Yes, I’m treading on the territory of MNN’s most excellent lifestyle blogger Siel. And yes, it may be hard to read about bath and beauty products when the source is a dude who reports on toilet paper and lawn mowers. But as part of my quest to help make the bathroom one of the greenest rooms in the home, I thought I'd promote a great program from a name that has an honored place in the medicine cabinets and showers of discerning folks around the globe:

 

Kiehl’s has launched a Recycle and Be Rewarded program that lets customers swap empty product containers for new Kiehl’s goodies. Bring in three empties into a freestanding Kiehl’s location and get Lip Balm #1; bring in five and get a 2.5 oz Travel Collection product; bring in 10 empties and get a full-sized product (up to $25 value).

Although Kiehl’s coveted, cruelty-free skin and body care products aren’t necessarily the greenest out there, the 158-year-old company is frequently on the forefront of eco-activism. Currently, Kiehl’s is working with the Waterkeeper Alliance and a bevy of celebs on the Kiehl’s Gives Back campaign. Last year, Kiehl’s released (with the help of Brad Pitt) the first ever beauty product with Cradle to Cradle certification, the Aloe Vera Biodegradable Liquid Body Cleanser.

 

New York-based, L'Oréal-owned Kiehl's has a longstanding policy of accepting used packaging for recycling but doesn't always provide incentives. Cosmetic and skin and body care brands M·A·C and Origins have similar incentive-based packaging take-back programs. 

 

Even though I buy Kiehl's products on a semi-regular basis, as a male with pretty average skin conditions  I think it would take five or so years to accumulate 10 empties. If you've never used a Kiehl's product before, let me make a couple of guy-friendly recommendations: Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion (ideal as an aftershave), Creme de Corps and the Mineral Muscle Soak Foaming-Relaxing Bath.