Who said it's not easy being green? The fact is, there are plenty of beauty products, found in stores ranging from Whole Foods to Henri Bendel's, that are made with natural ingredients, use recycled packaging or give back to earth-loving causes. The best news? You don't have to sacrifice great fragrances, textures or effectiveness to honor your eco-conscience. Here, some of our favorite green lines.

Go organic. Burt's Bees, founded in Maine in 1984, is no longer just hot at the health-food store. The company is well loved for committing to "reducing the mountains of waste" created by packaged goods. Not only does Burt's stir in inviting ingredients like milk and honey, royal jelly, peppermint, carrot and yes, marshmallow, but it also uses a high percentage of post-consumer recycled (PCR) material in its packaging. Available at BurtsBees.com.

Another health food staple, Kiss My Face, was launched in a farmers' feed-supply store in upstate New York almost 25 years ago. It has grown way beyond the bar soap it began with. Look for Certified Organic Aloe Vera Toothpaste, Sugar Reef Organic Body Scrub and Lavender and Shea Moisture Shave. Available at KissMyFace.com.

Let botanicals transform you. Some products smell so wonderful they will transport you into the land of the all-natural even if you had no intention of taking that road. Origins uses pure essential oils and offers intoxicating treats like Peace of Mind Massage Oil. Available at Origins.com.

Shop to save the world. The Body Shop is famous for its community trade program, purchasing natural ingredients from indigenous communities the world over, and for delicious products like Body Butter in mango or coconut. Available at TheBodyShop.com.

Recycle with these upscale brands. In addition to its commitment to the M.A.C AIDS Fund, this makeup company recycles its plastics through the Back to M.A.C program. Bring back six empties (anything from lip gloss to powder) and get a free lipstick, valued at $14. Prada Beauty allows you to reuse its pricey fragrance bottle with atomizer pump by taking it back to the store to be refilled ($65 versus $95 initial purchase). "The bottle itself is a work of art," says Rose Pilato of PUIG Prestige Beauty, the Prada scent's parent. "It's wasteful to throw it out. It will last a lifetime." Look for the same deal at Annick Goutal stores and some specialty stores that carry it, including Bergdorf Goodman.

Commit to being cruelty-free. The Body Shop is well known for not testing its products on animals, but is not alone. Many brands ‑- from VO5 to Frederic Fekkai ‑- steer clear of animal testing. Aveda, founded in 1978 by an environmentalist/hairstylist, is all about protecting the planet and using PCR packaging and organic ingredients whenever possible, as well as being cruelty-free. Aveda's Earth Month campaign called "Save Our Power Plants," will help protect endangered plant species threatened by suburban sprawl, pollution and global warming. The company will donate 50 cents from each sale of its uplifting Rosemary Mint Shampoo and Conditioner. Available at Aveda.com.

Protect yourself along with the environment. It's not always about you helping save the environment ‑- sometimes it's about products that protect you from the environment's rough touches. Feel good about beauty helpers developed without animal testing, such as Frederic Fekkai Sun Protectant Spray for Hair, with shea butter extracts and sunscreen, and Technician Glaze, which shields hair color from the elements. Available Frederic Fekkai.com.