6 Recycled Sunglasses for Shade & Sustainability
Protecting your eyes will never go out of style. Many forward-thinking brands are now creating sustainable sunglasses out of recycled materials. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the best recycled sunglasses to choose from. Keep your eyes and the planet safe from harm with any of these picks!
What are Recycled Sunglasses?
Recycled sunglasses are crafted from previously used materials, including but not limited to plastics, recycled metal, and even recycled vinyl records.
Many average pairs of sunglasses are made with plastic and other materials that won’t break down naturally, which means they sit on and pollute the planet for decades, sometimes even centuries.
Fortunately, there are a wide variety of brands available offering sunglasses made from recycled materials. All you need to do to make a difference is choose your favorite pair.
The 6 Best Recycled Sunglasses: How We Chose
We’ve taken a hard look at the variety of sustainable sunglass brands available. Our hope is to shine more light on companies producing sunglasses with sustainability and recycled materials in mind. We considered the recycled materials used in each pair of glasses as well as their price, reputation, and overall value. Each pick is a product we believe in. Without further ado, let’s dive in!
Our Picks
All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author and DGHQ editors. However, Do Good HQ may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.
1. Waterhaul Crantock Slate
Waterhaul’s Crantock Slate is a stylish, unisex frame suitable for faces of all shapes and sizes. It is available in two different lens tints, including Grey and Blue Mirror.
Highlights
A neat feature of Waterhaul’s frames is that they are crafted from 100% recycled fishing nets and lines. That means with each pair of glasses purchased, fishing nets and lines- noted as the most abundant form of gear washing ashore- are recovered from the coast. What a great way to make a meaningful impact with your purchase!
Things to Consider
Waterhaul is based in the UK, so international orders may take a few extra days or weeks to reach you.
2. Goodr Electric Beluga Boogaloo
A quirky, eclectic, and colorful brand, goodr is “recklessly committed to fun.” Goodr’s Electric Beluga Boogaloo frames have more than just a fun name – they look fun, too!
Highlights
Goodr glasses are created using pellets crafted from single-use plastics. We love that the company is melting and remodeling trash into recycled plastic sunglasses that are truly beautiful.
These recycled sunglasses have many great features aside from their eco-conscious design! Dark-to-light tinted lenses help to increase ground visibility and block overhead rays. Their polarization also blocks 100% of harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Things to Consider
Goodr’s sunglasses come with a 1-year warranty. Additionally, they are on the more affordable side of the price range for sunglasses made from recycled materials.
3. Norton Point The Current II
Norton Point sunglasses are crafted from recycled ocean plastics. They’re also an American-born brand, founded on Martha’s Vineyard, MA and currently based out of Los Angeles, CA. Norton’s mission is “cleaning our oceans by recovering ocean plastic and turning it into high-end glasses.”
Highlights
Norton Point sunglasses sources plastic recovered from the coastline of Haiti to transform into their high-quality frame mold. They proudly state their “1 to 1” pledge – for each pair of sunglasses purchased, they pledge to remove one pound of plastic waste.
Things to Consider
Norton Point glasses are constructed from specifically recycled ocean plastic. If this is a cause that is important to you, Norton Point sunglasses may be the perfect fit for both sustainability and fashion.
4. Proof Boise Wood Sunglasses
Proof is committed to using sustainable materials to establish itself as the pioneering leader of eyewear manufactured with recycled materials. Their Boise Wood frames are a minimalist, stylish choice to protect your eyes while promoting sustainable practices. The Dane Brothers, founders of Proof, even brought their idea to ABC’s hit show “Shark Tank.”
Highlights
Proof has an impactful giveback initiative, planting 5 trees for every pair of glasses sold with the partnership of the Eden Reforestation Project. If you like the aesthetic look of wood-framed sunglasses, Proof glasses may be right for you.
Things to Consider
These glasses feature a 1-year manufacturer warranty and a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. Their stylish frames are crafted from sustainably sourced wood, making them an eco-conscious choice of eyewear!
5. Costa del Mar Untangled Performance Sunglasses: Santiago
Costa del Mar, also known simply as “Costa,” has come to impress with these sunglasses. Each pair of Costa recycled sunglasses is made with recycled fishing nets. The Santiago style shown here is 97% recycled materials!
Highlights
These sunglasses are made with polarized lenses, which makes them perfect for a day on the water. They also absorb 100% of UV light to keep your eyes safe. Costa is dedicated to making our oceans a safer place, so you can rest assured your money is going to a good cause.
Things to Consider
Prescription lenses are available for these recycled sunglasses. You can easily add Rx lenses to your order for an additional fee! Just make sure you have the correct prescription from your eye care provider.
6. Sunski- Bernina
Sunski was founded with the goal of focusing on sustainability and the utilization of recycled materials. The brand turns post-industrial scrap plastic into its own sunglass frame molds. The Bernina frames are an excellent choice due to their classic and elegant style.
Highlights
Since its inception, Sunski has been a proud member of 1% for the Planet. Through their partnership, they have donated over $100,000 to various non-profit organizations that work to better the environment, including Save the Waves, Adventure Scientists, and more.
Things to Consider
Sunski stands behind the quality of its glasses, offering a lifetime warranty. If you encounter problems with your shades, Sunski will either repair or replace them at no cost. Their website also offers a “virtual try-on” option, so you can pick and choose which shape frames best suit your wants and needs (and it’s fun to play around with!).
How to Pick the Right Recycled Sunglasses for You
It can be overwhelming to narrow down which brand of sustainably crafted sunglasses is right for you. Fear not! Below, we’ve helped narrow down some points to consider in the pursuit of your new pair of glasses.
- Needs: Are your sunglasses made with polarized frames to protect you from glares while you’re out and about? Do you need prescription lenses?
- Price Point: Are these shades an affordable purchase? Does the quality or benefit of your sunglasses match the price tag?
- Sustainability Initiatives: Does this brand embody environmentally-conscious production efforts? Do their sunglass frames utilize more recycled materials than others?
Now, get out there and start shopping!
Feature Image via Goodr
