Best Sustainable sunglasses of 2023: an eco-friendly frame to block sun rays
From sustainable makeup practices to changing our outfit style with an eco-friendly approach, we are stepping forward to the road of sustainable living, and this is great news for the whole universe! Sunglasses are one of the most popular accessories we add to our everyday style, so why not change the accessories into sustainable ones? This article will tell you what it brings if you pick sustainable sunglasses and what brands can help you the best.
What is the difference between normal and sustainable sunglasses?
Normal sunglasses and sustainable sunglasses differ in their impact on the environment and on society.
Normal sunglasses are typically made from non-renewable materials like plastic or metal, and the production and disposal of these materials can have negative environmental consequences. Additionally, producing normal sunglasses may involve exploitative labor practices or contribute to carbon emissions resulting in climate change.
On the other hand, sustainable sunglasses are made from materials that are environmentally responsible, such as recycled plastics, bamboo, or wood. These materials are often biodegradable or compostable, meaning they won't contribute to pollution or waste when they're eventually discarded. Additionally, sustainable sunglasses may be produced using fair labor practices that support workers' rights and well-being.
Eco-friendly sunglasses are designed to minimize their impact on the environment while still providing the same function and style as traditional sunglasses. Choosing sustainable sunglasses for yourself or as one of the best eco-friendly gifts can help reduce your environmental footprint and support responsible production practices.
What materials are sustainable sunglasses?
Sustainable sunglasses frames are made from cellulose acetate, which is found in various substances, including
Bamboo
Wood
Recycled plastic
Cork
Any biodegradable materials
Meanwhile, they are eco-friendly, and the quality is nothing less than normal sunglasses. In fact, plant-based sunglasses have the same properties (UV blockage, for instance) that help you feel a lighter pair of glasses on your face.
Best eco-friendly sunglasses to get
You can choose sustainable sunglasses as a part of your unique style or give it as a zero-waste gift to your beloved ones. In this case, you need to know the best brand offering eco-friendly sunglasses:
Warby Parker sunglasses
Warby Parker is a popular eyewear brand that offers a range of prescription glasses, sunglasses, and accessories. The company was founded in 2010 with a mission to offer affordable, high-quality eyewear while also making a positive impact on the world.
Warby Parker is committed to sustainability and has taken steps such as using eco-friendly materials like cellulose acetate and recycled stainless steel in their frames, and their packaging is made from recycled and biodegradable materials. They also partner with non-profit organizations to donate a portion of their profits to support social and environmental causes.
You will find a range of classic and modern frames featuring polarized lenses, which are available in a variety of colors and styles, including aviator, wayfarer, and round frames.
Monkeyglasses
Monkeyglasses is a Danish eyewear brand that specializes in sustainable and eco-friendly eyewear. The company was founded in 2010 by Mai-Britt Seaton and Morten Libergren, who were inspired by their passion for sustainable design and desire to impact the world positively.
The brand uses eco-friendly materials like biodegradable cotton acetate and recycled stainless steel to create their frames, and polycarbonate, a lightweight and durable plastic that is both impact-resistant and scratch-resistant for their lenses. Additionally, the company has a zero-waste policy, and all of its production waste is recycled or reused.
Sea2see
After reading their name, you may wonder if they are producing eco-friendly swimsuits or sunglasses.
This sustainable eyewear brand specializes in creating sunglasses and eyeglasses made from recycled ocean plastic. Sea2see works with fishermen and NGOs to collect plastic waste from the oceans, which is then cleaned, sorted, and processed into high-quality plastic pellets. The company was founded in 2016 by Francois van den Abeele, who was inspired by his love of the ocean and his desire to find a solution to the problem of plastic pollution.
Sea2see offers a range of sunglasses styles, including aviator, wayfarer, round frames, and a variety of lens colors and finishes. They also offer a Home Try-On program, where customers can select up to four frames to try on at home for free before making a purchase.
Proof Eyewear
Using a variety of sustainable materials to create their frames, Proof Eyewear is committed to making sunglasses from bamboo, wood, cotton-based acetate, and recycled aluminum. The company also uses eco-friendly packaging and production practices and partners with non-profit organizations to support social and environmental causes.
This sustainable eyewear brand specialized in creating sunglasses and eyeglasses made from eco-friendly materials and was founded in 2010 by three brothers.
Eco by Modo
Founded in 1990, Eco by Modo uses a variety of eco-friendly materials to create their frames, including recycled metal, bio-based plastics, and repurposed materials like wood and cotton. This is a reliable brand for high-quality and innovative eyewear design. They also use eco-friendly production practices, including using recycled water in their manufacturing processes, and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint.
Mosevic
Mosevic uses recycled denim to create their frames, which are made using a unique process involving layering and bonding the denim fibers. This results in a durable, lightweight, unique, and eco-friendly material. The company was founded in 2014 by Jack Spencer and Alex Boswell.
W.R.Yuma
Sebastien Weemaels and Yuma Labs started their focus on sustainability in a creative studio in 2018 to manufacture sustainable sunglasses called W.R.Yuma. Recycled plastic from sources like discarded fishing nets and plastic bottles are the main materials they make the frames from.
You can find a wide range of sunglasses styles with a sustainability approach to be also involved in their beautiful view of the world.
Shwood
Founded in 2009 by Eric Singer and Dan Genco, Shwood creates sunglasses from sustainable materials like wood and acetate and uses eco-friendly production methods. They also offer a program to recycle old sunglasses and give them new life. They also use polarized lenses made from CR-39, a lightweight and durable plastic that is both impact-resistant and scratch-resistant.
In addition to its commitment to sustainability, Shwood is known for its unique and high-quality frame designs. Each frame is handcrafted in their Portland workshop, and the company uses a variety of woodworking techniques to create intricate and detailed designs. You will find men’s and women’s awesome sunglasses in their collection.
Pala Eyewear
Bio-based acetate, recycled metal, and sustainable bamboo are the key materials for Pala Eyewear to create sustainable and ethical sunglasses. This a London-based eyewear brand that has a "buy one, give one" program where for every pair of glasses sold, they donate a pair to someone in need in Africa through their partnership with Vision Aid Overseas.
Sunski
Based in California, Sunski was founded in 2012 by Tom Stewart and Michael Charley. Their goal was to create durable and affordable sunglasses that were also environmentally sustainable, so they tried to use recycled materials, such as scrap metal and recycled plastic, for their products.
hey also have a program called "Lifetime Warranty and Recycling” where customers can send in their old Sunski sunglasses to be recycled and receive a discount on a new pair! Sunski also supports environmental organizations through their "Climate Neutral Certified" program, which helps offset their carbon emissions.
Why choose sustainable sunglasses?
Do you hesitate to choose a pair of sustainable sunglasses? Maybe the advantages of them can convince you.
Light and stylish
Sustainable sunglasses are often lightweight and comfortable to wear because they are made of lighter materials, making them a great choice for outdoor activities. They also come in a variety of unique designs that are not commonly found in traditional sunglasses. In other words, they can add a touch of personality and style to your outfit.
Durable and affordable
Many sustainable sunglasses are designed to be durable and long-lasting. This means you won't have to replace them as often, reducing waste. It also results in saving money on spending on accessories. Eco-friendly sunglasses are often affordable and competitively priced with traditional sunglasses, which is another positive point for consumers.
Environmentally friendly
Made from materials that have a lower impact on the environment, sustainable sunglasses are an alternative frame to save the environment. They are often made from renewable resources and can be recycled or biodegraded at the end of their life cycle.
Be fashionable and eco-friendly
Sustainable sunglasses are a great way to look fashionable while also being environmentally conscious. These sunglasses are made from sustainable materials such as bamboo, wood, recycled plastic, or biodegradable materials, and we tried to introduce you to the top ones. If you are looking for a stylish accessory, don’t miss to pay attention to the details.
