Wands to the Rescue

Most people toss empty mascara tubes—plastic applicator and all. But the Appalachian Wildlife Refuge in North Carolina wants people to donate used mascara wands instead. At the organization, wildlife rehabilitators nurse small rescued animals, like orphaned opossums and injured mice, back to health. They’ve found that mascara wands are perfect for grooming these tiny critters that often can’t clean themselves.

Rehabilitators brush the small, soft wands through animals’ fur to remove oil and other debris, as well as harmful parasites like lice or mites. This technique also calms the animals because it mimics the way parents use their tongues to groom their young. Since 2017, the wildlife refuge has received more than 50,000 old mascara wands through its Wands for Wildlife program.