As a surfer, I know it’s important that I take care of my eyes. While I love spending time outdoors and in the sun, I understand the damage that it can cause and honor the fact I need to be mindful about covering up. The glare of the sun off of the water can be brutal at times, and my sight is something that I’d really like to keep for a while… you know, it’s nice to be able to see when a big set is coming or to be able to navigate the reef line clearly as I make my way in through a 3-foot wide keyhole. And there’s nothing better than opening your eyes as you duck dive under a perfectly crystal, clear Caribbean peeler or watching the day and the night collide as the sun sets over the ocean. Man am I grateful for these two working eyeballs in my head!

I was on Instagram recently (shocker!) when I came across Blue Planet Eyewear, an eco-friendly company based out of Santa Barbara, California. Blue Planet utilizes reclaimed and recycled materials as well as natural products like bamboo and wood to create classic, affordable, and Earth-friendly sunnies and readers. While they are a company that is focused on sustainability and changing the planet, they are also focused on doing what they can to help change other people’s lives. Blue Planet created the #VisualizeChange Program to help those in need with visual impairments. According to their website, “an estimated 285 million people worldwide are visually impaired, including around 20 million children, and 80% of those visual impairments can be cured or prevented.” For each pair of glasses purchased, Blue Planet donates a pair to one of those people that are in need. They have donated over 135,000 pairs of glasses, and that number continues to rise.

Blue Planet Eyewear is a socially responsible company with values that matter, a company that you can feel good about supporting. They promote positivity and community and making time for the things that matter – like friends and family and getting out into nature. And plus – whether you surf or run or fish or SUP or hike through the mountains – if you spend time outdoors, it’s important to protect your eyes. Give thanks for your eyes, and give thanks for vision. You can find out more at ShopBluePlanetEyewear.com and if you happen to see a pair you like, enjoy 20% off by using the code “CAIT20” at checkout. Blue Planet is also looking to recruit like-minded individuals who love Mother Earth and the creatures that inhabit it to to be a part of their Ambassador Program. If you think you’d be a good fit follow the link here. And don’t forget to find Blue Planet on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter for deals, giveaways and rad, outdoorsy inspo… By supporting companies that focus on sustainability and positive change we can collectively make a big difference. Help change a person’s life. Help change the world.