A 600-metre long net that endangered marine life in the Great Barrier Reef has been bought by World Wildlife Fund for Nature-Australia to be turned into sustainable sunglasses.
Thousands of WWF supporters chipped in to buy the last remaining commercial gill net on the reef, in order to protect dugongs and other creatures being caught in the plastic mass.
Eyewear company VisionDirect is working with WWF to create Reefcycle sunglasses, with hopes the partnership can continue to convert other harmful plastic fishing nets if the shades sell well.
WWF-Australia CEO Dermot O’Gorman said, “What a story behind these sunglasses – plastic once used to kill marine life becomes a product to protect your eyes. They are ideal for people who value saving wildlife, sustainability and creative reuse.”
The sunglasses cost A$89 and went on sale in July.
