Recognised by Parliament. Embedded in Schools. Redefining What Waste Can Be.

Recognised by Parliament. Embedded in Schools. Redefining What Waste Can Be.

At Good Citizens Eyewear, we’re not just making sustainable eyewear. We’re helping reshape how governments, schools and industries think about waste, design and manufacturing. We’ve advised curriculum developers, contributed to national education reforms, and been formally acknowledged in Parliament for leading the way in circular innovation. Our eyewear is made in Sydney, but the ripple effect travels far beyond our workshop.

From Rubbish to Recognition

When we launched, we set out to achieve two things:

1. Prove that trash can be given a meaningful second life

2. Influence government and education to help inspire the next generation of young citizens into action

So how have we gone?

Part 1 took 752 days and 2503 failed attempts. We made it happen. One discarded bottle became one modular, repairable, fully recycled eyewear frame. No screws. No metal. No virgin plastic. Today, we’re the most awarded eyewear brand in Australia and New Zealand, and we're sending frames made in Sydney to the world.

Part 2 is still evolving, but a lot of good stuff has already happened.

Acknowledged by Government

Our work has been formally recognised in both state and federal Parliament for its innovation and impact. We’ve been acknowledged during Prime Minister’s Question Time and twice in the NSW Parliament for our leadership in sustainability, manufacturing and inclusive employment.
See mention 1
See mention 2

We were also featured in a national Federal Government campaign encouraging Australians to look at waste differently. It reached millions through television, outdoor and digital media.

These acknowledgements show that bold ideas backed by action get noticed.

Helping Shape the Way Australia Teaches Design

We believe good design is taught early. That’s why we’re involved in shaping how students think about materials, systems and sustainability. Our work is now included in the Victorian school curriculum and assessments under the Design Makes You Feel Good initiative. We’re proud to be featured as a best practice case study and to be part of the official school exam.
View the curriculum inclusion

In NSW, we’ve supported the SHAPE Education Showcase, which celebrates the top HSC design and technology students. We’ve delivered design masterclasses at the Powerhouse Museum for three years as part of this NSW Education initiative.

We’re also advising on a new TAFE NSW diploma, alongside manufacturing centres of excellence, focused on renewable, circular manufacturing and design systems. At university level, we’ve lectured at RMIT, UNSW and UTS. We challenge students to rethink materials, waste and the role design can play in solving global problems.

Inspiring Industry to Change

We’ve shared our journey and thinking with over 145 organisations around the world. We’ve given keynote talks and worked directly with leadership teams to help drive meaningful change. These include Tesla, Google, the Green Building Council of Australia and the United Nations Global Compact Conference.

All of this has happened with Harry (14) and Archie (12) right by our sides. They’re actively involved in every company decision with a 25% say and have joined us on stage for all 145 talks. Their voices help keep us honest and their ideas keep us moving forward.

You can explore more of our speaking work and how we’re helping spark change inside boardrooms and classrooms at www.nikrobinsonspeaking.com

Every talk is a chance to show what happens when design meets purpose. When systems are built for repair, not replacement. When citizens stop waiting for change and start building it. From Avalon Beach to global stages, we’re proving that trash doesn’t have to stay trash. With the right thinking, even a bottle can become something better.

As Seen In

Our story has been featured in major global and national media, helping spread our mission even further. (Here's a couple)
• The Australian – Turning Recycled Plastic Bottles Into Chic Sunnies
• Forbes USA – How This Dad and His Sons Are Creating Good Citizens

These features help amplify what we believe. Business can and should be used as a force for good.

We’re Not Done Yet

We deeply believe we can design our way out of this mess. And that the next generation, if armed and educated correctly, can outthink our generation.

So let’s keep going. Let’s untrash the planet.