Can Eyewear Be Sustainable?
- India Soranson Way (she/her/hers)
- Oct 31, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 17, 2020
I have never really thought twice about sunglasses. They were always a “throw it in” purchase as I inched forward in the queue to pay at the end of a bigger shopping spree. You could say that sunglasses are indispensable, not only to me but to many of us.
History indicates that the inventor of wearable glasses is unknown, however, the Romans first discovered the ability to use glass to enhance their ability to see small texts. It was only in the 18th century that wearable glasses appeared in Italy. Glass-blown lenses were set into wooden or leader frames and held on the face. This technique further developed into frames, equipped with arms that could fold around one’s ears. Sunglasses were created much later in history and today represent an important fashion item.
I think looking at the history of overlooked everyday objects is fascinating and offers us perspective on human creativity and innovation, but, perhaps, the most important history is the one that is emerging, but has yet to be invented, eco-friendly glasses.
The primary materials that are used for glasses are acetate, nylon, and metal. Each material is detrimental to the Earth in one way or another.
Acetate is usually made up of wood pulp and cottonwood and the process to transform both products uses hazardous chemicals where there is no knowledge that they are handled and disposed of properly. Further, making the end production unsafe for the environment and workers.
Nylon, which is even cheaper than acetate, a thermoplastic, is detrimental to the environment (this goes without saying!)
Metal can equally affect the environment through water contamination, mainly due to metal ions such as mercury lead, nickel, which is toxic.
Thinking about these toxic materials, I am compelled to show you the move towards sustainable sunglasses. Notably, sunglasses of the future.
To preface, alongside the want to be sustainable with glasses, sustainability often means the products may be more expensive because there are less cheaper materials. I will try to offer a range of prices so readers can understand that there are many different options.
Below I list a variety of brands that have revolutionized eyewear.
1. TWOTHIRDS
Location: Spain
Price: $$ ($90USD)
Ships To: International
TWOTHIRDS is a brand that advertises toward people who are especially conscious of fashion’s immense impact on the ocean. It sells not only sunglasses but all sorts of another clothing one may desire. What sets TWOTHIRDS apart from other brands is that it manufactures all its glasses locally to reduce its carbon footprint, including its final stage production. In addition, the glasses are made from Mazzucchelli M49 - an Italian, biodegradable acetate.
2. Solo Eyewear
Location: California
Price: $$ ( $100 + USD )
Ships To: United States
This line of sunglasses started as a class project at San Diego State University, and since then, has blossomed into a company that has been committed to producing environmentally-friendly glasses. Most of their glasses are made out of repurposed and recycled materials such as bamboo, wood, cellulose acetate, etc. Solo Eyewear also has partnered with Aravind Eye Care System and Restoring Vision to give back to their community. For every purchase, they donate 10%of their profits and are able to provide eye exams, glasses, and cataract surgeries to those in need.
3. Dick Moby
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Price: $$$$$ ( $200 USD +-- not ideal for college students.)
Ships To: International
Dick Moby was started back in 2012 when co-founders Tim and Robbert went on a surfing trip. They were confronted with trash-filled beaches and decided then to take a step to protect the environment. Their glasses are made from biodegradable & wood-based acetate, and recycled metals. In fact, glasses that are made from wood pulp keeps the pollution down - and “biodegrades in 115 days if you bury it in compost soil” according to their website.
4. Woodzee
Location: Chico, California
Price: $
Ships To: International
Most of the sunglasses are made of wood and bamboo. Woodzee introduced its recycling program in 2013 where customers are able to recycle their glasses and in return 50% on their next order. This program seeks to forge a connection between style and nature. There are so many different styles for frames and colors so there is a pair of glasses for everyone!
5. Woodwear
Location: Orange County, California
Price: $
Ships To: International
Woodwear’s main goal is to create “wearable artwork.” Instead of using traditional wood like other brands, Woodwear harnesses sustainable bamboo. Bamboo is frequently used by eco-friendly brands as it regenerates eight times faster than hardwood, further, harvesting does not kill the plant. Every few months Woodwear chooses a different organization to support to donate some of its profit.
The brands I chose are just five in a growing industry of sustainable eyewear. I hope this article provides readers with the motivation to research and invest more in our future and sustainable purchases.
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