Garnier Expands Commitment to Sustainability Turning Non-Recyclable Waste into Something Beautiful

NEW YORK, June 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Garnier, a subsidiary of L'Oreal, USA, in partnership with TerraCycle® and GrowNYC, announced today the ground-breaking of the Garnier Green Garden – the first community garden made from non-recyclable post-consumer beauty waste. The announcement is part of a long-term goal for Garnier to find greener, more sustainable solutions for beauty care products.

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On June 14, hundreds of L'Oreal USA employees will participate in a major restoration project designed to rebuild a local New York community garden, which was badly damaged by Hurricane Sandy. Located at 237 East 104th Street, the Union Settlement Association is East Harlem's oldest and largest social service agency, servicing 10,000 city residents including senior citizens, preschoolers and community members. When the restoration project is complete, the garden will be turned over to Union Settlement community members and GrowNYC who will grow and maintain food, flowers, and herbs in dozens of newly-installed garden beds made out of recycled beauty materials. The garden is estimated to yield 1,500 pounds of vegetables a year.

"We're thrilled to have created a program that has the capacity to impact the quality of life for an entire community," said David Greenberg, President of Maybelline New York-Garnier-Essie. "Our commitment to sustainability isn't just about keeping packaging waste from personal care and cosmetics products out of landfills, but it's also about reusing that waste and providing a foundation for greener living."

Garnier spokesperson Bridget Moynahan will be present for the ground-breaking ceremony and activities, as well as representatives from Garnier, L'Oreal USA, TerraCycle, an international upcycling/recycling company that takes difficult-to-recycle packaging and turns it into innovative new products, and GrowNYC, a hands-on non-profit that provides environmental solutions throughout New York.

"At GrowNYC, our work is only possible by the generous contributions of our supporters," said Marcel Van Ooyen, Executive Director of GrowNYC. "We are pleased to partner with our like-minded friends at Garnier who are providing the support needed to restore this community hub for all Harlem residents. Garnier's philanthropy is notable as is their commitment to the responsible and efficient repurposing of beauty waste and sustainability as a way of life."

The beauty waste to be used in Garnier's Green Garden was collected by Garnier's Personal Care and Beauty Brigade Program, a free fundraising effort that pays for every piece of waste collected and returned to TerraCycle. The collected beauty waste, which would otherwise be destined for landfills, consists of non-recyclable haircare, skincare and cosmetic packaging. These products have since been recycled by TerraCycle to create many of the plastic components being installed in the new garden.

"We are delighted that Garnier is furthering its commitment to beautifying the planet and local communities with the Garnier Green Garden," said Tom Szaky, TerraCycle CEO. "Not only does Garnier support schools and community organizations on an on-going basis through the Personal Care and Beauty Brigade, the garden will be a permanent testament to the impact recycling can have on a community and in our world." 

ABOUT Garnier
Everyone possesses their own natural beauty and everyone has the power to make that beauty shine through. Garnier appeals to anyone who is self-confident, yet seeks to improve their appearance. For Garnier the aim of beauty is happiness and feeling at ease with yourself and others. It's about taking care.

ABOUT TerraCycle, Inc.
TerraCycle, Inc. is an international upcycling and recycling company that takes difficult-to recycle-packaging and turns it into affordable, innovative products. Founded in 2001, TerraCycle is the world's leader in the collection and reuse of non-recyclable post-consumer waste, working with more than 40 major brands globally to collect used packaging and products that would otherwise be destined for landfills. TerraCycle repurposes that waste into new, innovative materials and products that are available online and through major retailers. The waste is collected through TerraCycle's Brigade programs, which are free fundraisers that pay for every piece of waste collected and returned. For information on how to join a TerraCycle Brigade and on purchasing TerraCycle products please visit www.terracycle.com.

ABOUT GrowNYC
GrowNYC improves New York City's quality of life through environmental programs that transform communities block by block and empower all New Yorkers to secure a clean and healthy environment for future generations. Programs include Greenmarket farmers markets, compost and textile collections, building and maintaining school and community gardens and hands-on education for all ages. Learn more at www.grownyc.org 

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SOURCE Garnier