Cosmetics company fighting against Keystone XL pipeline

LUSH Cosmetics prides itself on its commitment to the environment. Its products are made from organic fruits and vegetables, essential oils and “safe synthetics,” according to its website.

The Canada-based retailer is urging its customers to oppose the Keystone XL pipeline project, which it contends is a threat to countless animals, ecosystems and communities.”

Developer TransCanada recently submitted a new application for the $7 billion project, which would bring oil from Canada and North Dakota through the storage hub at Cushing on its way to refineries in the Houston area. The company has committed to building the southern portion of the line from Cushing, but it needs a presidential permit to cross the U.S.-Canada border.

Starting today, LUSH is converting 80 of its shops — including one at Penn Square Mall in Oklahoma City — into polling stations for the next two weeks. The company also is campaigning against the project with environmental organization 350.org.

“By using our shops to give Americans a voice on this issue we hope to stop the Keystone XL pipeline from becoming a reality,” says LUSH Campaigns Director Brandi Halls. “Canada’s tar sands are not the answer to our future energy needs and collectively we must demand that our government put its citizens interests ahead of the oil industry’s.”

LUSH also will donate all proceeds from sales of its limited edition Charity Pot hand and body lotion to 350.org.

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