If you need a new mascara wand, don’t throw the old one away. That’s the message from the Appalachian Wildlife Refuge, a North Carolina based organization that helps treat injured and orphaned wildlife.
The nonprofit uses the soft, short bristles to gently remove fly eggs, dirt, fleas, ticks, and larvae from the fur of animals and the wings of birds. Kimberly Brewster, co-founder, told CNN:
“There’s nothing that is made like a mascara wand. It actually makes the treatment much faster, which saves the animals from being stressed longer than they have to be.”
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Another co-founder, Savannah Trantham, had the idea three years ago. She remembered her mentor used to treat animals with the brushes, and she decided to ask her Facebook friends to donate their old wands.
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According to Brewster, people from across the globe donated their used mascara wands. Companies that distribute the wands have also sent in their discontinued brushes. In fact, they received so many that they now share them with other animal rehabbers. They currently only accept wands in February and October. Brewster said:
“We are sending packets to all of these places with educational material on ways that [we use the wands]. And also get feedback from them on how they’re finding good uses for them.”
If you would like to send in your old mascara wands, first clean them in soapy water to remove leftover mascara and let them dry. The form to mail the wands can be found on the organization’s website. The would also appreciate contributions of food and supplies.
