OPTICAL PRISM | COVER STORY
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April 22 marks the 51st annual Earth Day . Recognized as the largest secular observance on the planet , Earth Day is an annual event aimed at demonstrating support for environmental protection .
Each year on Earth Day , people around the globe take part in activities to better the environment and planet , such as picking up litter , planting trees , making a pledge to reduce their plastic use , starting vegetable gardens or holding educational events on the impacts of climate change and global warming .
Many optical companies have become leaders in adopting ways to reduce their carbon footprints year-round and have designed more sustainable , environmentally friendly eyewear .
One of the main ways they ’ re doing so is by developing frames that include bio-based materials , created from such renewables as grass fibers or castor bean oil – which create a durable yet lightweight material – or recycled content , like old fishing nets or recovered ocean plastic .
Some companies are also using packaging , promotional and other materials from recycled or renewable materials , like cotton .
A few companies have gone even further and have committed to planting a tree for each frame sold or have revolutionized their manufacturing processes to make them more environmentally friendly .
Here are some optical frames and sunglasses that feature eco-friendly materials . OP
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1 . Komono Jill ( eco-acetate ) 2 . MITA MIO1010 ( recycled bottles , aluminum ) 3 . Sea2See Positano 02 ( recycled ocean waste ) 4 . WestGroupe OTP OTPS-2014 ( biodegradable acetate ) 5 . ECO Biobased Dena ( castor seed oil ) 6 . Polaroid PLD D424 by Safilo ( bio-plastic )
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