Eclipse glasses recycling dropoff to help Latin America

Following the recent solar eclipse, a Rochester store owner, Marilla Gonzalez of Marilla’s Mindful Supplies, is offering an eco-friendly alternative to disposing of eclipse glasses. Recognizing the environmental impact of single-use items, Gonzalez has initiated a program to collect used eclipse glasses for reuse during the Annular eclipse in Latin America in October 2024. Her store, which focuses on sustainable, plastic-free products, will serve as a drop-off point for the glasses. This initiative aims to reduce waste and provide a valuable resource to school children and others in Argentina and Chile, where the next eclipse will be visible. Gonzalez’s effort mirrors her broader commitment to sustainability, offering products like toothpaste tablets and refillable laundry detergent to minimize plastic use. This recycling program for eclipse glasses is intended to prevent them from ending up as litter, similar to the disposable masks during the pandemic, and to ensure they serve a purpose for those in need of them for future eclipse viewings. Information for how to drop off eclipse glasses Marilla’s at her two store locations in Geneva and Rochester can be found here.

Source: Rochester First