Millions of people across North America were treated to a once-in-a-lifetime experience on Monday afternoon as a solar eclipse swept across the continent, casting a shadow over communities and providing stunning views. Whether witnessing the total eclipse or a partial one, the event was a spectacle that captivated and amazed people of all ages.
The solar eclipse was a rare occurrence that captured the attention of people around the world. While some traveled to the path of totality to witness the full effect of the eclipse, others were lucky enough to experience the partial eclipse in their own cities, such as in the Chicago area.
Now that the eclipse has passed and the memories are still fresh, you may be wondering what to do with those special eclipse glasses. Luckily, you have a few options to choose from.
One option is to donate your glasses to the non-profit organization, Astronomers Without Borders. Since 2018, the organization has been collecting used glasses for distribution to other parts of the world where people may not have access to them. This gives those who may not have the opportunity to safely view an eclipse the chance to do so. So, instead of throwing your glasses away, consider donating them to this worthy cause.
Glasses in usable condition, meaning they have not been bent, scratched, or broken, can be dropped off at any of the 240-plus Warby Parker stores, including the 10 locations in the Chicago area. Not only will you be helping a good cause, but you will also be able to declutter your home. The Warby Parker locations in the Chicago area are: Fulton Market, Wicker Park, Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, Lake View, Andersonville, Skokie, Schaumburg, Oak Brook, and Naperville.
But before you rush to the nearest Warby Parker store, make sure to check the condition of your glasses. Eclipse Glasses USA, another organization collecting glasses for a good cause, only accepts undamaged pairs. The glasses must be in usable condition, and they must be made of US-made paperboard with the manufacturer’s address and contact information clearly visible. They should also have the ISO logo. These glasses will be sent to Latin America for school-aged children to use during an annular eclipse in October. So, if your glasses meet the criteria, consider donating them to this cause and help someone else experience the magic of an eclipse.
For those who cannot donate their glasses or prefer to recycle them, there is still an option. The American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests recycling the cardboard itself. However, it is important to remove the lenses before recycling. This way, you can contribute to the environment and also make space in your home for new memories.
The solar eclipse of 2021 was a unique and unforgettable event, and it is heartwarming to see that it can still bring people together for a good cause. Whether you choose to donate your glasses or recycle them, your actions will make a difference and help others experience the wonder of an eclipse.
So, don’t let your eclipse glasses gather dust in a forgotten drawer. Take a moment to check their condition and choose one of the options to pass them on. Not only will you declutter your home, but you will also be spreading joy and wonder to others around the world.
Let’s make this once-in-a-lifetime experience a truly impactful one by donating or recycling our eclipse glasses. Together, we can make a small but meaningful contribution to the world and continue to spread the magic of the solar eclipse for years to come.
