Let me be clear: I’m not saying that you should but a pair of Costa Del Mar sunglasses because of what the frames are made of. I think you consider Costa Del Mar sunglasses because their glass lenses are, by far, the best money can buy. In my experience, they’re clearer and more durable than any other lenses I’ve worn in decades of fishing.
However, if a pair of frames from the Untangled Collection happens to fit your needs or your face? All the better. Here’s how Costa describes this series of sunglasses:
Every year, an estimated 640,000 tons of discarded fishing material makes its way into our waterways. Discarded fishing nets are the most harmful form of plastic pollution in our oceans. But, in partnership with Bureo, we’re helping to change that. Made of 97% to 100% recycled fishing nets, our Untangled collection of sustainable frames includes Core Performance and Beach Lifestyle options that are as good for fishing as they are for the ocean.
Long story short, instead of random plastic frames they’re using repurposed plastic recovered from the ocean. These sunglasses aren’t saving all the whales or sea turtles. Costa and Bureo aren’t salvaging anything close to 640,000 tons of nets and garbage. By purchasing these premium shades, you don’t automatically become a better person.
But they’re great sunglasses that are doing something.
By partnering with Bureo, Costa is taking the initiative to go beyond “raising awareness” and actually make a positive impact. Through utilizing their NetPlus material, they are actually raising awareness while working to reduce and reuse plastics in the ocean. Bureo isn’t just melting down nets for sunglasses. Trek, Patagonia, and Jenga are using their material for bike accessories, hat brims, and games. Their work shows up in surfboards, skateboards, and office chairs. It is the kind of problem solving that has a real – not just conceptual – solution.
If you do happen to choose a pair of Untangled Costas, you’re not paying an extra virtue fee. The Untangled Collection hits a price that is at or below the most popular Costa models. Most importantly the lenses are the same. They’re making both sport and lifestyle models with Bureo’s material. I’ve been fishing, driving, hiking, and living in a pair of Santiagos for a few months. Mine have the lens color that has been my favorite all-purpose lens for nearly 10 years: the Green Lightwave Glass.
The Santiago has incredible coverage for a medium fit. Glare from my periphery and any water reflection is virtually nonexistent. My ideal sunglasses provide a wrap that accommodates me regardless of where I’m looking and what I’m doing. These do it better than anything else I own. They’re lightweight, comfortable, and look great. The only time I think about the fact that they’re made from recycled fishing nets is when I notice the slight texture to the frames. All my other plastic Costas are glossy; these have a noticeable feel. That observation only comes about when I have my hands on them. Otherwise, they sit on my face with imperceptible ease.
Again, I’m not under the delusion that I’m a better person for wearing a pair of sunglasses. I am quite pleased that these particular shades have exceptional fit and performance. It is also great that there is at least one less discarded fishing net in our ocean because Costa and Bureo intended to make my sunglasses.
Check out the full Untangled Collection from Costa Del Mar X Bureo here.