Discovering Sustainable Shades: 5 Brands to Elevate Your Sunglasses Game
Unveiling Stylish and Ethical Sunglasses for the Summer Sun
Introduction
As summer unfolds, the allure of sunny beach days calls for the perfect pair of sunglasses to complement our beach attire. In the pursuit of fashion, we may have succumbed to the temptation of cheap, short-lived sunglasses in the past. However, the landscape has evolved, and now, numerous brands offer ethical and eco-friendly sunglasses that combine style, affordability, and sustainability. If you’re in search of new, sustainable sunnies, we’ve curated a list of top brands for you. Before we dive into the brands, let’s understand what features to consider when shopping for ethically made sunglasses.
What to Look for in Ethical and Sustainable Sunglasses
Eco-Friendly Materials: Choose brands that prioritize sustainable materials for their sunglasses. Acetate, a plant-based and supposedly biodegradable plastic, has gained popularity. It is crucial to delve into the sourcing and manufacturing processes of acetate to ensure responsible practices that do not harm the planet or the artisans involved. Additionally, look for materials such as FSC-certified wood, bamboo, deadstock materials, recycled metals, recycled plastics, and even repurposed skateboards.
Quality, Durability, and Timelessness: Opt for sunglasses crafted from high-quality, durable materials. Your sunglasses should withstand the test of time and remain a cherished accessory beyond a single season. Choose a pair that resonates with your style preferences for the long term.
Fair Labor Practices: Prioritize brands that adhere to fair labor practices. Support small artisan brands that provide information about their workers or look for recognized labels like Fair Trade and SA8000.
Transparency: Select brands committed to transparency in their supply chains. Detailed sustainability reports indicating the origins and manufacturing processes of your sunglasses are a positive indicator of a brand’s commitment to transparency.
Sustainable Packaging: Opt for brands employing recyclable or biodegradable packaging made from natural or recycled materials. Embrace the ethos that less is more when it comes to packaging.
Top 5 Sustainable and Ethical Sunglasses Brands
- Lowercase
Lowercase sunglasses, handcrafted in Brooklyn, NY, feature cotton-based acetate, including some sourced from deadstock. With a focus on local manufacturing, each pair undergoes a meticulous two-week crafting process that blends modern technology with traditional methods.
- Article One
Article One’s acetate sunglasses originate from family-owned factories in Italy, where craftsmen and women receive fair wages. Rejecting the throwaway culture, the brand designs sunglasses intended for lasting wear, emphasizing thoughtful craftsmanship.
- Proof
Proof champions sustainability and philanthropy, crafting sunglasses from eco-friendly materials like FSC-certified wood, cotton-based acetate, and recycled aluminum. Through its Do Good initiatives, the brand funds eye clinics in various countries, contributing to a positive global impact.
- Woodzee
Designed in California and named after locations in the Golden State, Woodzee’s sunglasses are both affordable and sustainable. Crafted from materials like cotton and wood-based acetate, along with recycled skateboards, the brand promotes sustainability further through its Recycle Program.
- Stella McCartney
Stella McCartney’s sunglasses, produced in collaboration with Kering Eyewear, utilize bio-acetates made from natural, renewable materials, ensuring they are partially biodegradable. The brand emphasizes a commitment to ethical fashion through its eco-conscious eyewear line.
Conclusion
Elevate your summer style with sunglasses that not only shield your eyes from the sun but also make a positive impact on the environment and society. By choosing brands like Lowercase, Article One, Proof, Woodzee, and Stella McCartney, you embrace sustainable and ethical fashion, making a statement that resonates beyond the summer months. Step into the sun with shades that reflect your commitment to style and sustainability.
