No sunglasses are yet zero-waste (non-plastic frames have plastic lenses). As sunglasses often get lost, choose biodegradable brands when near the sea, reserving recycled plastic versions for driving and garden pottering (they can’t drop off boats or fall down drains). Launder recycled plastic cleaning cloths in a microplastic catcher). Learn how to stay safe in the sun naturally (including for pets).
Biodegradable Sunglasses (made from wheat straw)
BioSunnies are made from leftover harvest of wheat straw (which would otherwise by burned) and biodegrade at end of life. These are light, comfortable, flexible, tough and pretty affordable. Sold in a kraft or cork carry pouch. Also in a children’s version.
‘Golden’ Sunglasses with Recycled Metal Frames
Bird Luna Sunglasses combine robust plant-based materials with advanced non-slip technology, so they won’t break down or slide off your nose. Made with quality recycled aluminium frames and polarised lenses, these are so light and comfortable, you will almost forget that you’re wearing them.
These sunglasses feature a golden frame, made from recycled aerospace alloy. In a classic round style with a modern touch, they are very lightweight yet extremely strong, and made with with in-built micro hinges that flex with your head. Polarised amber lenses offer 100% UVA/UVB protection keeping your eyes safe in the sun.
Deigned to last years, send any brand of sunglasses to them for recycling, for £20 off your next pair (Royal Mail can print the label). They are then sent off to be made into other things.
With flexible micro-hinges and easily-adjustable arms for perfect fit, for each pair sold the company donates to SolarAid (a charity that distributes solar lamps to families in Zambia and Malawi, so they don’t have to use dangerous & polluting kerosene lamps).
How to Choose Sustainable Sunglasses
Only around 25% of all sunglasses sold actually protect the eyes. Most are sold as cheap fashion accessories. But you only have one pair of eyes, so invest in a quality product that offers proper protection from the sun’s rays. The American Academy of Opthalmology has the following advice:
Look for sunglasses with UV400 for 100% protection against both UVA and UVB rays (this protects your cornea and lens, to hep prevent cataracts and macular degeneration). You can also buy prescription and polarised lenses (protect eyes after surgery and from glare when driving, sailing, golfing). Category 4 are for specialist wear (not driving, as the lenses are too dark to see properly).
Choose wraparound sunglasses to help protect skin at the side of the eyes (to help prevent skin cancer and crow’s feet!) Eye experts also say that it’s equally important to protect children’s eyes from the sun.
Do Sunglasses Protect Eyes on Tanning Beds?
No. Tanning beds produce UV levels up to 100 times more than the sun, and can seriously damage eyes and eyelids. Ideally avoid tanning beds altogether. If you use them, wear goggles specifically for that purpose, ensuring they cover eyelids completely to prevent burns.
Why Don’t Other Cultures Wear Sunglasses?
You may think that sunglasses are a modern invention, but were invented over 2000 years ago (made from wood, to protect people from snow blindness in Arctic countries). In China, judges would also wear them to emotionally detach from the case!
So how come many cultures abroad (Africa, Middle East) don’t need sunglasses, especially nomads and tribes? Inuit tribes in Canada and Greenland are known for their good eyesight, but the designer shade companies have never persuaded them to buy their sunglasses! That’s because in fact, a healthy dose of sunlight is good for our eyes (people who used to work down mines often went blind).
If you wear sunglasses all the time (we’re talking to you, Bono!) this could risk not being able to see properly, without them as your eyes get used to darkness. Just like the rest of your body, your eyes have muscles and need to be used, to keep them in good condition. So do spend time in natural light, but don’t stare are the sun (just like your mother likely told you not to – she was right!) Tribes tend to live their lives, and not bake on a towel staring up at the sun, like western tourists.
Nature adapts. In some areas of northern Scandinavia, it’s dark 24 hours a day in winter. So some people have developed ‘reindeer vision’ where they can see in the dark. Some people have been known also to get vitamin D deficiency, where they babble nonsense continuously. Sounds like some of our MPs!
And the old adage that ‘people in Africa don’t need sunglasses’ is not entirely true. World Health Organisation estimates that of the 65 million people who suffer cataracts (often leading to blindness), around 20% are caused by over-exposure to UV rays from the sun. Mostly in areas where people don’t have enough money for food, let alone sunglasses. This makes it even more important to create sustainable protection, without use of single-use plastic.
Polarised Sunglasses (with recycled metal frames)
Bird Nova Sunglasses combine robust plant-based materials with advanced non-slip technology, so they won’t break down or slide off your nose. Made with quality recycled aluminium frames and polarised lenses, these are so light and comfortable, you will almost forget that you’re wearing them.
With flexible micro-hinges and easily-adjustable arms for perfect fit, for each pair sold the company donates to SolarAid (a charity that distributes solar lamps to families in Zambia and Malawi, so they don’t have to use dangerous & polluting kerosene lamps).
(not real) Tortoiseshell Sustainable Sunglasses
Rufa Tortoisehell Sunglasses combine robust plant-based materials with advanced non-slip technology, so they won’t break down or slide off your nose. Made from a ‘biodegradable plastic’, these won’t crack or fade, and are easy to recycle at end of use. You’ll be pleased to know that these sunglasses are not made from real tortoiseshell, which is harming our endangered ocean friends.
Designed for daily use or adventure, they are a classic shape to suit all face shapes, and include triple-barrel sprung hinges for flexibility and comfort all day long. Anti-glare and anti-scratch lenses provide 100% UVA protection, to help eyes stay relaxed and focuses, even in bright sunlight.
Easy-to-Recycle Sunglasses (from fishing nets)
Waterhaul is a unique Cornish social enterprise that collects plastic waste (you’ve likely seen their plastic collection bags used by beach volunteers) then turns the waste into ‘new plastic’ to make eco-friendly sunglasses. Launder recycled plastic cleaning cloths in a microplastic catcher).
The range is available in several styles (including sports sunglasses), offering UVA/UVB 400 protection plus scratch resistance. Some are a little lighter, all made in Italy. Just choose the best fit for your face shape. The sunglasses feature barrel hinges for durability, and are sold with a free magnetic flat-fold cork case for protection. Many feature subtle flecks due to their original use, and there is a lasered logo on each arm.
