Sustainable Sunglasses: How Discarded Plastic Are Saving the Planet

Humans are addicted to this nearly indestructible material. We are producing over 380 million tons of plastic every year, and some reports indicate that up to 50% of that is for single-use purposes – utilized for just a few moments, but on the planet for at least several hundred years.

Much of the plastic we discard every day ends up in landfills, where it may take up to 1,000 years to degrade, leaching potentially toxic substances into the soil and water. So to reduce the plastic pollution is very important.

Creating sustainable sunglasses from discarded plastic is a creative and eco-friendly way to reduce waste and contribute to a cleaner planet. Here's a step-by-step guide on how discarded plastic can be transformed into recycled sunglasses while promoting environmental conservation:

1. Plastic Collection and Sorting:

• Begin by collecting discarded plastic materials, such as bottles, packaging, or old sunglasses frames. Ensure proper cleaning and removal of any contaminants.

• Sort the collected plastic by type and quality. Some plastics are more suitable for sunglasses production than others. Ensure that the selected plastic is safe for use in sunglasses and meets regulatory standards.

• Thoroughly clean and sanitize the plastic materials to remove any impurities, dirt, or labels.
• Shred the cleaned plastic into small pieces or flakes to prepare it for processing.

• Melt the plastic flakes to eliminate impurities and create uniform plastic pellets. This process can involve extrusion or injection molding to produce high-quality material.

This picture can show the steps clearly.