Earth day is coming up on April 22nd, and it’s gotten us thinking about ways that we can shop more responsibly. One major source of waste that’s really easy to overlook is cosmetic bottles and tubes. Just think about the number of mascara tubes you’ve gone through since you starting sneaking makeup in middle school. Or bottles of moisturizer, and compacts of blush, eyeshadow, and powder. That’s a lot of plastic tossed in the garbage.

Origins cosmetic company is offering a cool solution to that problem this Earth Day. On April 22nd, you can trade in any old cosmetics, regardless of brand, at any Origins store. You’ll receive your choice of an Origins moisturizer in return. All of the cosmetic packaging collected will be recycled or converted to energy through the Origins Recycling Program.

And that’s not all. Origins is going to plant a tree for each customer that buys one of their products! Check out this blurb about their Plant-A-Tree Campaign:

In 2009, Origins launched its Plant-A-Tree Campaign in partnership with American Forests’ Global ReLeaf™; an education and action program that helps individuals, agencies and corporations improve the local and global environment by planting and caring for trees. Since the launch of this successful campaign, Origins has aided reforestation projects by helping to plant more than 153,000 trees around the world.  In addition to planting trees on behalf of concert attendees and live streaming viewers of Origins Rocks Earth Month, from April 18-24 Origins will plant a tree through Global ReLeaf™ in honor of each customer who purchases any Origins skin care product.  In addition, customers will receive a FREE “Wish on a Tree” bracelet, so they can further reiterate their commitment to protecting the planet.

Pretty cool, right? Head over to the Origins website for more information.

These boys make me want to listen to Country music.

Sandra Bullock spotting!

Kristen Stewart channels Justin Bieber at Coachella.

Wanna win some Origins beauty products?

Why Taylor Swift and Cory Monteith should hook up.

Babies make me smile.

Mac’s Back To Mac Program
Return six Mac primary packaging containers to the Mac counter at your local department store or via mail, and you’ll get a free lipstick of your choice! For more information, click here.

Origins’ Return to Origins Program
Origins accepts empty cosmetics tubes, bottles, jars, etc. from any brand (regardless of manufacturer) at all of their retail stores and department store counters. In return, they’ll give you a free sample of your choice of an Origins

Kiehl’s Recycle and Be Rewarded Program
Bring your empty Kiehl’s jars and tubes to the store nearest you and you’ll get a card to collect stamps for each container you recycle. For three containers, get a free tube of lip balm. When you return five, you’ll get a free item from the Travel Collection. And when you reach 10, choose one regular sized product valued at $25 or less! To find a Kiehl’s store near you, visit kiehls.com.<

Tarte Customer Recycling Incentive Program
Tarte offers discounts when you send in your empty cosmetic containers. Send in your Clean Slate Primer or Smooth Operator SPF 20 foundation and you’ll get 15 percent off your next complexion purchase. Send in an empty Slide Tin Lip Balm and Tarte will give you 15 percent off any lip product. And send in an empty cheek stain and you’ll get 15 percent off the next cheek stain! For more information, click here.

Want to make recycling make up easier? Buy brands that use recyclable materials for packaging. Josie Maran sells biodegradable plastic compacts that can be composted (after you remove the mirror), and SpaRitual nail polishes come in recyclable glass bottles. If you shop at Lush, you can buy slices of soap and bars of shampoo sans-packaging (bring your own bag or buy a recyclable aluminum tin to store yours in), and their plastic bottles can be recycled along with drinking bottles and caps returned to the store to be re-used.

[For more fashion and beauty fabulosity, visit StyleBakery.com.]

In this weekly series, actress / model and fabulous CC blogger, Jen, will be using her make-up know how to teach us all how to look flawless in class, out at a party, or grabbing coffee with that cutie from Psych 101.]

This week Jen gives us the lowdown on skincare: keeping it clean, beautiful and not-so-obvious that you were up until 4am playing Quarters with the roommates writing a paper. Grab a pen and paper – you will want to take notes.

If you have a specific make-up question, leave a message in the CC Facebook group, or email Lauren@collegecandy.com with the title “CC Make-Up Question,” and she’ll make sure Jen hears your woes and addresses them.

So how can you give your momma want she really wants this season? Stay away from vacuum cleaners and anti-aging creams, and start your search with these ideas!

• Cashmere Robe ($295) – everyone knows cashmere is the best thing ever, and being able to snuggle into a robe made completely of the stuff after a nice shower? Totally worth it for a woman who went into labor for you.

• Kiehl’s Treatment Cream ($22.50) – around New York City, Kiehl’s is the sh*t. Top of the line and mixed with their own personal brand of ingredients, Kiehl’s products are a must for the classy woman. And really, who’s classier than your mom?

• Indoor Greenhouse ($179.95) – a high-tech indoor greenhouse is the perfect gift for a momma who’s green thumb isn’t as green as she’d like it to be. Most of these babies do all the work themselves, as she has to do is take credit for it!

• Origins Bubble Bath ($25) – who can say no to high-quality bubble bath?

• Martini Glasses ($19.99) – I’m not saying you drove your mom to drinking, but just in case you did…here’s a way to thank her for not giving you away during those teenage years.

• Totally Awesome Slippers ($39.99) – These ain’t no namby-pamby slippers, these are real sheepskin and leather. Her feet deserve a rest after all those years spent running after you.

• Ghirardelli Chocolate Box ($24.99) – Ghirardelli is the best tasting chocolate your mom has ever tried. For an extra special gift, include a signed agreement that you won’t eat any of it.