What to do with your eclipse glasses?

Ah, the Great American Solar Eclipse! August 21, 2017 – a date that will be forever burned in to our minds and Instagram feeds. 

We opted in to all of the hype and many of us traveled across state lines to get a view of the eclipse in totality. The last total eclipse to be visible in the contiguous United States was February of 1979, and the next one will sweep from Texas to Montreal in 2024 (sorry PNW, but at least y’all got a great view this year!). 

What are we supposed to do with the glasses? 

Let’s be real – You can’t wear them doing anything besides staring in to the sun while you tan. You can save them for the eclipse in 2024 – even though its 7 years away and if you’re anything like me, you will forget where you put them by tomorrow morning. So, now what? 

First and foremost: DO NOT LITTER. If you must throw them out because of scratched or torn lenses, make sure they get put in a trash bin (or recycling if you have a pair that can be recycled).

So, give them to Astronomers Without Borders!

There is a total solar eclipse in 2019 that will be visible in Chile and Argentina. Astronomers Without Borders will take donated glasses and distribute them to rural and impoverished schools in those areas to ensure that teachers and students can see this monumental scientific event firsthand.Most of these schools can barely afford basic classroom supplies, much less glasses for a one-day event.

Put those glasses in an envelope and address it to Explore Scientific: 621 Madison Street, Springdale, Arkansas 72762. 

More mailing locations will be announced soon, as their corporate partners process all of the donations. Oh and if your excuse is not having stamps or anything send the glasses in – there’s amazon. We’re a big fan of these wonder woman stamps.