Image: courtesy of Bôhten
There are multiple avenues that can be occupied when it comes to building a more eco-friendly world. Black owned company Bôhten accomplishes this through its eyewear.
Inspired by Ghanian nature, style and culture, Bôhten believes that it is not only a part of the global community, but that “sustainability goes beyond its product.” It uses a sustainable model for the production of its frames, while hoping to better the lives of underserved communities on the Mother Continent.
Aside from their impactful mission, the brand creates stylish, sleek frames that you can feel good about wearing. Remixing conventional styles often seen promoted for custom eyewear, these glasses are made in the United States and can be used for prescription and non-prescription use.
“At Bôhten, sustainability is not just a concept, it is our foundation, our reason for being. We are on a mission to create a better world by utilizing discarded materials and plant-based acetate to create eyewear that not only looks great but also promotes accessible eye care for all,” explains Nana Boateng Osei, Bôhten’s co-founder and CEO. “Our commitment to this cause is unwavering and it drives us to push ourselves further every day,”
Osei founded the company with his partner, Nana Kwadwo Osei, as a means to revolutionize the eyewear industry in 2012. The two wanted to build a company that drew inspiration and sourced renewable materials from the continent of Africa while simultaneously operating a fair-trade social enterprise. The company began a tree planting partnership in in Kenya and Ghana as a means to facilitate traditional preservation techniques as they acquired resources directly.
“We believe that positive change is within reach, and we are determined to make a difference through our everyday actions. Our ‘Better Every Day’ promise is a reflection of this dedication, as we work tirelessly to promote environmental sustainability, improve access to eyecare and support youth employment. With our local presence across Africa, we have a unique perspective and the opportunity to take action,” shared Nana Boateng Osei. “From our tree planting initiatives in Kenya with MITI Alliance and Greening Commodities in Northern Ghana, to our Club Bôhten program that provides eye screenings for youth in schools across Accra, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of people and the planet.”