Don’t throw away your old sunglasses

Sunglasses are not just a summer item of clothing; they are essential for protect our eyes against harmful UV rays and improving our overall eye health. In 2021, the eyewear industry saw sales increase to approx 2.5 billion unitswith sunglasses topping the list as the most popular choice.

However, many of us are guilty of hoarding old, scratched, or out-of-style pairs that end up collecting dust. Instead of contributing to landfill waste, why not explore innovative and eco-friendly ways to breathe new life into your neglected shades? From upcycling projects to sustainable brands, there are countless creative options to consider.

Recycle

Recycling sunglasses helps reduce waste and supports environmental sustainability. Many local recycling companies accept glasses for recycling and often work with optical stores to reuse the materials.

Lions Clubs International has a partnership with Walmart, allowing you to drop off your glasses at any participating Walmart Vision Center. Some local Lions Clubs collect glasses; You can use the Club Finder to find a club near you and contact them directly.

If you can’t find a local Walmart or Lions Club that accepts glasses, you can mail them to the nearest one Lion Eyeglasses Recycling Center. If you have prescription sunglasses, contact the manufacturer or local optometry offices. They may also offer eyewear recycling or take-back programs, so you can easily get your old sunglasses out of the junk drawer. Lions Clubs International also collects used glasses to distribute to people in need around the world

Upcycling

Upcycling your old sunglasses is a creative and eco-friendly way to turn them into something new and useful. Instead of throwing them away, you can take several steps DIY projects to give your sunglasses a second life. Turn them into unique accessories by adding decorations, repainting them or reusing the frames for artistic projects.

Repair

If your sunglasses are still in good condition but need new lenses, ordering replacement lenses is a great solution to restore them to their former glory. Places like Fuse lenses offer a wide selection of high-quality replacement lenses for various brands and styles of sunglasses. By choosing replacement lenses you can save money and extend the life of your favorite sunglasses, making them look like new again.

Sustainable brands

If you want new sunglasses, consider purchasing from sustainability-focused brands that prioritize eco-friendly practices. These brands use materials such as recycled plastic, organic fibers and ethically sourced wood to create stylish and sustainable eyewear. By choosing sustainable sunglasses, you support companies that are committed to reducing environmental impact and promoting ethical production methods. Some top sustainable brands to consider are:

• Eco: Known for using recycled and bio-based materials, Eco creates fashionable and sustainable sunglasses that have a minimal environmental footprint.
• Pela: This brand offers biodegradable sunglasses made from plant-based materials, making their products fully compostable at the end of their life cycle.
• Evidence glasses: Proof uses sustainably sourced wood, recycled aluminum and biodegradable cotton-based acetate in their stylish frames.
• Woodzee: Woodzee focuses on creating eco-friendly eyewear from natural and renewable sources, including recycled materials and sustainably harvested wood.
• SeaClean: This brand recycles ocean plastic into stylish sunglasses, helping to clean our oceans and delivering high-quality eyewear.

Sunglasses are essential for protecting our eyes and promoting overall eye health. With the eyewear industry booming, it is critical to consider sustainable practices for old sunglasses. By recycling, donating, upcycling or repairing your blinds you can significantly reduce environmental waste and support those in need.