Around 1 billion people worldwide wear glasses. As chunkier frames are currently in fashion and have been for some time, a lot of today’s glasses are made from non-recyclable plastics. Even if glasses and sunglasses were recyclable, how many people would stop to consider this before discarding an old pair?
Spanish based eyewear brand Parafina is shining a light on the wasteful nature of the eyewear industry and has created a business focused on waste-based spectacles and sunglasses. Sourcing waste from more than 20 landfills around the world, Parafina transforms recycled materials into stylish eyewear.
In addition to their environmental work, Parafina also runs a social project which gives children in Paraguay access to education. Paraguay is one of the poorest countries in South America with over 35 percent of the people living in poverty. Many are unable to pay to provide an education for their children, who end up involved in drugs and violence. The projects work is based in a small town on the outskirts of Asunción which is particularly prone to flooding, people often lose their homes and waste flows through the streets, infecting the water supply.
Speaking about the project, co-founder of the brand Samuel Soria Santos says, “Education is like a good pair of glasses. It gives you clarity to understand the world and its opportunities, so you can grow and become the best version of yourself.”
The Parafina Social Project has now been running for 5 years with Parafina donating five percent of their income to the cause. Each child helped by the initiative is given access to a school scholarship, a safe environment, medical assistance and a hot meal every day. Every time a child is sponsored, they receive a Parafina pencil case to take to school. This case is the same as the packaging customers receive their glasses in, which creates a union between customers and the cause. Each pencil case also includes an eco-pencil which, once used, can be planted to further reduce CO2 emissions.
