Costa Sunglasses has always chased one mission: to make the best sunglasses while uniting the world in a shared responsibility to protect our blue planet. Today, Costa takes a powerful step forward on this journey, announcing a new partnership with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, PADI®. Bound by a shared passion for exploration and ocean conservation, the partnership aims to unite their global communities—diving deeper into their shared commitment to safeguard the world’s waters, while inspiring more people to push past the shoreline and take real action.
“PADI and Costa have a long-standing shared commitment to protecting our blue planet—but together, we can do even more, “said Jed Larkin, Costa Brand Director. “We’re proud to partner with PADI to amplify meaningful action and inspire a new wave of ocean advocates. As the health of the ocean reaches a tipping point, this collaboration allows us to welcome more people into the wonder and responsibility of the watery world—so they can see it, love it, and ultimately fight to protect it.”
From the surface to the seafloor, both organizations have long been committed to protecting marine ecosystems and conserving the watery world we all rely on. As part of the partnership, Costa will support the PADI AWARE Foundation with a donation to help advance its mission of achieving balance between humanity and the ocean. Harnessing the collective power of 30 million PADI-certified divers and the global dive industry, the Foundation tackles the ocean’s most pressing threats—plastic pollution among them. Working alongside PADI, Costa will rally a global network of volunteers, driving efforts to protect vital marine habitats and champion sustainable practices that keep ocean ecosystems thriving.
“As the world’s largest diving organization, PADI is leading a powerful movement to restore ourselves, our communities and the blue planet we call home.” said Katie Thompson, Sr. Director of Environment and Sustainability at PADI. “Working with Costa was a natural next step in this. Through this partnership, PADI joins more than 20 conservation allies and 2,400 Costa Pros who share the same calling—allowing us to amplify our efforts.”
With a bold blueprint for ocean action, PADI aims to eliminate marine debris, protect marine species, and expand blue carbon habitats. PADI’s Dive Against Debris program actively engages divers to remove underwater debris while collecting vital data that contributes to global conservation efforts. These insights form the foundation of the world’s largest citizen science movement for marine research, driving meaningful policy change and amplifying the voice of the dive community in support of a global ocean conservation agenda.
Protecting the waters we love is part of Costa’s DNA. In 2015, Costa launched the Kick Plastic® program to tackle the single-use plastic polluting waterways and ignite a global movement. Since then, the initiative has led to 50 tons of lenses recycled, 3 million plastic bottles eliminated through its guide program, and more. As part of its ongoing efforts, Costa introduced a paper alternative to single-use plastic bags. The new Vela™ FSC™ certified paper bags are weather-resistant, durable, transparent, and curbside recyclable. The brand also repurposes 1/2 ton of discarded fishing nets every year to create its Untangled™ Collection of eyewear.
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