Specsavers’ new research has shown that New Zealanders are collectively ‘gloarding’ with an astonishing 5.25 million pairs of old prescription glasses and 660,000 empty contact lens blister packs currently stored in Kiwi homes, cars or elsewhere.
This staggering volume would extend beyond the distance between Auckland and Christchurch, posing a significant environmental challenge.
To combat this growing optical waste, Specsavers has partnered with Opticycle to introduce a pioneering, end-to-end recycling solution across New Zealand.
This initiative offers a dual benefit, helping Kiwis declutter their homes and protecting the planet by diverting hard-to-recycle optical waste from landfill.
To shed light on this widespread habit, Specsavers has teamed up with Professional Organiser Kristina Duke of Decluttering Diva.
“Physical clutter isn't just a visual nuisance; it significantly contributes to our mental load, creating subconscious stress and distraction,” she said.
“Many of us hold onto old glasses, often as a ‘backup pair’ or simply because we don’t know what to do with them. This ‘gloarding’ behaviour can weigh us down. Specsavers’ new recycling program provides a perfect opportunity for a home reset, allowing you to declutter your space and mind, knowing your old clutter is being responsibly transformed into new resources.”
Over half of New Zealanders were unaware that old glasses can be recycled, and 7 in 10 were unaware that empty contact-lens blister packs can be recycled.
“This initiative is a cornerstone of Specsavers' broader commitment to positive social and environmental impact,” said Cathy Rennie Matos, Specsavers ANZ Head of Sustainability.
“By making it easy to recycle old eyewear, we’re helping people declutter their homes while protecting our planet. It’s a win-win for the environment and for personal peace of mind.”
If you’re a ‘gloarder’, Specsavers invites customers across New Zealand to bring their old glasses and contact lens blister packs to any Specsavers store for recycling. It’s a simple step that can significantly reduce optical waste and contribute to a more sustainable future.
