Since China stopped taking the majority of our plastic in 2018, we are trying to find more demand for recycled plastic. But it’s more than that, much of the plastic sent to be recycled still has food or drinks in them. The process of cleaning and washing seems simple enough, but if the recycler has to do it, the additional cost drives their business into the red. Since this makes it more cost-effective to throw out the dirty plastic to and it goes to the landfill or incinerator to make electricity and the recyclers only take the clean material.
While more education on how to properly recycle is needed, the infrastructure to handle and process the material is also necessary. So properly recycled plastic is a responsible way to shrink your plastic footprint. And by buying recycled products creates demand and you can use the plastic again.
With that info, recycled ocean plastic polarized sunglasses are an easy conversation starter with friends, to spread knowledge and look good doing it.
Day Owl – Genusee Glasses
Remember all the news about the water situation in Flint Michigan? In 2014 – 2019 there was public health crisis as water contaminated with lead and possibly Legionella bacteria was being supplied to the homes and businesses. In a money-saving plan, they began to pull water for the town from the local river instead of from Detroit as they had done for years. The water in the river was corrosive and wasn’t treated properly, eating away at old pipes and releasing more chemicals into the drinking water.
They have replaced many pipes and done lots of testing and they say the water is clean to drink now. But the impact was big and for some, the effects will last a lifetime. Day Owl strives to provide solutions and jobs for people affected by tragedies, preventable, or natural.
So these sustainable glasses frames are made in Flint, Michigan from 100% post-consumer recycled (rPET) water bottles. Therefore, every purchase upcycles 15 single-use water bottles and creates jobs for returning citizens in Flint.
This signature frame in Classic Black or Clear is designed to fit a range of face shapes and sizes. The unisex frame with Dark Grey sun lenses, feature a slightly oversized round shape with key hole bridge and riveted hinges.
10 Years in the making
Day Owl began as a response to the destruction of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. From seeing the waste and the need for jobs, Ian decided to create a use for the plastic and jobs for the locals. Years later, by creating a collective with Timberland called First Mile, they made their first products. And the collective has since grown because other big names like Arie, Adidas, Puma, HP, Ralph Lauren, Marmot, and Reebok saw the advantage of working together.
Together we can do more good
Day Owl has seen that more and more, customers are demanding that the products they buy, are more sustainably sourced and made. So as a response, these sunglasses, being made in Flint Michigan, is even closer to home. And it creates jobs in areas still affected by the water issues, for the people that may have issues for life, from drinking the bad water.
Day Owl also makes durable backpacks and bags made of recycled bottles. Even better, is their Free Repairs for Life. Because Sustainability.
Day Owl is also a Certified B Corp company, meaning they have subjected their business to a third party who scrutinizes every aspect of the operation, to see if Day Owl is really doing all the ethical and social work that they claim to be doing. To read more about how B Corp is redefining the meaning of success in corporations, check out this article here. Save 25% off when you use the Day Owl discount code code “AFTERPAYDAY” 3/25/21 through 3/28/21.
See more of the Day Owl Sunglasses
Norton Point The Swell II Polarized Sunglasses Sea Plastic Differently® $99.00
The Norton Point polarized sunglasses are made with an EcoFriendly Recycled Ocean Plastic frame, good-looking mirrored and polarized lenses that provide 100% UVA/UVB protection. Furthermore, these shades are produced in collaboration with Oceanworks, with stainless steel hinges and injected cellulose acetate temple tips.
Also, The Swell II is made to be a unisex fit and comes with a soft pouch to protect them. Since videos help to communicate the vision of these companies, check them out.
SEE THE SWELL 2 SUNGLASSES ON AMAZON
Costa Del Mar Baffin Rectangular Sunglasses $125.76
These polarized sunglasses are made from 100% recycled fishing nets. In addition, they are made in the USA with ultra scratch-resistant and 100% UV protective lenses.
While this company has a long history of being on the water where the sun is harsh on your eyes, their original focus was for fishing. Gradually, people other than fishermen caught on to the quality and function, and now Costa makes styles for all situations. Also, for more confidence, if your Costa eyewear has a defect in materials or workmanship, they will fix or replace your recycled ocean plastic sunglasses to get you back on the water.
Sunski Seacliff polarized sunglasses $58
Sunski makes their shades the right way, with no shortcuts and the highest attention to detail.
While they stand behind all of their products, theywant you to feel totally confident with your purchase of these recycled plastic, polarized sunglasses.
Since Sunksi couldn’t find a sustainable material they liked, they invented their own. Consequently, their invention, SuperLight, is recycled resin that is claimed to be stronger, lighter, and more comfortable than anything on the market.
These sunglasses are created from scrap plastic that would otherwise end up in a USA landfill.
Also your Sunskis are covered under the warranty for as long as you own them. So if you break them under normal use, they will fix them or replace them for you.
As proud lifelong members of 1% for the Planet, Sunski donates one percent of sales to environmental non-profits. In total, they have donated over $150,000 to date.
SEE MORE OF THE SUNSKI SUNGLASSES
Ozeano Vision Polarized sunglasses $199
Certified Australian-made; ethically handmade by artisans in Australia. And the premium ‘M49′ plant-based acetate from Mazzucchelli 1849 – 100% recyclable and 100% biodegradable in 115 days.
World-leading ZEISS-certified lenses, polarized with an anti-scratch coating. Also, they are available with your prescription too.
Since they are based on the elegant aviator shape, the Balmoral is designed to provide function and style whilst offering maximum eye protection. The Ozeano handmade frame features a comfy keyhole nose bridge with premium Carl Zeiss polarized lenses.
Attention to every detail
Featuring a robust custom wire core, double-wired Italian-made hinging system with Teflon-coated screws, and Australian-made stainless steel ‘Ozeano’ logo label, the frame is designed and built to last – no more loosening or rusting over time.
Each beautiful frame comes with a free protective case made from 100% FSC-certified Portuguese cork and a free pouch and cleaning cloth made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton.
The Orca color is named after the striking areas of shiny black color synonymous with the treasured marine mammals. Finally, they are FSC-certified cork case & GOTS-certified organic cotton pouch and cleaning cloth included.
Waterhaul Fitzroy sunglasses
The Fitzroy model is made from 100% recycled fishing nets intercepted from the ocean, and paired with polarized lenses. And the Fitzroy offers complete sustainability and ultimate UVA/UVB 400 protection. Also, these square recycled ocean plastic sunglasses are designed to suit both male and female medium to large faces.
Waterhaul also makes a few different frames to fit your personal style.
Biosunnies sunglasses $16.99
Sustainable, eco-friendly plant-based Sunglasses Wheat straw are the parts left after wheat is harvested. Consequently, in some countries, it’s burned causing air pollution.
For this reason, making sunglasses frames out of them is a much better idea. With polarized lenses, they provide full UVA and UVB protection and help to eliminate harmful glare from reflective surfaces like water and snow.
Also, you get a free Kraft case that folds flat included with your BioSunnies. And they are the most inexpensive pair on my list at $16.99.
Karün Island Blue sunglasses $59.00
Karün means to be nature in the mapuche language; ancestral indigenous culture from Chile.
Since these sunglasses are designed and sourced in Patagonia they use local fishing nets and recycled metals too.
Also with 100% UVA /UVB protection, they are designed for wearing every day out in nature and in the city. So they ensure durability and a good look, combining functionality and design.
Clearly created by a group of passionate people that believe we can change the way we interact with our planet. Karün is also a B Corp Certified company.
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