In 2018, Biome joined recycle forces with TerraCycle to help divert some of the harder to recycle waste from landfill. Biome have a number of retail stores across Brisbane in Queensland and a huge online presence. They are easily one of the most innovative eco retailers in Australia and the relationship with TerraCycle signals the responsibility Tracey Bailey takes for the industry's waste. Biome have been one of the real leaders in sector recycling since they opened their first physical store in 2005. From the beginning, Biome accepted items for recycling that were hard for people to recycle elsewhere. Tracey Bailey, Biome founder, says:
“INITIALLY, WE ACCEPTED CORKS, BATTERIES, MOBILE PHONES AND PRINT CARTRIDGES, BUT THERE ARE NOW WIDESPREAD SYSTEMS FOR THOSE, SO WE NO LONGER DO,” SHE SAID. “WE HAVE ALSO ACCEPTED BRAS FOR PROJECT UPLIFT AND SOFT PLASTICS FOR REDCYCLE FOR MANY YEARS."Tracey Bailey is aware that beauty product waste that Biome now accepts for recycling through Terracycle like empty shampoo and conditioner bottles, used lipstick dispensers, brushes and hairbands is recyclable in Australia, however due to the associated costs and difficulty of recycling mixed-plastic items, these items are often sent to landfill. And that is something she is committed to changing.“WHEN PRODUCTS LIKE THESE ARE RECYCLED THROUGH BIOME AND ON TO TERRACYCLE, IT STOPS THEM GOING TO LANDFILL, GIVING THEM A SECOND LIFE THROUGH TERRACYCLE’S AMAZING SERVICES IN RECYCLING AND RE-PURPOSING MATERIALS.” TerraCycle is an international recycling and upcycling company that takes hard-to-recycle packaging and turns it into affordable, innovative products. “NOW THROUGH OUR TERRACYCLE PROGRAM, WE CAN NOW ALSO OFFER BIOME CUSTOMERS COMPLIMENTARY RECYCLING OF VARIOUS HARD TO RECYCLE PRODUCTS INCLUDING CDS, COSMETIC CONTAINERS, TOOTHBRUSHES, PENS AND MORE.” Here's what you can recycle at Biome:
You can be part of this movement too. Along with the complimentary in store recycling program, Biome is helping TerraCycle expand its reach by making TerraCycle Zero Waste Recycling Bins available for purchase through its Brisbane and online stores. Business owners can purchase TerraCycle Zero Waste Recycling Bins to encourage their staff to recycle various items including coffee capsules, office supplies, pens, snack wrappers, mailing labels and tape, CDs, gloves and more. The boxes are a perfect closed-loop solution for any workplace where used items accumulate including home offices, tuck shops, schools, small businesses and community groups.
Since 2017, Biome stores have also offered an extensive range of cosmetics and body care ingredients, along with recipes and tips so that you can make your own. They offer workshops and all kinds of assistance. Just call by a store if you are in Brisbane or check out their website - it's jam packed with help.Images: Biome | Original Article March 2017