You’ve just had an eye test and it turns out your prescription has changed…again.
You might have only just bought a pair of really cool glasses, or maybe you have a few trusty pairs that you’ve owned for years.
Either way, what do you do with your now-obsolete specs?
Given a drive in fashion towards sustainability and, ultimately, a circular industry, it’s important to think about what’s going to happen to your eyewear after you’re done with them.
With this in mind, here are 7 eco-friendly ways to recycle or reuse your old glasses.
1. Give Them to Charity
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There are lot of charities that will take old frames and pass them on to those in need.
Vision Aid Overseas helps people in developing countries receive access to eye tests and eyewear. Donate your old glasses and do your bit.
You can drop them off in many Vision Express, Specsavers and Boots stores.
Lions Club does a similar thing. You can post your glasses to them and they could end up helping people with poor sight all over the world.
2. Recycle
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If you’ve got plastic frames, just put them out next recycling day, or take them to youir local recycling plant if you’re having a big clear out.
Pop the lenses out and put them in the appropriate bin depending on whether they’re plastic or glass.
Metal frames can be recycled too. Again, push the lenses out and recycle away.
3. Keep Them For Fancy Dress
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You never know when a pair of old frames might come in handy.
Keep them for things like World Book Day or that literary-themed birthday bash you’ve been meaning to throw.
Steal Velma’s geek chic vibes with the Lee Cooper LC 9061 frames!
4. Give Them To Family Or Friends
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Depending on what prescription you have, you might be able to pass them along. Reading glasses are the best for this, so ask around to see if any of your pals need some spare specs.
Or they might just love your frames, while you’d like some new ones. Just take out the lenses and send them on their way.
5. Sell them
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Looking to make 2018 your year, but need some funds to achieve it?
Maybe you’ve got some designer frames that are bang on trend, or perhaps you’ve got a whole cupboard of old glasses due to your ever-changing eyesight.
Either way, you might be able to make some cash. Head over to Ebay or Preloved to take a look at the going rate and see if it’s something you want to dip your toe into.
6. Get Creative
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If you’re looking for a new hobby and fancy trying out the arts and crafts craze, why not see what you can do with your old pair.
Take a look on Pinterest for some top tips. We love the wind chimes and jewellery made from old lenses, like the gorgeous rings above.
Maybe get your old case in on the act too, and turn it into a decorative box. The possibilities are endless!
7. Put Some New Lenses In
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If you can’t bear to part with your frames don’t worry, you don’t have to. Just get them reglazed; it’s easy and hassle free. Click here to find out more.
Looking to try something new? We love these up-to-the-minute Aviators from Hallmark:
Hallmark CF919
