Each year, more than 3.9 billion tons of plastic waste is dumped into our oceans. Mass production of plastics have accelerated tremendously, and the World Economic Forum estimates we have created a whopping 8.3 billion metric tons of trash over the last six decades. Of this waste, plastic - mostly from disposable products and product packaging have become a colossal environmental problem. Plastic takes more than 400 years to degrade, and of the 8.3 billion metric tons produced, only 12% have been incinerated.

Enter Blue Planet Eyewear.

What initially began in 1982 as a small, family-owned business in the wholesale eyewear industry with a mission to provide customers with high-quality, functional eyewear has since evolved to becoming one of the first socially conscious and eco-friendly eyewear brands in the United States.

It all began in 2011, when Matt Weinstein (son to the original owners David & Debbie) set off on an adventure, where he would tour around the world doing social work. His first stop was Ghana, where he allowed his visa to expire before getting an urgent call to return home. His father, David became ill where he was later diagnosed with cancer and was requested to return home immediately. Once home, Matt took the opportunity to spend quality time with his dad, and get to know the family business before his father introduced him to the team at Blue Gem Eyewear.

Inspired by his father and his mission to become an active participant in solving real-world problems, Matt's curiosity and passion for the environment led to the creation of an eco-friendly version of a sunglass line that was both fun, and good for the environment. In 2012, The Visualize Change Program was launched under Blue Planet Eyewear where for every pair sold, Blue Planet Eyewear would donate a pair of glasses to someone in need.

Taking his father's vision, and philanthropic dream into the future, Matt and The Blue Planet Eyewear team have created a high-quality, eco-friendly, sports eyewear line aligns consumer values with the philanthropic spirit focused on originality, style and sustainability.