NEW YORK—Last Saturday, everyone, everywhere celebrated the same special holiday: Earth Day. As is the case every year, Earth Day fell on April 22 and gave us all a moment to reflect on the beauty and importance of our planet—and to think about how we can continue to protect and nurture our unique home. For a look at the evolution of Earth Day, read Still Trying to Save the Planet as Earth Day Hits Its 53rd Year. Everyone celebrates Earth Day a little bit differently—so here’s a look at how some independent ECPs spent their April 22.

In Stratford and Bridgeport, Connecticut, Family Vision Centers encouraged patients to recycle their old frames and contact lenses. Image via familyvisioncenters on Instagram


Rivertown Eye Care in Hastings, Minnesota, shone a spotlight on Etnia Barcelona’s sustainable practices to celebrate Earth Day. The team also underscored the way shopping small and shopping local helps the planet. Image via rivertowneyecare on Instagram


In Berkley, California, Focal Point Opticians celebrated Earth Day by sharing brands that make eyewear from natural materials including wood and horn. Image via focalpointopticians on Instagram


Clear Horizon Eyecare in Plainville, Connecticut, invited customers in to recycle their contact lens packaging. Image via clearhorizoneye on Instagram


Frameology in Syracuse, New York, shed some light on Vava Eyewear, a sustainable, independent brand stocked in-office. Image via frameology on Instagram


Ryan Corte, OD, who practices at Northlake Eye in North Carolina, discussed contact lens recycling and opened up the conversation with his patients about how to create a sustainable future. Image via ryanreflects on Instagram


The team at Binyon Vision Center in Bellingham, Washington, shared a breakdown of how to property recycle contact lenses. Since 2018, patients have recycled 397.5 pounds of contact lens waste through Binyon Vision Center. Image via binyonvision on Instagram


Spending time outdoors and with animals is a great way to celebrate Earth Day, too. The Dr. Tavel team headed to the Indianapolis Zoo this Earth Day and offered free vision screenings. Image via drtavel on Instagram