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Do you like to look good outdoors, but worry about the environmental impact of your fashion choices?
I'm fortunate enough to live in a sunny climate, so I spend a lot of time doing outdoor activities. That means I need sustainable sunglasses that offer great UV protection, look cool, won't break, and don't add to plastic pollution.
Whether it be wooden sunglasses, recycled materials, or even bamboo - if there's a pair of eco-friendly sunnies out there, chances are I've tested them!
In this article, I'll guide you through how to choose sunglasses that positively impact the world around us. I'll also review some top brands that offer safe, stylish, and long-lasting shades for men and women...
✔ Premium Biodegradable Acetate
✔ Made to Last
✔ Small Batch Production to Minimize Waste
My daughters love Saint Owen glasses and were VERY insistent that I order a couple of pairs for testing.
So, as the doting Dad that I am, I agreed...and was very impressed!
Elegant with an edge. Bold yet refined. Skilled artisans at small-scale factories in Italy and Japan lovingly handcraft each pair of Saint Owen sunglasses.
Saint Owen sources the finest materials to guarantee ultimate comfort and durability.
Every frame is made using the finest Italian acetate, tumbled and hand-polished to achieve a flawless finish. CR-39 and Nylon lenses provide optimal clarity while offering full-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. An anti-reflective coating reduces glare, ensuring visual ease.
I adore the small-batch, slow-fashion approach embraced by Saint Owen. It minimizes waste and ensures remarkable durability, making each pair of its sunnies a potential lifelong companion.
SmartBuyGlasses has an extensive Eco sunglasses range.
It features many well-known designer brands, including Ray Ban, Gucci, Saint Laurent, and Smith.
Everything in the Eco range is made from sustainable materials. We were spoiled for choice.
They're popular too. SmartBuyGlasses tells us they saw a 300% increase in eco-friendly eyewear sales last year.
We decided to test the Serengeti Bormio which we loved. They look incredibly stylish and feel strong but lightweight. The wraparound frame is made from recycled eco-nylon (Econyl), with polycarbonate polarized lenses.
Delivery was fast (2-3 days) and came in recyclable cardboard packaging.
If you want a pair of designer sunglasses without having to sacrifice eco-friendliness, then SmartBuyGlasses is the place to go.
✔ Oprah's Favorite Things
✔ Certified Recycled Polycarbonate
✔ Most Affordable (Under $30)
These bargain shades are meticulously crafted in sunny California, featuring designs that are sure to catch your eye.
They're in the budget price range, but they do look more expensive than they are.
Peepers polarized sunglasses provide style and protect your eyes from harmful UVA/UVB rays with UV400 technology. Say goodbye to glare and hello to crystal-clear vision, even on the sunniest of days!
There is an 'Eco-Friendly' filter on the Peepers website that will show you all the options made from recycled materials (such as certified recycled polycarbonate).
Woodzee's slogan (Style & Nature) perfectly captures its dedication to designing fashionable eyewear while considering our planet.
It strives to incorporate renewable materials into every product. From the eco-friendly packaging made from recycled paper stock to the brushed cotton soft pouches and plant-based plastics, Woodzee minimizes its environmental impact throughout the production process.
I love the range made from upcycled skateboards...very cool!
There's also a recycling program where you can return your old Woodzee glasses in exchange for 50% off a new pair of sunglasses.
Instead of ending up in landfills, Woodzee uses the old glasses for parts and repairs which I think is a great initiative.
✔ Seriously Ethical Company
✔ Loads of Style and Color Options
✔ Recycled Phone Cases
Pela takes great care in crafting each pair of its sunnies from recycled materials (such as ocean plastic and old phone cases), preventing pollution in our waterways.
I've got a lot of love for Pela. It's an incredibly ethical company that carries multiple certifications, including:
And that's not all! The Pela 360 Program lets you send in your old sunglasses for proper upcycling, recycling, composting, or disposal.
Pela's eco sunglasses have minimal packaging and significantly reduced use of natural resources. They contribute to 33% fewer carbon emissions, 34% less water usage, and an impressive 82% reduction in waste.
✔ Recycled Aluminum & Sustainably Sourced Wood
✔ Water and Sweat-Resistant
✔ BPA-Free
Proof Eyewear (founded by three brothers in Boise, Idaho) manufactures some of the most sustainable and eco-friendly sunglasses on the market.
Its eyewear is carefully handcrafted from sustainable wood, cotton-based acetate, and recycled aluminum. And with 100% UVA/UVB protection, the lenses protect your eyes from harmful rays.
The small aluminum collection (made from recycled products and discarded scraps) stands out for me. These frames are lightweight, malleable, and infinitely recyclable.
It's also nice that all Proof Eyewear sunglasses come with a compostable case made from sustainably sourced wood.
✔ Upcycled Plastic Bottles
✔ $5 to The Ocean Cleanup for Each Pair Sold
✔ Prescription Lenses Avavilable
This line of eyeglasses genuinely inspires me.
SeaClean by GlassesUSA showcases a dedication to sustainability and ocean preservation, with each frame created entirely from upcycled plastic bottles.
For every pair of SeaClean glasses sold, GlassesUSA will donate $5 to The Ocean Cleanup, helping them in their mission to achieve a plastic-free ocean by 2050.
There is currently a limited range of frames, but I'm excited to hear that plans are in motion to expand the collection in the future.
SeaClean also offers sustainable prescription sunglasses, which are always great for driving or outdoor sports.
✔ Recycled Plastic Resin
✔ Lifetime Warranty
✔ Polarised Lenses as Standard (Perfect for Water and Snow)
Sunski's signature SuperLight recycled plastic frames are a fantastic example of how to turn trash from our landfills into a trendy accessory.
The durability of these sunglasses is remarkable. I'm often quite clumsy, but these frames have stood the test of time. However, it's also good to know that if I do push my Sunski sunnies past breaking point, I'm covered by a lifetime warranty.
I love that all Sunski sunglasses come with high-quality polarized lenses. This is great for any activity done on a reflective surface such as snow or water.
Combine the polarized lenses with the exceptional durability, and you have the perfect sustainable sunglasses for adventure sports.
The packaging of these sunglasses deserves a shoutout, too. They arrive in a folded paperboard box with no glue or plastic.
Sunski further demonstrates its commitment to the environment by being a proud member of 1% for the Planet and Carbon Neutral certified.
With everything from aviators to wayfarers, and with styles and sizes for men, women, and kids, this sustainable brand is likely to appeal to any taste.
When picking out your eco-friendly sunglasses, there are a few key considerations.
I took into account all of the following during my testing.
The material of your glasses frames and lenses is where sustainability starts. Some of the more commonly seen options include:
Eco-friendly business practices go beyond the product.
Look for brands that use renewable energy, prioritize fair trade and labor practices, and give back to environmental causes.
Independent eco-certifications from trusted third parties help you avoid greenwashing and give you peace of mind that you're getting a genuinely ethical and sustainable product.
Some of the most relevant certifications when choosing sunglasses include:
Biodegradability is the holy grail of sustainable eyewear.
Sunglasses that can return to the earth without leaving a trace are a win for you and Mother Nature.
Polarized lenses provide superior protection against harmful UV rays.
With their advanced technology, these lenses reduce glare and enhance visual clarity, giving you a safer and more enjoyable outdoor experience.
Sustainable sunglasses come in all shapes and sizes.
From aviators to wayfarers, there's an eco-friendly style for everyone.
Opting for sunglasses with lightweight frames and lenses enhances comfort and contributes to sustainability.
With reduced material requirements during production, lighter sunglasses help minimize environmental impact and promote eco-consciousness.
We all apply sunscreen to protect our skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays, but your eyes need protection too.
Over time, exposure to UV rays can cause many problems. From irritating conditions like photokeratitis (think of it like a sunburn, but for your eyes) to more severe issues such as cataract surgeries and macular degeneration.
Wearing sunglasses that block out 100% of UV rays is a simple and effective way to protect your eyes from these risks.
And just as you wouldn't skip sunscreen on a sunny day, you shouldn't forget your sunglasses.
Over time, squinting against the sun can cause eye strain, leading to discomfort and headaches.
Sunglasses reduce the light that reaches your eyes, helping you stay comfortable and squint-free.
Whether driving, playing sports, or just enjoying a day at the beach, glare can be a real problem.
It reduces your ability to see clearly and can even be dangerous in some situations.
Sunglasses reduce glare and help you see more clearly and navigate the world safely.
Sunglasses are a fantastic way to express your personal aesthetic.
And when you choose sustainable sunglasses, you're also making a statement about your values.
You're showing the world that you care about our planet and are committed to making choices supporting its well-being.
Acetate is a renewable resource derived from things like cotton and wood pulp. When made into sunglasses, it can be easily recycled, making it an excellent option for sustainable eyewear. However, as with bamboo, some acetates are more sustainable than others (depending on the manufacturing process used).
Yes, green lenses (and also dark grey or brown) can help reduce glare while driving, offering better visibility on sunny days.
Sunglasses are usually not allowed in school because they can disrupt the learning environment. Bullying can also occur if a student can't afford an expensive or popular brand. However, if medically necessary, most schools will allow sunglasses as long as they don't interfere with the classroom experience.
Solo Eyewear appears to be a popular brand making cool sunnies using sustainable materials. I'm testing them now ready for the next update of this article.
Blue light lenses protect your eyes from the blue light emitted by screens (such as phones, laptops, and TVs). They help reduce digital eye strain, which can cause headaches and difficulty focusing. They can also improve your sleep quality if you wear them at night or during other times when you're exposed to artificial light.
Cat-eye glasses can be unisex, but the style is often more popular among women. However, why worry about men's, women's, unisex, etc? Just wear what makes you feel good!
Choosing the best eco-friendly sunglasses doesn't mean compromising on style or comfort.
It's about making choices that are good for you and the planet.
So, next time you shop for shades, remember this guide and make a sustainable choice.
Do you already rock eco-friendly sunglasses as part of your sustainable fashion routine? What's your favorite brand? Drop me a line and let me know.
Our core values mean we always prioritize sustainability over profit. We carefully evaluate and personally test every product to ensure they meet our high standards. All products recommended in this article were tested in accordance with our Review Methodology.
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