The Lifecycle of Sustainable Eyewear
Living sustainably also means wearing items that are produced and distributed sustainably. Data from Statista indicates that the global sustainable fashion market has an estimated value of $8.16 billion. While this may seem like a mere fraction compared to the rapidly growing fast fashion market value ($123 billion), sustainability is a concept that both consumers and brands are becoming increasingly aware and conscious of. The market growth is primarily driven by younger generations like millennials and Gen Z, who account for an estimated 68% share of sustainable apparel revenue in the US in 2022.
Today, many fashion brands and retailers prioritize various criteria and phrases to ensure their products meet sustainable standards set by consumers and regulations. This includes using plastic-free, organic, or recycled materials and more sustainable and ethical modes of production and distribution. Of course, eyewear is a huge component of the fashion industry nowadays, and sustainable eyewear is an increasingly popular trend.
Below, we'll look at the lifecycle of sustainable eyewear, following its production, maintenance, and recycling process, and where you come into play in all of it:
Production
Thanks to developments in science and technology, many eyewear brands today are able to innovate their products using sustainable and more eco-friendly materials. The most common material used to make eco-friendly eyewear is cellulose acetate, derived from natural substances like cotton and wood pulp. Some companies and startups have also turned towards more alternative sustainable materials like vegetal resin, which makes durable, flexible, and lightweight frames and fibrous residues made from plants like hemp, flax, rice, and straw.
European sustainable eyewear brand Karün recently introduced their line of high-quality eyewear made from cellulose acetate. The twist? The acetate is made recovered from cigarette butts — a material called Celion. The brand has previously made eyewear from recycled fishing nets and has also worked using Blockchain technology to establish full traceability and labeled carbon footprint. Today, more than 5.6 trillion cigarette butts are discarded into the environment annually, which makes Karün's work all the more important.
Maintenance
Maintenance should also be included in your sustainability practice. When you don't take good care of your fashion items, whether clothing or sunglasses, they're likely to contribute to more waste, if not more clutter in your closet. Taking good care of your eyewear — by routinely cleaning and storing it properly — is also crucial so it remains functional, which is important if you need it for vision correction or clarity.
This is why it's also essential to splurge only on eyewear and other durable materials that won't break easily. The online retailer Readers offers reading glasses made of sturdy and durable material. Models like the Drama bifocal reading sunglasses offer 100% UVA and UVB sun protection as well as scratch-resistant lenses, making them great for wearing indoors, outdoors, or anywhere you may want to do your reading. Readers also have a 90-day return policy, allowing you to return eyewear for a full refund or an exchange. This is great if your new glasses aren't a great fit and is a more sustainable alternative than letting them go to waste.
Recycling
Finally, a key point of the lifecycle of sustainable eyewear is recycling. In a previous post, we highlighted the importance of investing wisely in your closet. This includes asking yourself the right questions to avoid redundancy in your wardrobe so you know when and how much to declutter. Decluttering is much easier when it comes to eyewear made of recyclable materials, as you can take them to recycling bins and centers. For eyewear made of other materials, however, you can consider donating them to local communities or simply handing them down to relatives or siblings.
You can also inquire with the brand or company where you bought your glasses, as they may have recycling initiatives or partnerships to help get rid of older glasses. If you donate, be mindful of organization instructions, as some can only accept brand-new items. You should also be wary of damage, wear, and tear in your old eyewear, as you want to ensure they're still usable for the next person.
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