5 Ways to Make Your Eyewear Routine More Sustainable

Sustainability is becoming a priority in all aspects of our lives, including eyewear. From choosing eco-friendly frames to proper disposal methods, small changes can make a big difference in reducing waste and promoting environmental responsibility. Here are five simple yet effective ways to make your eyewear routine more sustainable.

1. Choose Sustainable Frames

You may be thinking, aren’t all glasses environmentally friendly? Not necessarily! Traditional glasses more commonly contribute to waste, but sustainable eyewear options, like those from Yesglasses, help reduce environmental impact.

The materials used in your glasses play a huge role in their environmental impact. When selecting new eyewear, opt for frames made from:

• Recycled plastics and bio-acetate to reduce reliance on virgin materials.
• Sustainable metals like aluminum or stainless steel that are recyclable and long-lasting.
• Bamboo or wood frames sourced from responsibly managed forests.

Sustainable frames not only help the environment but also offer durability and unique designs.

What are eco-friendly materials for sunglasses?

Recycled plastic, bio-acetate, metal, and sustainable wood are excellent choices for eco-friendly eyewear.

Shop Sustainable Frames

2. Properly Dispose of Old Glasses

Instead of tossing old glasses in the trash, consider these eco-friendly disposal options:

• Donate to charities like Lions Clubs International or OneSight, which distribute used glasses to those in need.
• Recycle through optical retailers or eyewear brands with take-back programs.
• Upcycle for other uses, such as turning old frames into blue-light glasses or fashion accessories.

Recycling and repurposing old glasses keeps them out of landfills and gives them a second life.

Yesglasses is proud to have donated over 10,000 pairs of glasses to support communities in need, an initiative we are extremely passionate about.

3. Opt for Eco-Friendly Lenses

Lenses are just as important as frames when it comes to sustainability. Look for:

• Resin lenses made from CR-39, MR-8, or MR-7 materials, which are more environmentally friendly.
• Recycled polycarbonate lenses, which reduce plastic waste.
• Scratch-resistant coatings, which extend the lifespan of lenses and reduce the need for replacements.

By choosing sustainable lenses, you help minimize waste and pollution associated with lens production.

4. Reduce Single-Use Packaging Waste

Eyewear packaging often includes excessive plastic and non-recyclable materials. Opt for brands that use:

• Minimalist, recyclable packaging, such as cardboard and biodegradable materials.
• Reusable eyeglass cases, which cut down on waste.
• Eco-friendly lens cloths made from recycled fibers instead of disposable wipes.

These simple packaging choices help to significantly reduce your overall environmental footprint.

Yesglasses has adopted sustainable packaging solutions, using recyclable kraft paper and biodegradable materials for shipping.

5. Support Sustainable Eyewear Brands

Brands that prioritize sustainability make a difference by:

• Using ethically sourced materials that promote fair labor practices.
• Reducing carbon emissions in production and shipping through green logistics.
• Implementing recycling programs to ensure old frames and lenses are properly repurposed.

Supporting these brands encourages the industry to adopt more eco-friendly practices.

Learn more about how Yesglasses has become leaders in the sustainable eyewear industry.

Making your eyewear routine more sustainable doesn’t have to be difficult. By choosing eco-friendly frames and lenses, properly disposing of old glasses, and reducing packaging waste, you can contribute to a greener future. Small changes add up, and together, we can make a significant impact on the planet.

Looking for sustainable eyewear? Explore our eco-friendly eyeglass and sunglass collections today!