Recycled Sunglasses vs Virgin Plastic: The Green Choice
In a world where sustainability is the buzzword on everyone's lips, our fashion choices can make a big impact on your green goals here in Australia and everywhere across the globe.
Your trusty sunnies are no exception.
So join our eco-friendly fashion warriors here at Nomad Eyewear to explore the definitive answer you’ve all been waiting for when it comes to the ‘recycled sunglasses versus traditional plastic frames’ debate!
So before we put these two popular forms of eyewear head to head, let's start by nailing the brief.
Recycled sunglasses triumph over traditional plastic frames, offering eco-friendly style. Derived from repurposed materials, they combat plastic waste, reduce environmental impact, and align with a growing demand for sustainable fashion. Choose recycled – it's a stylish step toward a greener future.
So with that in the bag, let's start with a quick comparison before we head in a bit deeper.
Plastic Sunglasses:
● Material: Conventional plastic
● Environmental Impact: High carbon footprint
● Sustainability: Less sustainable
● Production Process: Resource-intensive
● End-of-life Options: Non-biodegradable
● Cost: Can be cheaper
Recycled Sunglasses:
● Material: Recycled materials
● Environmental Impact: Lower carbon footprint
● Sustainability: More sustainable
● Production Process: Relies on recycled materials
● End-of-life Options: Potentially recyclable
● Cost: Comparable
Ok so let's get to the bottom of it and start by looking at how your traditional sunnies compare with super lean green recycled ones!
The Problem with Traditional Plastic Frames
According to the Australian Marine Conservation Society, there will be more plastic in the ocean by 2050 than fish.
Plastic bottles in the sea. Image courtesy of shutterstock
This is worrying enough without realising that in a nutshell, traditional sunglasses contribute to the plastic pollution crisis.
Along with this as they are manufactured from fossil fuels, the production of plastic frames involves significant energy consumption and releases harmful emissions.
Many plastic sunglasses end up in landfills, taking hundreds of years to decompose. It's a concerning cycle that our planet can no longer afford.
Recycled and Re-loved
So, what about recycled sunglasses? this superhero of sustainable eyewear is usually crafted from recycled materials like plastic bottles, discarded sunglasses or recycled marine plastics, so these frames actively reduce the demand for new resources.
By reusing existing materials, we not only minimize waste but also decrease the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing.
Plastic being sorted at a recycling centre ready for transformation
Unveiling the Manufacturing Process
Plastic sunglasses and recycled sunglasses take different paths in how they're made, and it's not just about fashion.
Plastic shades usually start with petroleum-based materials, contributing to environmental problems like carbon emissions and resource depletion.
On the other hand, recycled sunglasses are all about sustainability. They're made from materials that have been used before, like recycled plastic from consumer waste or industrial leftovers.
Creating recycled sunglasses involves a careful process of collecting, sorting, and processing these materials to give them a new life.
It's not just about making something cool; it's about reducing the need for fresh materials and cutting down on the environmental impact linked to regular plastic sunglasses.
Choosing recycled sunglasses isn't just a fashion statement; it's a vote for a more eco-friendly way of doing things, lessening waste, and supporting a cycle where materials are reused instead of just thrown away.
It's a small choice that makes a big difference in the bigger picture of sustainability.
End-of-life Options - Plastic Sunglasses vs Recycled
The end-of-life options for plastic sunglasses and recycled sunglasses highlight the differences in their environmental impact.
Plastic sunglasses, being derived from petroleum-based materials as we’ve discovered, often contribute to the growing issue of non-biodegradable waste.
When disposed of, these sunglasses typically end up in landfills, taking decades to centuries to decompose and releasing harmful pollutants along the way.
A gigantic landfill. Image courtesy of Shutterstock
In contrast, your greener and more planet-friendly recycled sunglasses offer a more sustainable exit strategy.
Their production from repurposed materials sets the stage for a circular economy approach. At the end of their lifecycle, recycled sunglasses can be further recycled, closing the loop and minimizing the burden on landfills.
This not only reduces the demand for new raw materials but also lessens the overall environmental footprint.
The Impact on the Environment
Choosing recycled sunglasses isn't just about looking good; it's about doing the best you can for the planet.
So to smash your greener goals it's a no-brainer to choose recycled styles.
When putting plastic and recycled sunglasses head to head it's clear that recycled comes out on top. The environmental benefits reduce the reliance on virgin materials and the prevention of more plastic waste.
By making a conscious choice, you contribute to a circular economy, where materials are reused and repurposed, lessening the strain on our environment.
100% recycled sunglasses from Nomad Eyewear. Sunglasses: Cali Dreaming
Style Meets Sustainability
Do recycled sunglasses compromise on style?
The answer is 100% a big No!
The trend towards sustainability has spurred innovative designs in the eco-friendly eyewear space.
The best-recycled sunglasses brands in Australia and right across the globe are now blending fashion with a conscience offering a diverse range.
100% recycled sunglasses from Nomad Eyewear. Sunglasses: Sunrise
Cost Considerations
Some might think that recycled sunglasses come with a higher price tag.
While this may be true for some brands, here at Nomad, we are proud to offer sustainable sunnies that compare with the cost of plastic types.
With most of our super on trend styles coming in at around $100AUS including free shipping, they compare super favorably with less sustainable brands' price points.
We all know there maybe those $10 plastic ones lurking about in some stores, but these el cheapo ones can often be poor quality, break easily and not the bargain you first thought!!
The Evolution of Fashion Ethics
The shift towards recycled sunglasses also reflects a broader change in the fashion industry.
Consumers are increasingly valuing ethical practices, pushing brands to adopt sustainable measures.
By choosing recycled sunglasses, you are grooving with a movement that prioritises both style and the well-being of our planet.
When we look more deeply into the plastic vs sustainable sunglasses argument, it's not surprising to discover many green goddesses and gods are choosing a more ethical approach!
Breaking the Throwaway Culture
In a world accustomed to fast fashion and disposable goods, recycled sunglasses challenge the throwaway culture.
They embody the essence of durability and timelessness, urging consumers to make choices that resonate with long-term environmental consciousness.
The Role of Innovation: The growing popularity of recycled sunglasses in preference to their plastic counterparts has spurred innovation in materials and design.
Brands are now exploring alternative, eco-friendly materials for lenses and hinges, pushing the boundaries of what sustainable eyewear can achieve.
It's a thrilling journey into a future where style seamlessly aligns with environmental responsibility.
The Power of Consumer Influence
In a recent study by marketing giants Stasista, they uncovered that 38% of consumers in Australia are concerned with the sustainability of their products.
As consumers, our choices hold immense power.
By supporting brands prioritising sustainability, we send a clear message to the industry: environmental responsibility is not just a trend but a necessity.
The more demand for recycled sunglasses, the more companies will shift towards sustainable practices, creating a ripple effect in the fashion world.
Recycled Sunglasses vs Plastic - To End With…
In the showdown of recycled sunglasses versus plastic frames, the winner is clear – recycled sunglasses take the top prize as the eco-friendly champion.
Not only do they make a positive impact on the environment, but they also offer a stylish and conscious choice for consumers.
So before you go, head over to find our extensive range of sustainable sunglasses in our store for anyone who is looking to bust their 2024 sustainability goals!
