Sunglasses are a necessary part of any summer wardrobe. Not only do they keep your eyes shielded from the sun, but they can also make you look cool and stylish. However, many people don’t think about their sunglasses’ environmental impact. Traditional sunglasses are made with materials such as plastic and metals that can harm the environment.

This blog post will discuss sustainable sunglasses and why you should switch to them. We will also list 10 of the best sustainable sunglasses on the market!

What Are Sustainable Sunglasses Made Of?

A pair of sunglasses might seem a simple accessory, but they are made of many different materials. The lenses are typically made of glass or virgin plastic, while the frames are usually metal or plastic. All of these materials come from non-renewable resources and can take hundreds of years to decompose.

Additionally, prescription lenses also contain chemicals, such as arsenic and lead. These harmful chemicals can leach into the environment and cause damage to ecosystems.

Meanwhile, sustainable brands use sustainable and eco-friendly materials to make their sunglasses. For example, some brands use sustainably sourced wood for the frames, while others use recycled materials such as plastic and nylon. By using sustainable materials, these brands are helping to reduce the environmental impact of their products.

Sustainable sunglasses are better for the environment and can also be just as stylish as conventional sunglasses. In fact, sustainable sunglasses are often made with unique and beautiful designs that set them apart from their mass-produced counterparts.

10 Sustainable Sunglasses Brands You Need to Know

Prescription sunglasses do not need to be expensive. Sustainable sunnies are often more affordable than popular designer sunglasses.

Here are ten sustainable sunglasses brands that you need to know:

Genusee

Based in Flint, Michigan, Genesee is a sustainable sunglasses brand that upcycles plastic waste from the Flint River to make its products.

Their sustainable sunglasses are made with recycled plastic frames and lenses, making them super eco-friendly. Plus, a percentage of their profits goes towards supporting the community of Flint. The company also employs formerly incarcerated individuals, giving them a second chance at life.

Proof Eyewear

Proof Eyewear is one of the most well-known sustainable eyewear brands. They are based in Boise, Idaho, and use recycled aluminum and sustainable wood for their environmentally friendly sunglasses.

For instance, their wood comes from recycled skateboards, making them extra sustainable and unique. Proof also gives back to various causes, such as worldwide vision centers and health clinics.

Waterhaul

Waterhaul is a UK-based sustainable optical brand that takes plastic fishing nets to create stunning recycled sunglasses that are perfect for the summer.

They also encourage their customers to donate recycled ocean plastic such as fishing gears and nets. The brand also has a lifetime warranty where they can recycle and replace your sustainable sunglasses for free if they ever break.

Zeal Optics

Zeal Optics has everything you need, from polarized lenses to sustainable frames in a pair of sunglasses. This sustainable brand offers goggles and high-quality plant-based sunglasses that are perfect for outdoor use.

Most of their eco-friendly eyewear offers protection against blue light and 100% UV protection.

Sunski

Looking to ditch your plastic sunglasses for a new pair of ethical sunglasses? Then look no further than Sunski. This sustainable sunglasses brand is a 1% for the Planet member, meaning they donate at least one percent of their sales to environmental causes.

Their sunglasses are made with SuperLight recycled frames with plastic-free packaging, ensuring that your new sustainable sunglasses are eco-friendly.

Covry

Covry is a New Jersey-based sustainable fashion eyewear brand committed to delivering super comfortable, sustainable, and stylish sunglasses.

They use eco-friendly materials such as wood pulp and cotton to make prescription eyeglasses and fashionable sunnies. This women-owned brand is also inclusive, meaning their sustainable sunglasses come in various colors, shapes, and sizes to fit everyone.

Pala

Pala uses bio-acetate, a sustainable material made from wood pulp, to create groovy and eco-friendly sunglasses. This cruelty-free material is also lightweight and durable, making it ideal for sustainable sunglasses.

The brand also uses recycled plastic to make cases for each pair of sunglasses. Pala also provides grants for eye-care programs worldwide, ensuring everyone has access to quality eye care.

Sticks & Sparrow

The scratch-resistant sunnies from Sticks & Sparrow will make heads turn. This sustainable brand has everything you need, from polarized sunglasses to blue light glasses.

The brand from down under uses cork, plant-based acetate, and recycled plastic to create sustainable sunglasses. You can also try their sunglasses with their home-try on the program before buying them.

Eco

Eco’s sunglasses are produced from 95% recycled metals and ocean plastic to reduce their environmental impact.

This sustainable eyewear brand also gives back to the environment by planting trees for every pair of eco-friendly eyewear sold. Based in New York, Eco delivers sustainable and stylish sunglasses that make you look good and feel good.

WearPanda

With a sustainable bamboo frame and polarized lenses, these sustainable sunglasses from WearPanda will protect your eyes while you enjoy the outdoors.

WearPanda has a sustainable pair of sunglasses for everyone, from unisex styles and cat-eye sunglasses. The company also offers free shipping and international deliveries to make sustainable shopping easier for everyone.

Conclusion

Eco-friendly sunglasses are not only sustainable but also stylish. With so many sustainable brands to choose from, you can find the perfect pair of sustainable sunglasses that fit your style and needs. So ditch those plastic sunglasses and switch to a sustainable pair today!

Did we miss any sustainable sunglasses brands? Let us know in the comments below!