Earth-conscious eyewear brand, Eco, is changing the way we view glasses one pair of frames (and a tree) at a time. Who said glasses were only for nerds? Pshhh, whoever said that has got it all wrong. Eyewear that makes the best use of recycled materials is where it’s at.

The eyewear world is a major and profitable market with so many of us relying on some extra assistance to maximize our vision. Unfortunately, most of us never got that much coveted 20/20 vision gene. It’s a bummer for some, but I actually don’t envy anyone who lucked out with perfect, crystal clear eyesight. I’m positive you must be thinking I’m a bit loony, but hear me out.

Think about how many people you see wearing eyeglasses or sunglasses. Glasses have become less of a necessity and more of a fashion statement. Trying to choose which pair of sunglasses complements my hairstyle or outfit that day is almost more stressful than deciding which freaking pair of shoes match better. Damn near puts me into a sweat-frenzy. All perspiring aside, I appreciate my poor vision because it’s my excuse to flaunt some sweet specs.

What’s really fun is a whole new door has opened for us, exposing an eyewear option that seems too good to be true. In 2008, boutique eyewear firm, Modo, unleashed its version of a sustainable design approach to eyewear called, Eco. The essence behind Eco is to change our world in an environmentally replenishable and proactive way while taking care of the fellow human. That is an all-around win/win. Eco is currently the only brand in the world that can say its product is made from ninety-five percent recycled materials! This brand is so legit, it has validation for its eco-friendly composition. I’m talking about Environmental Claims Validation from the Underwriters Laboratories Environment, which just so happens to be the world’s number one product evaluation organization. Phew, that’s serious stuff. When you purchase a pair of Eco glasses, you have the ultimate guarantee that you’re getting ninety-five percent recycled stainless steel and plastic and none of that phony bologna, falsely labeled “green” stuff.

Along with its steadfast, no-nonsense attitude for the good of the earth, Eco has an enormous heart. For every pair of eyewear purchased, they plant a tree! The goal is to hit 1 million in trees planted and at the moment in Cameroon, the company has planted 791,202 trees… Almost there! This brand also believes in giving back to the less fortunate. Eco is partnered up with OneSight, an organization that collects and distributes mildly used eyewear from Eco’s donation program and other retailers and independent eye doctor offices. There are about 314 million people who need glasses and don’t have the resources to see a doctor and get adequate help, so Eco’s donation program is truly a blessing.

The use of recycled materials doesn’t have to be the definition of expensive either. Eco’s eyewear ranges from $69.00 to $195.00, which is amazingly affordable and you can trust you are getting a top quality product. If you check out the EcoBonus feature, you won’t regret it, my friend! It’s a neat, little rewards program that gives you a code with each purchase that you can earn points with and redeem them for other earth-friendly purchases.

Eco deserves an A++ for its momentous vision to reach people on such a global level through means of highlighting eco-friendly standards. This is absolutely a commendable use of recycled materials. We’ve been given such an awesome (and fashionable, ahem) opportunity to be a part of the cause to initiate substantial change in the world we live in. Believe me, there is nothing cooler than making an outstanding difference and knowing you look damn good doing it.

Related on EcoSalon

A Clear Vision: Glasses from Reclaimed Plastic and Bamboo

How to Find the Best Sunglasses for Your Face Shape

What Exactly is Eco-Friendly Fashion?

Images via Guise Archives

The post Eco Optics’ Use of Recycled Materials is Helping the World See a Bit More Clearly appeared first on EcoSalon.

More than meets the eye.

Aside from the one way we all know vodka can be put to good use, it’s not a completely pointless liquid otherwise. In fact, the alcoholic beverage spreads itself quite thin on the usefulness scale. Vodka’s anti-bacterial properties are what give it such potency in combatting a lot of common ailments and household issues – from earaches to carpet stains. Grab yourself a bottle, or two, and redefine what it means to booze.

Poison Ivy Reliever

Apply vodka to an area affected by poison ivy and it will dry up surrounding skin, getting rid of any oils that are causing the poison ivy to inflame and itch.

Laundry Freshener

Fill a small spray bottle with vodka and lightly spray clothes. The vodka smell goes away when the clothes dry completely. The vodka helps to remove any unwanted odors.

Flower Preserver

Plants produce the ripening gas ethylene, which promotes maturation. Vodka stunts ethylene production and allows for flowers to stay fresher, longer. Spray flower stems with a 2:1 ratio mix of vodka and sugar. Repeat every few days.

Insect Repellent

Keep the insects at bay by squirting some vodka on your skin before going outdoors. Add essential lavender oil. Insects hate the smell of lavender, and you will prefer it to the smell of vodka lingering on your skin. You could also mix vodka into your scented moisturizer.

Jelly Fish Bite Soother

Much like vodka helps to treat poison ivy on the skin, the liquid also helps to alleviate the pain and itch that come post nasty jelly fish bite. Bring along a 1:1 mixture of vodka and water in a spray bottle to the beach just in case of an attack.

Hair Shiner

Add 1-2 ounces of vodka to your shampoo and watch as your hair emerges from a shower feeling cleaner, silky, and shiny.

Band-Aid Remover

Vodka will help to dissolve the sticky edges of a band-aid and allow for a painless removal. Not that you would, but a few swigs before peeling the adhesive off won’t hurt either.

Computer Screen Cleaner

Using water to clean a computer screen often leaves behind distracting smears. Apply vodka to the screen and wipe away for a seamless and clear complexion.

Eye Glasses Cleaner

It may not be the best idea to carry around a bottle of vodka, but a small spray bottle may be less conspicuous and prove to be very useful. Your glasses will get star treatment on the go.

Air Freshener

Mix equal parts water and vodka in a spray bottle and spray around the house. The vodka dissolves odors and the solution is completely odorless.

Razor Blade Cleanser

Soak razor blades in vodka and dissolve away build-up and buff the razor all in one. This trick will keep your razor blades clean and disinfected whilst extending the lifespan of your razor collection.

Jewelry Cleaner

Let your jewelry sparkle and shine. Soak and lightly scrub them in some vodka to remove any impurities.

Pore Reduction

Lightly soak one side of a cotton ball in vodka and dab your face. The vodkas acts as an astringent, tightening the pores and removing excess oils.

Homemade Mouthwash

Because of vodka’s capacity to fight bacteria and prevent infection, you can gargle it in the A.M. (without swallowing) to clean your mouth. Vodka may not be the first thing you want to taste on a sensitive morning stomach, so dilute it with equal parts water add a few drops of mint oil.

Cold Sore Treatment

Vodka can help to reduce cold sore inflammation and redness by drying the affected area. Dip one end of a Q-tip into vodka and use it to dab sores.

Shower Cleaner

Attack those moldy, dark crevices with a toothbrush and some vodka. Spray vodka onto moldy areas, let sit for 15 minutes, and then scrub away. The vodka kills the mold.

Antiseptic

Vodka is a great disinfectant and antiseptic. Apply to minor cuts and burns to kill bacteria.

Stickiness Remover

Vodka works wonders on removing all that is gooey! From stickers on car surfaces to gum on the bottom of a shoe, a little vodka goes a long way.

Treat Ear Aches

Put a few drops of vodka into your ear. Let the alcohol sit in the ears for a few minutes each and then drain. The vodka kills bacteria that causes pain.

Stain Remover

Vodka effectively gets rid of ink, grass and lipstick stains. Dab stain with vodka and rub the stain away. Add the stained garment to the laundry afterwards for a more thorough clean.

Tooth-Ache Reliever

Gargle vodka without swallowing, unless you want a buzz. The vodka will prevent infection and reduce inflammation and soreness in the mouth.

Foot Odor Cure

For those of you who suffer from foot odor, consider vodka your new best friend. Soak your feet in a shallow bucket of vodka, which will kill bacteria-causing odor. Let your feet dry to get rid of the vodka smell or wash your feet with fragrant soap directly after the treatment.

Fever Alleviation 

Vodka works well as a liniment to reduce a fever, because it evaporates very quickly and can provide a cooling relief. Apply vodka to a soft cloth and place on your chest.

Images: Karola Riegler, Bark, Tasumi1968, Marcus Vegas, Seishin17

Aylin Erman currently resides in Istanbul and is creator of plant-based recipe website GlowKitchen.

The post 20 Unusual Ways to Use Vodka appeared first on EcoSalon.

These Animal Farm tumblers are made from recycled wine bottles and we, well are lusting.

The pig said “oink.” The sheep went “baaaa.” The cow sighed “moo” and these tumblers make us go, “ah.” Both whimsical and irresistible, no two cows are ever the same. That’s because they’re hand-sketched on glass made from recycled wine bottles. A portion of the proceeds from sales of the Animal Farm glasses goes to the environmental non-profit Sustainable Futures, who also provided the bottles.

Look for Lustables daily at EcoSalon. 100% gorgeous green finds, and never sponsored. Submit your favorite to tips@ecosalon.com

The post Lustables: Animal Farm Glasses appeared first on EcoSalon.