the recycled materials, which may include playgrounds, picnic tables, and park benches. The Blocks and Bricks Recycling Program is open to any individual, school, office, or community organization interested.   Consumers can sign up on the program page at www.terracycle.com/blocks-and-bricks-en-ca then mail in their blocks and bricks using a prepaid shipping label that can be printed at home.   “MEGA is giving builders of all ages a unique opportunity to divert waste from landfills,” said Tom Szaky, Trenton, N.J.-based TerraCycle’s founder and CEO. “By collecting and recycling items that are typically not recyclable through municipal programs, consumers are given the opportunity to think twice about what is recyclable and what truly is trash.”   Earlier this year, MEGA released a new line of building products made from plant-based materials. As part of the line, all products come in Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified packaging that is fully recyclable.   “Our plant-based blocks were the first step towards creating a more sustainable future and we are excited to continue the momentum as we believe that with every step, together we can make an impact,” said Bisma Ansari, MEGA senior vice president. “By teaming up with TerraCycle, we are providing builders a more sustainable option to dispose of their well-loved toys and the ability to recycle our toys for free.”   TerraCycle’s Canadian division is headquartered in Toronto.

Mattel Inc. is taking one step closer to its sustainability efforts.   The company today launched the Blocks and Bricks Recycling Program and entered a partnership with TerraCycle for consumers to recycle Mega Bloks, Mega Construx, and other non-electronic Mega toys to create new products in Canada.   At no charge, consumers, including interested schools, offices, and community organizations, can send in their Mega toys to be recycled using prepaid shipping label. When received, TerraCycle will clean the blocks and bricks, melt them into hard plastic, and remold them to make new products from the recycled materials. New items include playgrounds, picnic tables, and park benches.   Earlier this year, Mega released a new line of building products made from plant-based materials. As part of the line, all products come in Forest Stewardship Council-certified packaging that is fully recyclable.   “Our plant-based blocks were the first step towards creating a more sustainable future and we are excited to continue the momentum as we believe that with every step, together we can make an impact,” said Bisma Ansari, senior vice president of Mega. “By teaming up with TerraCycle, we are providing builders a more sustainable option to dispose of their well-loved toys and the ability to recycle our toys for free. We are very proud to continue our commitment towards a greener planet, one block at a time, as we build a brighter tomorrow together.”   Visit terracycle.ca for more information on this initiative and TerraCycle’s recycling programs.

TORONTO — MEGA, a construction toy brand under global manufacturer Mattel, has announced a partnership with Trenton, New Jersey-based recycling firm TerraCycle.   This partnership will recycle used Mega Bloks, Mega Construx and other non-electronic MEGA toys to create new products in Canada.   Through the recycling program, consumers can send in MEGA toys to be recycled at no charge. Once collected, the blocks and bricks will be cleaned, melted into hard plastic and remolded to make new products from the recycled materials, which may include playgrounds, picnic tables and park benches.   MEGA says the program is open to any individual, school, office, or community organization interested.   “MEGA is giving builders of all ages a unique opportunity to divert waste from landfills,” said Tom Szaky, TerraCycle’s founder and CEO, in a prepared statement. “By collecting and recycling items that are typically not recyclable through municipal programs, consumers are given the opportunity to think twice about what is recyclable and what truly is trash.”   Earlier this year, MEGA released a new line of building products made from plant-based materials.   “Our plant-based blocks were the first step towards creating a more sustainable future and we are excited to continue the momentum as we believe that with every step, together we can make an impact,” said Bisma Ansari, SVP of MEGA, also in a statement. “By teaming up with TerraCycle, we are providing builders a more sustainable option to dispose of their well-loved toys and the ability to recycle our toys for free. We are very proud to continue our commitment towards a greener planet, one block at a time, as we build a brighter tomorrow together.”