As summer continues on, this is the time where sunglasses begin to break, get scratched, get lost, or God-forbid, fall into the ocean never to be seen again. Yes, this once happened to me. When you go to buy another pair of sunglasses, you now have an opportunity to shop sustainable sunglasses that are designed to last and made to help protect the environment and oceans. There are a TON of brands out there that you may be able to find by yourself, but I decided to do a little research for you of a couple of my favorite brands. I cannot claim to have tried every company, because I DO NOT have that kind of money rolling around. However, between myself and my friends, we have used a few of these brands and lived to tell the tale. So, without further ado, let’s talk sunglasses.
Pricing: $ = $0-50, $$ = $50-100, $$$ = $100-200, $$$$ = $200+
Proof Eyewear $-$$
Sustainable: All Proof sunglasses are made out of FSC certified wood (meaning that the wood is harvested and replaced sustainably), repurposed skateboard parts, and a cotton acetate (this is a “natural” plastic-like material that is eventually biodegradable).
Giving Back: Depending on which material the sunglasses are made of, Proof donates to education initiatives, eye clinics, conservation efforts, breast cancer research, or other global organizations.
Polarized: Definitely!
Location: Proof was started out of a garage in Boise, Idaho, USA by three brothers.
Special Qualities: All of Proof’s products have an image of a bird inscribed on the side as well as an inspiring quote. As I mentioned, Proof gives back to communities, so, $10 from every sunglasses is donated! Click HERE to check out their site & receive a $20 off coupon.
Solo Eyewear $-$$
Sustainable: Each pair of sunglasses is constructed using repurposed bamboo, recycled plastic, or cellulose acetate, which reduces their carbon footprint and prevents hundreds of pounds of virgin materials from being produced each year. Packing materials and defective sunglasses are also actively recycled.
Giving Back: SOLO Eyewear donates 10% of profits, which has allowed them to restore vision for 13,000+ people in need by funding eye exams, eyeglasses and cataract surgeries.
Polarized: Yep!
Location: Based in San Diego, CA., USA. All manufacturers are carefully audited by SOLO. Their cases are handmade by a group of Guatemalan women.
Special Qualities: Each design is named after a country, signifying where SOLO will donate money to restore vision to those in need. They also have a line of blue light glasses, to protect your eyes against screens. Do you spend a lot of time looking at the computer? Try the blue light glasses.
Swell $-$$
Sustainable: Swell uses sustainable bamboo that grows faster than it’s harvested – an alternative to carbon based products. All sunglasses are handcrafted using eco-friendly products.
Giving Back: Swell reinvests their profits into education via the Green School in Bali – an international, non-profit school devoted to raising creative and innovative leaders in the green movement.
Polarized: Yes
Location: North Carolina, USA
Special Qualities: The majority of their sunglasses can float! A nice option for those who wear sunglasses in the ocean!
Shwood Eyewear $-$$$
Sustainable: Yep! All of their sunglass frames are made from acetate cellulose sourced from Italy, sustainably produced lumber, repurposed furniture, stones, seashells, resin, and other carefully sourced materials.
Giving Back: They have no listed partners or initiatives.
Polarized: Yes
Location: Portland, Oregon, USA – but they also sell internationally
Special Qualities: They have a camping collection (cheaper), an Active Sports collection, and a variety of limited edition collections.
Costa $-$$$$
Sustainable: All of their sunglasses are made of bio-based resin, polycarbonate, or lightwave glass. Depending on which of their three collections you purchase, they support a different sustainable organization.
Giving Back: Costa donates to a variety of organizations, including OCEARCh (pronounced O-search) which helps scientists track sharks, Coastal Conservation Association and Surfrider Foundation (both help keep plastic out of the ocean). Finally they take fish nets out of the oceans and turn them into sunglasses. They also donate a percentage of profits from their clothing sales to #ONECOAST which helps coastal families recover from natural disasters.
Polarized: Yes!
Location: Daytona Beach Florida, USA
Special Qualities: Costa has sunglasses specifically designed for sports performance or just relaxing in the sun. They also have “580 degree” lenses which enhance colors rather than diminishing them. They also provide more protection for your eyes, and lower risks associated with sun exposure.