Environmentally Friendly Eyewear

A little different take on Green and alternative energy today as we host guest post from Sara dealing with eco-friendly eyewear. A nice shout out to Sara for contributing today.

The reasons for individuals and companies alike to adopt mindful and environmentally friendly behaviors are compelling. Increasingly, businesses are joining the cause to promote best practices that support and protect the planet’s natural resources, and some innovative, far-seeing eyewear companies are creating stylish, eco-friendly products. Let’s take a look at a few of these companies and how they’re creating beautiful frames responsibly.

Allyn Scura

This company firmly stands by a policy of refrain, reduce, reuse and recycle. Collaborating with ASEC (Action Sports Environmental Coalition) and NativeEnergy, they have been offsetting carbon emissions since 2007. Their office has become paperless and solar powered, where receipts, invoices and other materials are emailed and solar energy operates computers and lights. When paper is necessary, only 100% recycled paper will do; in addition, they reuse clean packing material and shredded junk mail for shipping. They also partner with charities to bring much-needed eyewear to developing countries, and donate unusable frames to the Southern California College of Optometry.

Amy Sacks

Founded by Ann Sacks, this company has been making frames out of sustainable bamboo for years, and is one of the pioneers of sustainable eyewear. Bamboo is 100% biodegradable, which means these frames won’t be languishing in landfills polluting the earth. They are also renewable because bamboo grows readily after harvesting in about two months. Best of all – for fashion that is, this remarkable material creates lovely frames with its natural beauty. Amy Sacks eyeglasses and sunglasses are not only good for the environment, but they also benefit countless dogs through The Pixie Project, daughter Amy’s animal rescue organization.

Cazal

Eyewear designer Carl Zalloni and his team create striking, artistic frames with eye-catching colors and ornate designs. Cazal employs environmentally sound practices throughout the manufacturing process from start to finish, which includes applications of biomass heating, eco-friendly paints and reclaimed water. The company also makes a point to use renewable energy to power their operations. Overall, their progressive practices help protect the planet’s natural resources, decrease pollution and create über-stylish eyewear at the end of the day.

ECO

Short for Earth Conscious Optical, founder Alessandro Lanaro’s company has become a pioneer in the industry for environmentally friendly eyewear. UL Environment, an unbiased source that validates claims of eco-friendliness, certifies their eyewear, made from at least 95% recycled plastic and metal. To further the planet’s natural resources, ECO partners with non-profit organizations like Trees for the Future to plant one tree for every frame they sell. The company also facilitates programs to donate unused frames to people who need them in developing countries around the world.

iWood

As their name suggests, this company, started by Stephen McMenamin, creates these frames out of wood, more specifically reclaimed exotic wood used in decorating the insides of luxury planes. Lightweight, well balanced and indeed luxurious, the Forest Stewardship Council certifies these biodegradable wood frames. The company uses formaldehyde-free glues and protective coatings on their sunglasses, which are made in the United States. These chic and beautiful sunglasses are a favorite among fashion-forward celebrities and trend makers.

Guest author Sara Roberts writes for Just Eyewear, an online retailer of prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses.

What do you think of companies creating eco-friendly lines of products? Comment below to give us your take.