Earth Day Reflection: Why We Refuse to Use Plastic (Even When It’s “Recyclable”)

A few days ago, the world paused for Earth Day.

But here’s the truth: Every day should be Earth Day.

Because every product you buy, every frame you wear, every package you open… is casting a vote.
For the world you want to live in.
For the future you want to leave behind.

At VivaRays, we don’t just talk sustainability.
We live it, breathe it, and build every product around it.
Because we believe your health and the planet’s health are not separate—they’re one and the same.

The Hidden Truth About Plastic Recycling

Let’s get honest for a moment.

We’ve all seen those little triangles on plastic that claim it’s recyclable.

But here’s what most companies won’t tell you:

• Less than 9% of all plastic ever produced has been recycled
• About 79% ends up in landfills or the natural environment
• The average plastic takes 400+ years to decompose
• Microplastics have now been found everywhere—from the deepest ocean trenches to human bloodstreams

Most plastic is not economically viable to recycle. It’s cheaper for companies to make new plastic than to recycle old ones. Even when you toss it in the blue bin, it often gets shipped overseas, buried, or burned.

So when we started VivaRays, we asked a big, uncomfortable question:

❓ Are we willing to build our brand on a material that’s poisoning the Earth?

The answer was a loud, resounding no.

Our Search for the Perfect Materials (That Align with Nature)

We went above and beyond, digging into the dark corners of the manufacturing industry, only to be horrified by what we found.

❌ Toxic glues.
❌ Cheap petroleum-based plastics.
❌ Factories with no ethics or environmental safeguards.

We refused to be another brand contributing to this mess.

Instead, we took a harder path. The path that required more research, more time, and a lot more love.

First, We Found FSC-Certified Wood

Not all wood is created equal. Deforestation is real. So we sought out FSC-certified wood, harvested ethically from forests that are protected and responsibly managed.

• Comes from forests where trees are replanted
• Protects wildlife habitats
• Supports forest communities
• And yes—looks absolutely stunning on your face

It doesn’t just look beautiful, it feels beautiful, because it’s made from nature.

👓 Then, You Asked for Acetate... 

We knew regular acetate wasn’t an option. It's petroleum-based, loaded with chemicals, and not biodegradable.

So we searched the world...

🌍 And after 9 months, we found Mazzucchelli Bio-Acetate in Italy.

This isn’t your average acetate.

✅ Made from renewable wood pulp & cotton
✅ Biodegradable
✅ Hypoallergenic and safe for your skin
✅ Made without phthalates, BPA, or petroleum toxins

It’s the gold standard. But few brands use it—because it costs more, takes longer, and requires working with ethical factories (which are hard to find).

But we found one.
And they believed in us.
In you.
In the mission.

We Build Your Frames from Scratch-With Love

Every single VivaRays frame is customized from the ground up.
Not just for style or comfort, but for you—the conscious human who refuses to compromise health for convenience.

We craft tools that support your rhythm, protect your hormones, and leave the planet better than we found it.

Because that’s what you deserve. 

🌎 Earth Day Is a Reminder, But This Is Our Everyday

This is why we go above and beyond to source ethical materials.

This is why we’ll never take shortcuts

This is why we sell out so quickly

Because we’re not chasing ease.
We’re chasing integrity

And we promise you this :
It’s the only Path we’ll ever take:

To honor your body, protect our Earth, and create only what’s aligned with nature, truth, health, and harmony.

So from our heart to yours, thank you for choosing to live in harmony with nature.

Every time you wear your VivaRays frames, you’re making a statement.
Not just about your health.
But about the world you want to build.

Let’s build it together.

With love and light ,
The VivaRays Team

💜 Live in rhythm