Going Green

How many ECPs, suppliers, and chains does it take to change the world? Our research shows the answer is, unequivocally: all of them. What optical companies can do to be more eco-conscious

By Erinn Morgan

With average temperatures rising ever-so-slightly and a new scientific report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change pointing the finger at humankind, the heat is on to clean up our act. Just how green is your business? “We try to use recycled paper for brochures and catalogs, use energy-efficient lighting, and work at being more efficient on our shipping methods,” says Ken Frederick, COO with Native Eyewear and the Sunglass Association of America’s technical director. His motivation is to make the world a better place for future generations. “I might not be building an ark in my own backyard, but what kind of world will my grandchild have to live in?”

ENVIRONMENTAL TRUTHS FOR OPTICAL
Global warming aside, these changes are simply good for the planet—and they often help businesses save money. “This is an area many retailers are giving serious consideration,” says Dan Butler, vice president, merchandising and retail operations at the National Retail Federation (NRF). “Cool roofs, highefficiency windows, and insulation are technologies on the building side that can help a company increase profitability while reducing energy consumption.”
Wal-Mart is making an effort in its optical departments and its facilities overall. The company is testing the waters with sustainable energy sources for its stores; three test stores already run on solar and wind power. Wal-Mart is also contemplating charging up some of its stores with roof-installed solar panels. The merchandising team is working with suppliers to reduce packaging. “Being the size we are puts a lot of pressure on us to do the right thing,” says Julie King, Wal-Mart Optical divisional merchandise manager.
While the large-scale plans of some behemoth retailers will make an impact on the world, so can contributions of smaller retailers and suppliers.
“In three to five years we are going to see a difference in sustainability, being more green, and giving back to Mother Nature in the optical industry,” King says.

GETTING GREENER
With small changes, optical can build its environmental awareness. NRF’s Butler says: “Retailers are finally going green and making a long-term commitment to make their stores as sustainable as they can.”
Making eco-conscious changes may seem monumental to the small ECP or business, but even changing a few light bulbs makes a difference. Some options take extra effort, but the result is a cleaner environment.
Recycling. An easy fix is implementing an in-office recycling program. Companies like ClearVision recycle cardboard and paper, plus cans, bottles, and even printer cartridges.
Waste Not. Businesses can also support suppliers that focus on minimizing packaging and using recycled materials. Some companies like Bright Display are working to be paper-free in the office. “We try to use e-files as much as possible,” says Bright Display’s Dacie Lewis.
Office Space. ClearVision utilizes reprogrammable thermostats in its new headquarters in New York to avoid running the system when an area of the building is not occupied.
Essilor’s environmentally friendly workstations in its new building and Tech Center in Texas feature chairs from Knoll made partly from recycled materials that are virtually free of ozone-destroying chemicals.
Native Eyewear’s Frederick also employs energy-efficient lighting in the office. “We use motion detector settings for the lights in the conference rooms that aren’t always in use. The motion sensor turns it off after 10 minutes.”
Power Plans. In most areas, sustainable energy blocks coming from wind and solar power can be purchased from local energy companies. Silhouette already uses electricity from renewable sources like biomass and hydropower at its facilities.
Clean Commutes. Businesses can minimize their carbon footprint by promoting public transportation. “We encourage employees to take public transportation, and we subsidize that,” says Ed Greene, CEO of the Vision Council of America.

SWARF RECYCLING AND MORE
Optical labs have some unique environmental concerns. Working with lenses creates waste including water used for processing lenses and swarf produced in the poly lens finishing process.
Swarf. Essilor Labs of America (ELOA) and Wal-Mart are looking into swarf recycling programs.
“This swarf is pretty ugly stuff to deal with, and we have cubic meter after cubic meter. Pretty much the entire industry is putting it into a landfill,” says Volker Heimeshoff, division manager for manufacturing and distribution at Wal-Mart Optical.
But swarf may have its uses, he notes. “There is an opportunity to convert poly swarf into energy because it has an extremely high melting point.”
Water & Waste. While waste disposal has long been an issue for labs, there are solutions.
Essilor is working on sending its sludge back to suppliers and getting a percentage credit based on the metals reclaimed.
They have also developed a filtration system for the alloy reclaim tanks, says Roger Arrowood, ELOA environmental safety and health manager. The system removes particulates and heavy metals from the reclaim tank water. Water is then available for reuse in the process or clean enough to discharge to sewer.
Universal Photonics offers a line of environmentally friendly machinery designed to address the optical laboratory’s problem of water filtration and waste management.
“Considering the average optical laboratory produces about 3,000 gallons of hazardous and non-hazardous waste water a year, this is a problem area that must be addressed by the lab owner,” says Alan Ritter, president of Universal Photonics.
One system enables some fluids, like polish, to be re-circulated and reused. Ritter says the new trend is for retailers with in-house labs to take this earth-friendly initiative.
Kinder Chemicals. “We have converted any chemical used in our daily fabrication process to ‘Earth Friendly’ products,” says Jeff Szymanski, vice president, Toledo Optical Laboratory Inc. This includes all coolants the lab Essilor is working on sending its sludge back to suppliers and getting a percentage credit based on the metals reclaimed.
They have also developed a filtration system for the alloy reclaim tanks, says Roger Arrowood, ELOA environmental uses from PSI and all dye products now used from BPI. Toledo Optical has also switched away from acetone, to a more biodegradable product called ‘Delta’ ink remover.

Let us know what your company is doing to be green. E-mail the editors: eyecarebizeditor@lwwvisioncare.com

Sustainable Materials
The frame sector of the industry is also concerned about the environmental impact of its products on the world and upon each wearer. Frames and accessories made from eco-friendly materials are finding their place in the frame market as manufacturers’ philosophies and consumers’ desires intersect.
Sustainable materials. A few progressive companies are employing environmentally friendly materials in the manufacture of their eyewear. From bubinga to zebrawood, iWood ecodesign is making frames from sustainable materials. In fact, the firm made the Domino Magazine/treehugger.com 2007 Green List. The wood eyewear was one of 125 products and companies honored for high-quality, sustainable design and commitment to responsible business practices.
Organic selections. Modo has embraced the use of natural materials with an exotic Indonesian wood collection. The teak used is harvested from plantations that are certified by environmental groups Rainforest Alliance and Friends of the Earth. Lafont also makes a sunglass style, Sarong, with temples made from natural bamboo. "Lafont goes back to nature using natural organic materials,” says Jason Wirth, Lafont’s marketing director. “Bamboo is very abundant and so strong that it's used for scaffolding in Asia."
Recycled accessories. Zeal Optics manufactures a goggle strap from ecofriendly, recycled inner tubes. In addition, the company created carrying cases made from recycled plastics recovered worldwide and the external packaging for all goggle boxes meets the European recycling standard for PET recyclable plastic.

How can I get started?
■ Recycle: everything from cardboard and paper to swarf. Educate your staff and co-workers on the benefits of this effort.
■ Use recycled products: they may be slightly more expensive, but your conscience will thank you.
■ Change light bulbs: switching from incandescent to fluorescent will not only help save the earth, it will save you money. Fluorescent bulbs, which last 10 times longer than incandescents, use 75 percent less electricity, produce 450 pounds fewer greenhouse gases from power plants, and save consumers $30 over the life of the bulb.
■ Reduce your energy output: another excellent way to save money and do your part for Mother Nature. Buy programmable thermostats and turn down the heat or air while the office is closed.
■ Consider sustainable energy sources: since powering up with solar panels can initially be expensive (but virtually free in the long run), many local power companies give customers the option to buy blocks of energy produced by wind or solar power. Check with your local supplier.
■ Buy carbon offset credits: between energy usage and commuting/travel, the Conservation Fund estimates the average American produces 20 tons of carbon emissions each year—a number that would require each person to plant 40 trees a year to offset. Many companies now offer consumers and businesses a way to clear their conscience— and make a difference. You can calculate your own yearly impact and buy carbon offset credits at places like the Conservation Fund (www.conservationfund.org) or Native Energy (www.nativeenergy.com). These companies invest in sustainable energy projects and plant trees to help make a difference.
■ Support eco-conscious suppliers: you can make a difference simply by buying from suppliers that have a green side.