Last Updated on February 19, 2024
These sustainable sunglasses will have you looking your best and are made with eco friendly materials! Summertime is on the horizon! With warmer weather, longer days, and plenty of sunshine ahead, this is the perfect time to grab those sunglasses and get ready for outdoor adventures.
The best sustainable sunglasses are made from eco friendly materials including sustainably harvested organic materials, recycled plastics, and plant-based plastic alternatives. The most eco friendly sunglasses brands are also dedicated to giving back to the planet and the people through ocean clean-up efforts, worldwide eye care centers, and other various charities. These environmentally friendly companies are making it possible to have shade, style, and a clear conscience all at the same time.
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ethical sunglasses on the rise
I absolutely love sunny weather and all of the hiking, camping, swimming, and socializing that goes with it. With as much time as I spend soaking up the rays, a quality pair of sunglasses is absolutely essential.
The sunglasses industry has historically been dominated by conventional brands with minimal concern for sustainability. Plastic everywhere! Luckily, the tides are beginning to turn, and there are an increasing number of options for eco friendly sunglasses. In fact, in a 2023 survey, 62% of people said that they seek products to purchase because they’re sustainable and don’t harm the environment.
The most amazing part is that percentage is up from a measly 27% in 2021!
I’ve researched some of the most affordable, sustainable sunglasses brands out there to help you make the best decision for your next pair of ethical sunglasses. You can protect your eyes and the planet at the same time.
how to find ethical and eco friendly sunglasses
When searching for your next pair of sustainable sunglasses, there are a few important points to consider:
materials
Seek out compostable or at least recyclable sunglasses whenever possible, and look for brands made of recycled or sustainably harvested organic materials. This will ensure your sustainable sunglasses are truly what they say they are.
If you choose organic materials, remember that “natural” does not always equal eco friendly. Be sure that you are always supporting ethical and sustainable harvesting.
Here are some top picks for eco friendly materials to look for in your next shades:
- recycled plastics, often from single use water bottles and reclaimed fishing nets
- recyclable and/or recycled metals
- recycled skateboards
- upcycled denim
- reclaimed or FSC certified wood
- sustainably harvested bamboo, hemp, or cork fabric
- plant-based plastic alternatives such as acetate
Also, remember to consider what is used to make the cases, packing and shipping materials, and cleaning cloths. Try to seek out compostable and recyclable options when shopping around for non toxic sunglasses.
To offset the carbon footprint of your purchase even more, buy your eco friendly sunglasses at your local secondhand store. It’s a great way to find groovy styles while minimizing waste.
business practices
Whichever of the affordable sunglasses brands you choose, make sure that you are supporting environmentally conscious companies with fair, ethical, and transparent business practices.
Be sure that employees, artisans, and all partners along the supply chain are being fairly compensated and treated with respect. Fair Trade or B Corporation databases are good places to check for certified companies that are exemplary in this area.
I also like to seek out companies that support their respective local communities by providing jobs and donating to local charities. This ensures your ethical sunglasses are on the up-and-up through and through!
giving back
Some of the ethical sunglasses brands I have been researching are giving back to people and the planet in some truly inspiring ways.
From ocean clean-ups to assistance with vision surgeries, these sunglasses companies are dedicated to making the world a better place. Thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours of labor are donated to various charities and initiatives each year.
It feels good to know that part of my purchase is supporting a greater mission. I have outlined some of the most impressive charitable causes brand-by-brand in the next section where I tell you about my favorite sustainable sunglasses brands. Enjoy!
12 of the best sustainable sunglasses brands
pala eyewear
- based in Brighton, UK
- certified B-Corporation
- 100% plant based and biodegradable
- stylish cases are handmade from recycled plastic by artisans in Ghana
- a portion of each purchase goes toward offsetting carbon emissions
- percentage of profits go toward grants to provide eye care to communities worldwide
sunski
- based in San Francisco
- made from plastic locally sourced from US landfills
- lifetime warranty and lens replacement program
- gives back to 1% for the Planet
- 12% of all profits go to various environmental organizations
- products shipped glue and plastic free in adorable cardboard origami
- purchases carbon offsets and are aspiring to be certified carbon neutral soon
waterhaul
- made from recycled ocean plastics and abandoned fishing nets
- started by marine biologist/surfer to reduce the 640,000 tons of fishing nets left in the ocean each year
- local NGOs and fishermen help recover nets for processing
- non-polycarbonate, zero-waste lenses made from recycled mineral glass
- lifetime warranty and lifetime buyback recycling program
- plastic free packaging
- regular audits of supply chain
seaclean
- simple awesome mission
- made from 100% up-cycled plastic bottles
- 5 recycled plastic bottles = one pair
- $5 from each purchase goes to OceanCleanup
- mission for a plastic-free ocean by 2050
solo eyewear
- made from recycled plastic and repurposed bamboo
- free shipping and returns in the US
- 10% of all profits go toward cataract surgeries, eye exams, and prescription glasses
- have helped restore vision to over 13,000 individuals worldwide
proof eyewear
- based in Boise, Idaho
- made from FSC certified wood, cotton-based acetate, recycled aluminum, and repurposed skateboard decks
- cases made from sustainably sourced wood
- recycling program for old, unwanted frames
- charitable donations have helped to plant 200 trees, donate 1,200 pairs of glasses, complete 240 cataract surgeries, and provide over 6,000 health and vision screenings worldwide
genusee
- made from 100% recycled, single use plastic bottles
- based in Flint, Michigan and committed to “Flint First” philosophy
- works with local community to supply employment to low-income and incarcerated populations
wear panda
- community oriented company based in Washington State, USA
- made from sustainable bamboo
- philosophy of “Fashion with a Purpose”
- free shipping
- portion of proceeds go to starting eye centers worldwide, including employee training, prescription glasses, and free eye exams
woodzee
- based in Chico, CA
- made from bamboo, wood, and recycled skateboards
- recycling program allows you to send back frames for 50% off next order
mita
- made from recycled water bottles
- even cleaning cloths are made from recycled materials
- portion of proceeds support nonprofits to protect oceans and waterways
shyne
- made from 100% recycled plastic
- accessible price point
- $5 of each purchase goes to environmental charities
sticks and sparrow
- based in Melbourne, Australia
- made from plant-based acetate, cork, and hand-pressed foliage
- committed to minimal waste and sustainable materials
- scratch resistant and UV protective lenses
faqs
i see lots of non toxic sunglasses using acetate. what is it and is it sustainable?
Acetate is a plant based cellulose made from trees or other plants like cotton. While it is definitely better than virgin plastic products, the verdict is still somewhat out on the sustainability of its production overall. We will be sure to stay tuned for updates.
is acetate plastic biodegradable?
Acetate plastic, or cellulose acetate, is much more biodegradable than petroleum based products and even has the ability to biodegrade in seawater. These plant-based plastic alternatives are definitely a step in the right direction.
However, the best biodegradable products will always be made from sustainably harvested, organic materials.
where do I find eco friendly sunglasses?
It is always best to shop locally whenever possible. Check your local second-hand stores for stylish shades and other fashion finds before heading to larger retail corporations. This is a great way to support your community and minimize waste.
If you shop online, seek out companies close to you and/or those dedicated to offsetting the carbon footprint of every purchase. Of course it can’t be stated enough to prioritize companies that produce non toxic sunglasses using sustainable manufacturing practices.
are these sustainable sunglasses brands affordable?
The brands featured in this article range from luxury price points to very affordable price points. Plus, many of the brands offer discounts for signing up for their email list, as well as robust sale and clearance sections of their sustainable sunglasses to make way for new collections. You’ll be able to find something for every budget!
Enjoy the sunshine, my friends!
