Do Good Around the World

Proof is more than its eco-friendly frames made of sustainably sourced wood, cotton-based acetate and repurposed skateboard decks. The company’s Do Good Program was developed as a way to do good for communities around the world on a project-by-project basis. Since its start in 2011, Proof has helped provide tsunami relief in Japan, child soldier rehabilitation in Africa and reforestation in Haiti, among other causes. The company also donated funds to build two eye clinics in India, where over a quarter of the world’s blind population resides, according to the company.​

Its latest philanthropy endeavor is centered in El Salvador, where the company is partnering with HELP International to execute projects that are related to economic development, environmental conservation, education and visual health. Proof has released limited edition El Salvador Project sunglasses that are inspired by the internationally recognized Salvadoran artist, Fernando Llort Choussy. Only 84 pairs have been produced, handcrafted using a complete skateboard deck with the project’s exclusive graphic. Inside, “Don’t forget your roots” is engraved.

“We know firsthand how important it is to see possibility where others may not,” said Brooks Dame, Proof’s founder and CEO. “As a company, we want to lead by example and give back to our local and global community, any chance we get.”

One hundred percent of the proceeds will benefit the El Salvador Project, with proceeds expected to raise over $12,000.

An Eye for an Eye

The concept behind Solo Eyewear began in a classroom at San Diego State University, where managing director Jenny Amaraneni learned about the world’s growing need for proper eyecare and the high percentage of preventable blindness. With these statistics in mind, Solo was launched in 2011 and has since restored vision to almost 10,000 people in 32 countries, the company said.

Each pair of purchased Solo frames, which are made of handcrafted recycled bamboo, funds eyecare for people in need either through prescription eyeglasses or sight saving eye surgeries. Solo Eyewear also partners with female artisans in Guatemala to produce a line of sunglass bags and cords made from recycled materials, helping the Mayan women support their families.

Its nonprofit organization partners include Restoring Vision, Aravind Eye Care System and LV Prasad Eye Institute.

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle

Woodzee was founded on a commitment to promoting a healthier relationship between humankind and nature, through the creation of eyewear made from natural, renewable sources. From the start of the purchasing process, customers are involved in a unique recycling system.

Customers are offered frames that are made from repurposed materials, including eyewear made from recycled whiskey barrels courtesy of Columbus Barrel Company, sustainably sourced bamboo and maple wood skateboard decks.

At checkout, the customer participates in Woodzee’s Our World Program. For every item purchased, the customer can choose a local program the company will donate a portion of the profit to. Our World began when Luke Winter became Woodzee’s president in 2012, with the aim of getting customers excited about the impact their purchase makes.

“We encourage active participation in selecting an organization to donate to, with the hope that customers will get inspired to give back in their own communities,” said Serine Goodmond, Woodzee’s operations manager.

The company’s Recycle Program also began in 2012, as a way to promote recycling and to keep customers happy. Customers could recycle their old Woodzee to get 40 percent off their next order. If the frames were still intact, Woodzee would donate them to a person in need. If they weren’t usable, the company would properly recycle them. An average of 10 customers participates in the program per month.

Customers can still recycle their frames, but recently, the company started disassembling each submitted pair and cataloging the usable parts, after realizing that customers are only willing to recycle their sunglasses when they are damaged. Woodzee is currently working on “Frankenstein Frames,” which are assembled from different frame parts from different donated glasses until a useable pair forms. The company is hoping to make enough over time to be able to donate them to those in need.