When it's time for a new pair of glasses, you might wonder what to do with the old ones. Toss them in a drawer and let them gather dust for a few years? Throw them in the garbage?
If you have a new prescription or decide to change up your look with a new pair of specs, your old glasses don't have to go to waste. You have several options for putting them to good use for yourself or someone else. Before you send your old, outdated glasses to the curb, consider one of these options that will keep them out of a landfill.
3 OPTIONS FOR GIVING OLD GLASSES A NEW LIFE
1. DONATE TO SOMEONE IN NEED
Poor eyesight affects billions of people around the world, from children struggling with school to adults trying to make a living. In many cases, the impairments are treatable, but people aren't getting the care they need because they don't have access to prescription eyewear. Donating glasses can make a real difference in their lives.
Multiple organizations collect old or unwanted eyeglasses. Lions Clubs International is one of the largest and typically sets up collection boxes at optometrist offices and other locations. They also partnered with major retailers so customers can drop off donations at their local stores. Other organizations that accept old glasses include Goodwill, Eyes of Hope, One Sight, and New Eyes.
Most organizations will accept prescription glasses, reading glasses, and glasses frames. Before you donate a pair, make sure they're in good condition. If the frames are held together with tape or hopelessly bent out of shape, recycling is a better option.
2. RECYCLE THEM
Don't let your old glasses contribute to the millions of tons of plastic and glass occupying landfills. In 2018, glass made up 5.2% of all municipal solid waste in the United States. And in 2019, the US had 73% of its plastic waste in landfills. Although eyeglasses only make up a small portion of these amounts, every little bit helps when it comes to reducing the burden on the planet.
If your old glasses are beyond help, toss them in the recycling bin rather than in the trash. This includes frames that are broken beyond repair and cracked lenses. If only the lenses are damaged, pop them out to be recycled and re-use the frames. Frames no longer your style? Donate them.
3. GIVE OLD FRAMES A NEW LIFE
What can you do when the frames are in good shape, but the lenses have seen better days? There are plenty of options! Pop out the lenses and find the frames a new home. You may have a friend or family member in need of new glasses. Or you can list the frames for sale or on a local free giveaway board to help out a neighbor.
When you have creative kids in the house, old glasses might be the perfect addition to their dress-up collection. Encourage them to get crafty and make the pair their own. Decorate the edges with beads and rhinestones for a one-of-a-kind playtime accessory.
REFRESH YOUR STYLE WITH JINS
If you are ready for new eyewear, check out JINS' stylish collections for men, women, and kids. Our selection ranges from iconic styles to today's trends, so you're sure to find the pair that reflects your unique point of view.
