Around the globe, people are seeking out plastic alternatives more than ever before. Although plastic has been used for over a century, many deem it time to give plastic a break. Others believe plastic should never be used at all. Some reasons people are kicking plastic to the curb? People’s concern about the material’s lack of biodegradability, the threat to wildlife, and link to human cancers and birth defects. For this reason, numerous other materials, from bamboo to hemp, have been considered good alternatives for various plastic products.
Although many regions, including my own city, have been swapping plastic grocery bags for paper bags and fabric totes as well as paper straws instead of plastic straws, there are other plastic items that we aren’t quite as focused on during this movement. Sunglasses are one of those. But very recently, a company by the name of Ochis Coffee, which is led by a young entrepreneur, came up with an eco-friendly, plastic-free line of sunglasses made of organic coffee grounds and flax.
The Washington, DC, company first launched via Kickstarter on October 23, 2018, to garner enough support to get their business up and rolling. Just two days after their campaign began, Ochis Coffee raised 70% of their funding goals at $6,700! In total, Ochis earned $13,343 from 158 backers.
On their campaign page, the company described their handmade glasses as “pleasant to the touch” thanks to their matte texture, lightweight, easy to adjust according to one’s face shape, durable with five-plus years of longevity, and water-resistant. They also mention that their product line degrades 100 times faster than your typical plastic materials. To top it off, they’re functional just like any other pair of sunglasses with their polarized lenses, which come in one of four colors and feature an anti-scratch coating and UV protection.
It turns out, the sunglasses are not only stylish, practical, and eco-friendly, but they have a wonderful aroma. (Who can say their plastic glasses smell good?)
“My glasses arrived today – they look (And smell) fabulous. They fit perfectly and have lovely lenses. thank you for such a unique product!” one customer said to the company in a review.
Thanks to their Kickstarter success, Ochis is now selling their sunglasses on their website with free international shipping. They sell dozens of different styles for both men and women for a fairly affordable price!
Regardless of where you stand with plastic, the coffee sunglasses are a pretty interesting concept if you ask me. Although I’m unable to consume coffee, it looks like I’ll now be able to enjoy it in another way.
Check out the shades below!
