10 BEST SUSTAINABLE SUNGLASSES BRANDS THAT PROTECT YOUR EYES & THE ENVIRONMENT

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This blog post is all about the best sustainable sunglasses brands! 

Whether we like wearing them all year round or only in the summer, sunglasses are a great accessory that protects our eyes from harmful sun rays and improves visual comfort in bright light.

Not only that, but they can also elevate our look or add personality to our outfit! 

However, while making sure we’re buying stylish and functional items is great, taking into account the environmental impact behind them is even better. 

If you’re on the lookout for eco-friendly sunglasses, read on! 

In this article, I’m highlighting 10 of the best sustainable sunglasses brands that make protecting your eyes and the environment their priority.

You’ll find great models for both men and women (even some for kids!) as well as options for every budget! 

This blog post contains affiliate links which means that if you buy something through such links, I will get a small commission without any extra cost for you. Please read my Disclosure for more details.

Why buy eco-friendly & sustainable sunglasses? 

Most sunglasses, whether we prefer cheap models or designer pieces, are made from some kind of plastic, usually either polycarbonate or acetate. 

Both are derived from petroleum, which is a finite resource.

This industry is also very unsustainable, polluting the air and contributing to climate change. 

Not only that, but plastic sunglasses are almost impossible to recycle at the end of their lives, and aren’t biodegradable.

It means that when they become no longer usable, we have to throw them away, and they then end up in a landfill where they’ll sit for hundreds of years. 

Metal sunglasses are also common, but their material often comes with a heavy environmental footprint as well. 

Most conventional sunglasses are also mass-produced with little regard for labor standards and quality.

Brands often promote overconsumption and have lots of wasteful practices. 

The thing is, all of this can be avoided! 

We can now find eco-friendly sunglasses made from sustainable materials and produced with durability and ethics in mind.  

Not only that, but these models protect your eyes from harmful UVA and UVB rays just as effectively as regular sunnies.

And there are some cool, stylish designs that will make you look great!

Read more: Why you should quit fast fashion & how to do it?

What are the best materials for eco-friendly & sustainable sunglasses? 

Choosing the right materials is key to buying sustainable sunglasses!

Many eco-friendly sunglasses brands make their pieces from bio-based acetate, which is made from wood pulp and other biodegradable sources like cotton. 

The final product features a material that looks and feels just like plastic but that comes with a much lower environmental footprint. 

Recycled plastic is another great option!

You can find cool sunglasses made from ocean plastic, discarded plastic bottles, or post-industrial plastic scraps.

The great thing about this material is that not only does it help reduce waste, but it also reduces the demand for the production of virgin plastic. 

I also recommend sustainable wooden sunglasses, which are typically made from reclaimed wood or FSC-certified wood, or bamboo. 

If you prefer the look of metal sunnies, try to pick a pair made from repurposed or recycled stainless steel. 

Besides looking at the materials, consider buying from brands that have implemented ethical and sustainable practices throughout their supply chain. 

Many brands on this list also give back to nonprofits and carry certifications like B Corp or Climate Neutral. 

Read more: How to make your wardrobe more sustainable?

10 best sustainable sunglasses brands that protect your eyes & the environment

1. Peepers

Materials: Recycled Polycarbonate

This family-run brand offers affordable eco-friendly sunglasses as well as reading, blue light, and progressive glasses for both men and women. 

Its stylish, optical-quality sunglasses are available in a wide variety of styles and designs.

From aviators and trendy oversized glasses to cat-eye pieces and round or square sunglasses, Peepers has you covered! 

You’ll also be able to choose from many colors, including pastel hues, neon colors, vintage-inspired pieces, and classics. 

Many of them are polarized to reduce unwanted glare, and a dual anti-scratch lens coating makes them even more durable. 

Not only that, but these sunglasses are made from heat-resistant, recycled polycarbonate and come in biodegradable, recyclable packaging. 

Plus, the company’s headquarters run on solar power, and Peepers regularly donates part of its profits to help fund teachers and schools in need. 

2. Pela

Materials: Recycled Plastic 

Pela creates beautiful compostable phone cases, but it also has a great line of environmentally friendly sunglasses made from recycled materials. 

Whether you choose a pair with a retro flair or a more feminine piece, they all provide full UVA/UVB protection and high-quality, durable lenses. 

Compared to conventional plastic sunnies, Pela sunglasses generate 33% less carbon emissions, 82% less waste, and use 34% less water.

They’re also shipped using minimal packaging, and you can even send in your old pair to have it recycled. 

I also love that the brand is B Corp and Climate Neutral certified and that it’s a member of 1% For The Planet! 

3. Saint Owen

Materials: Biodegradable Acetate 

Saint Owen offers unique, designer-quality sunglasses featuring stylish designs and exceptional details. 

The brand specializes in small-batch production and limited edition pieces and uses sustainable materials to have the smallest impact on the planet. 

All its frames are handcrafted from Italian acetate made of renewable and biodegradable sources.

The lenses provide full-spectrum UV protection and have an anti-reflective coating that guarantees visual ease and reduced glare.  

Saint Owen sunglasses also feature unique accents such as hand-painted lenses, ceramic nose pads, decorated or studded frames, or stainless steel hinges. 

Did I mention that the brand works with ethical factories?

It even donates 5% of its profits to Eden Reforestation Project, a nonprofit aiming to reduce poverty and restore thriving forests!

4. Zenni Optical

Materials: Recycled Plastic, Repurposed Stainless Steel, Bio-Based Acetate 

While not all Zenni Optical glasses are eco-friendly, the brand has a great sustainable line called EcoBloomz. 

This line carries the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certification and includes pieces made from recycled PET, plant-based acetate, and repurposed stainless steel. 

EcoBloomz sunglasses are available in various timeless designs and vibrant colors, have an anti-scratch coating, and are sold at affordable prices (starting at $24). 

What’s more, the brand donates 1% of EcoBloomz proceeds to the Wyland Foundation, which helps preserve the planet’s oceans and marine life. 

Zenni Optical also regularly donates glasses and money to charities and communities in need!

5. Quince

Materials: Bio-Based Acetate, Stainless Steel

Quince has a huge selection of Earth-friendly sunglasses, all of which are polarized to provide optimal clarity and glare reduction. 

The brand has everything from aviator and wayfarer styles to retro-inspired cat eye and oversized square frames. 

Most of these are made from acetate derived from cotton and wood pulp, resulting in a material that is more durable than plastic.

Some designs are also crafted from stainless steel, adding a touch of sophistication. 

Quince sunglasses feature scratch-resistant lenses and come with a protective hard case, a microfiber fabric pouch, and a cleaning cloth.

You’ll also like that some designs have adjustable nose pads that you can shape to fit your face. 

6. Spell Designs

Materials: Biodegradable Acetate 

Spell Designs is a sustainable Australian clothing brand that offers gorgeous sunglasses for women. 

It has three different models, each available in a few colors.

Two of them are feminine cat eye sunglasses with heart or shell details on the arms, and the third has a classic, vintage-inspired aviator shape. 

These sunglasses are handmade from biodegradable acetate, and renewable energy is utilized all throughout the production process.

As a result, producing them generates about 50% less emissions compared to standard lens production. 

They’re also shipped in a recycled PU spring top pouch with a recycled polyester microfiber cloth. 

I love that Spell Designs has implemented many other sustainable practices and that it’s carbon-neutral and B Corp certified!

7. Warby Parker

Materials: Cellulose Acetate, Stainless Steel 

Warby Parker has countless options to choose from when it comes to environmentally friendly sunglasses.

It sells all kinds of styles, including large round or square pieces, aviator-style models, cat eye sunglasses, oversized frames, and more. 

You’ll also be able to choose from various prescription types and lens options, such as progressive, anti-fatigue, and blue-light filtering lenses. 

Most of these sunglasses are handmade from cellulose acetate sourced from a family-run Italian factory, and some feature a stainless steel frame.

The lenses are also treated with scratch-resistant and anti-reflective coatings and are designed to block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.

Plus, Warby Parker offsets the carbon footprint of its operations and, for every pair of glasses purchased, the brand donates one to someone in need!

8. Stella McCartney

Materials: Bio-Acetate 

Designer brand Stella McCartney’s sunglasses collection consists of timeless pieces available in a variety of vibrant colors and cool shapes. 

Choose from oversized square models, chunky oval sunglasses, cat-eye pieces, aviator-inspired styles, and translucent rectangle glasses. 

They’re all thoughtfully crafted from bio-acetate sourced from responsibly harvested wood pulp, which is a great biodegradable plastic alternative! 

Stella McCartney also provides an elegant protective case and a recycled polyester cleaning cloth. 

Each pair comes in compostable packaging, and the brand has implemented many sustainable practices throughout its business.

9. Panda

Materials: Bamboo

Looking for sustainable wooden sunglasses?

Look no further than Panda! 

This brand offers great models for both men and women, all handcrafted from 100% FSC-certified bamboo. 

There are different wood and lens colors to choose from, as well as many styles available.

These sunglasses are naturally antibacterial and lightweight, and they even float in water, making them ideal to wear at the beach!

Plus, the frames are compostable at the end of their lives, and the polarized lenses are backed by a 12-month guarantee.  

Did I mention that Panda is a member of 1% For The Planet and that it regularly supports different nonprofits? 

10. Sunski

Materials: Recycled Plastic 

Sunski creates Earth-friendly sunglasses for everyone in the family.

It has several collections for adults, as well as one for children with kid-proof frames made from an ultra-strong, lightweight material. 

Women and men can choose from various styles for everyday wear, elevated pieces, sporty styles for those with a more active lifestyle, and more. 

Sunski also has lots of silhouettes and vibrant color options, and makes sure all sunglasses have polarized lenses.

The frames are made from recycled plastic sourced from post-industrial plastic scraps. 

What’s more, the brand backs its sunglasses with a lifetime warranty and packages them using recycled cardboard.

Not to mention it’s a member of 1% For The Planet, and it carries the Climate Neutral certification! 

Final thoughts on the best sustainable sunglasses brands

I hope you’ve found this article about the best eco-friendly sunglasses brands helpful and that you could find a pair you will love wearing. 

Not only do these brands offer great options made with materials that are better for the environment, but their eyewear is also super cool and stylish! 

If you liked this post, you may also be interested in: 

• 11 best sustainable sandals to slide into eco-friendly living
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• 7 best reef-safe sunscreen brands that protect your skin & the ocean
• 10 best non-toxic & natural sunscreen brands for healthy sun protection
• 12 sustainable summer essentials to have fun under the sun
• 9 organic cotton dresses for women cherishing comfort & sustainable fashion
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• 10 organic cotton t-shirts for a more sustainable wardrobe
• 9 best organic cotton shorts to upgrade your summer look sustainably
• 10 best sustainable luggage brands for eco-friendly traveling
• 7 best non-toxic kiddie pools for safe splashing & playing
• 10 best non-toxic, eco-friendly beach toys for little beachgoers

Which sustainable sunglasses brand have you decided to try? 

Please leave a comment! 

Don’t forget to share this blog post with your friends so they can find cool, eco-friendly sunglasses too.

Looking for more non-toxic & sustainable brands? Check out the Ethical & Sustainable Brand Directory!

It features conscious brands in various categories, from home goods and furniture to fashion and clean beauty!

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