(Patty Wetli / WTTW News)
Plenty of folks are still basking in the afterglow of Monday’s Great American Eclipse, a powerful reminder of nature’s ability to inspire awe in even the most jaded of earthlings.
To keep the positive vibes going, instead of trashing those vital eclipse glasses, recycle them.
Numerous locations across Chicago are accepting plastic and cardboard eclipse glasses, which will in turn be sent to Astronomers Without Borders, a nonprofit that sends solar glasses to people around the world who may not otherwise have access to eye protection during a solar eclipse. Astronomers Without Borders ensures all glasses are safe for re-use.
Here’s where to drop off your glasses:
Warby Parker is serving as a national partner of Astronomers Without Borders. Find the location nearest you.
Reduce Waste Chicago will be collecting the glasses at all of its events through the end of April. Schools with large numbers of glasses can contact Reduce Waste to coordinate pickup/dropoff. Look for the organization:
— April 18, 6-7:30 p.m., Sulzer Library, 4455 N. Lincoln Ave.
— April 20, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Southport Low-Line Plaza, 3410 N. Southport Ave.
— April 25, noon to 2:45 p.m., Hale Sustainability Summit, DePaul University, 2250 N. Sheffield Ave.
— April 27, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Gallagher Way, Trashy Earth Market, 3635 N. Clark St.
EcoShip Chicago, in partnership with Reduce Waste, is accepting eclipse glasses through April at all of its collection points.
Can’t make it to a collection point? Other ways to reduce waste include recycling the cardboard portion of eclipse glasses (not the filters) through regular municipal recycling programs, such as Chicago’s blue bins.
Or hold onto them to view the next total solar eclipse. Chicago will be in the path of totality in 2099.
Contact Patty Wetli: @pattywetli | (773) 509-5623 | [email protected]
