Tip of the Day - Go for Greener Contacts
I had to run to the store to buy contact lens solution. I bought my usual conventional brand, because that’s all the store near our house had, but it got me wondering if there was a greener way to go.For contact lens solution, I think my next purchase will be Clear Conscience.
” Clear Conscience was established in 1998 to provide quality, safe products for contact lenses that are cruelty-free. Company policy ensures that all suppliers are also committed to product safety testing without the use of animals. 10% of all proceeds donated to non-profit animal welfare and environmental organizations.”
Or, I may buy PrimaLens if I can find it at my local natural foods store (Clear Conscience isn’t sold anywhere in my city apparently).There’s also an ultrasonic cleaner that uses plain saline or even purified water to clean lenses. I don’t know how energy efficient it is, so it’s hard to say if using purified water and running the cleaner is more eco-friendly than using a greener solution.As far as lens cases go, I looked around to see if I could find a case made from glass, recycled plastic, or even stainless steel. I wanted something that was more durable or not made from new plastic, but there doesn’t seem to be anything out there. Clear Conscience carries Endangered Species Contact Lens cases, with a percentage of proceeds going to the Born Free Foundation. I think that may be as green as it gets for cases. I’ve done the contacts in a drinking glass routine before when I forget to pack a case, but I don’t think that’s a good option for long term storage.
May 14th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Are contacts green at all? Correct me if I’m wrong but aren’t they made out of plastic?
My glasses are made out of plastic however I wear them everyday. Usually I keep my glasses for two years before I have to change prescriptions so that’s 730 times I wear them. How often do you have to throw away your contacts and use new ones?
May 14th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
No, I don’t think contacts are super green. Glasses would be greener, but I just can’t wear them. Being able to see out the sides of my glasses makes me dizzy. I’m willing to make lots of drastic changes for the environment, but walking around with vertigo and nausea all the time isn’t one of them. And I know it’s a switch a lot of people aren’t willing to make either. So as long as I wear contacts, I’m going to do what I can to make it a greener process.
May 14th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
totally unrelated, i don’t wear contacts, but the book posting is UP! hope you’ve been enjoying the process.
PEACE!
May 15th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
I had no idea that contact solution was so bad!!
Thank you for posting this. I looked up Clear Conscience and was happy to see that they were sold near me. I’m definitely switching brands.
It would be better for me to get lasik though!
But in the meantime…
June 10th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
[…] she wouldn’t give up her glasses. Makes sense, right? We’ve got to see! Awhile ago, when I did a tip on greener contact lens solution, she suggested that contacts probably aren’t super green. And I agree, glasses are probably […]