Recycled Fashion – What We Can Learn From The Ocean Cleanup

There is no shortage of innovation when it comes to what you can achieve with recycled fashion and how far those goods can go. Although, the first product that has come from The Ocean Cleanup has us pretty excited about what’s possible. Turning plastic into wearable recycled fashion is no easy feat, not to mention stylish fashion at that. The Ocean Cleanup has been busy since 2019 scouring the Pacific for plastic to design and sell sunglasses for their non-profit organisation. Let’s find out how the design and intention of these sunglasses have a promising future.

Who is The Ocean Cleanup?

The Ocean Cleanup is one organisation with a big mission – clean 90% of ocean plastic pollution. They do this by cleaning up the ocean and also intercepting plastic found in rivers. An ambitious goal like this requires global action, so The Ocean Cleanup is comprised of volunteers, scientists, governments and corporations. With over 5 trillion pieces of plastic in the ocean, they have located 5 key garbage patches to tackle the most congested waters. The Ocean Cleanup sunglasses come from plastic found in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. This Patch is located between Hawaii and California.

Their recycled fashion sunglasses

The Ocean Cleanup has launched its own brand of sunglasses, made entirely from plastics found in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. This includes the frame, the strong hinge and even the quality polarised lens. The sunglasses were designed in California and made in Italy, ensuring that each customer gets a pair of sunglasses that will last and not end up in the next Garbage Patch. Each pair is $199, so let’s discuss what that price really affords.

As a non-profit, The Ocean Cleanup will use the sales of these sunglasses to fund future expeditions to clean the Great Pacific Ocean Patch. Each sale of sunglasses funds a clean of a whopping 24 football fields worth of plastic in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Not a bad return for only $199. If every pair made is sold, that is 500,000 football fields worth of plastic found in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch cleaned.

The progress of The Ocean Cleanup so far

Due to the consumption and trends seen in our society, ocean plastic pollution remains prevalent. Although The Ocean Cleanup is well on its way to achieving the unthinkable. At this point in time, they are 46% of the way through the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. By securing a pair of sunglasses, you too can fund the next clean. If you need some inspiration, find out more about their cleanup mission and stories from volunteers. If you are not in the market for new sunglasses – you can still donate money or amplify their message and support recycled fashion.

Interested in recycled fashion and want to find other ways to incorporate recycled goods into your lifestyle. Check out these reusable utensils designed and created by Melbourne makers!