Ideal Bite

SUNGLASSES

Look on the Bright Side

06.30.2009

Submitted by tmeronek on Mon, 06/29/2009 - 11:00pm.

The Bite:

Pessimistic about looking good in scrap plastic shades? Depends on how you look at this tip. Just read to the bottom, and find stylish eco-shades made from materials that are better for the planet than the usual suspects. Consider these glasses half full.

The Benefits:

A silver lining for the planet. Reclaimed plastic (leftovers from factories that normally get tossed), sustainable wood, and vintage sun specs avert the production of less-green materials (i.e.: new plastic, which comes from oil and never fully biodegrades).
Seeing the good in every style. Whether you're going for the retro Lennon look or something a little more futuristic, you can get 'em eco.

Personally Speaking:

Mike never buys sunglasses because he always loses or breaks them. He is, however, really, really good at squinting.

Wanna Try:

iWood Sunglasses - seven styles of women's shades with sustainable wood frames (lenses provide UV protection); for the connoisseur - they're pricey ($350).
Kayu Design Bamboo Sunglasses - light bamboo-framed shades; and for every purchase Kayu sponsors one sight-restoring surgery in a developing country ($180).
ICU Eyewear - three of its trendy, unisex sunglass styles (including a pair reminiscent of Ray Bans) are made from scrap plastic that would otherwise end up in landfills ($22).
Blue Planet Eyewear - recycled-plastic sunglasses with UV protection in mostly recycled packaging; 12 styles, including the chic, oversized Luna ($18; also available at many Whole Foods).
Vintage Sunglasses Shop and Eyeglass Boy - designer vintage sunglasses.

Cocktail Fact

In Greece, it's illegal to wear sunglasses while you're involved in a public protest, since they hide your face.

Bang For The Bite

If 10,000 Biters buy a pair of 100% reclaimed-plastic sunglasses, we'll avert the production of the weight of 133 optimists in petroleum-based material.

8 comments

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cheryl on June 30, 2009 at 04:52 AM 1

good tip, I wear Rx shades, how about that, do I buy one of your suggestions, then take it to the OP with Rx to change lenses????

Chrissy on June 30, 2009 at 06:45 AM 2

How do you recycle sunglasses? I have 5 pairs of cheapo glasses that aren't worth fixing but I hold on to them because I don't know how to recycle them. Any ideas?

Jeff Parren on June 30, 2009 at 07:31 AM 3

In the first paragraph 2nd to last sentence instead of plain old suspects what about the word supectacles? In the bang for the buck tidbit did you really mean optimist or optometrist? Continue the good work...I like almost all of your ideas, but they are so pricey usually. Except Freecycle of course. Jeff

Kat on June 30, 2009 at 09:23 AM 4

I love my shades, so I checked out the vintage sites and the prices are extremely expensive. I understand that new glasses are costly as well, but consider looking at second hand stores instead.

Patricia on July 02, 2009 at 10:38 AM 5

Why not just buy sunglasses for 25 cents to $3.00 at rummage sales or thrift shops? And use the money you save to shop at the farmers markets.

Barbara on July 06, 2009 at 09:26 PM 6

hey check it out...cool sunglasses! Recycled!!!!

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samantha on November 12, 2009 at 06:56 AM 8

How do you recycle sunglasses? I have 5 pairs of cheapo glasses that aren't worth fixing but I hold on to them because I don't know how to recycle them. Any ideas games adventure games

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Look on the Bright Side

Cocktail Fact

Bang For The Bite

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