All sunglasses have some plastic, but there are more sustainable versions than others. If you are near the sea, then go for biodegradable frames, in case they fall off your boat. For pottering around the garden, recycled plastic sunglasses are okay, as they are not likely to fall down drains.
Most sunglass brands include a cleaning cloth. If laundered, use a microfiber microfiber filter). Find tips on how to stay safe in the sun naturally (including for pets).
Biodegradable Wheat Straw Sunglasses
BioSunnies are made from leftover harvest from wheat straw (which would otherwise be burned). These sunglasses are light, comfortable, flexible, tough and pretty affordable. Sold in a kraft or cork carry case, they are also available as children’s sunglasses.
Sustainable Sunglasses in Plastic-Free Packaging
Bird Eyewear offers sustainable sunglasses that use bio-acetates that can be composted in 115 days (you don’t have to do this yourself, as you just send back at end of life for recycling, and get £20 off your next pair (Royal Mail can print the label).
Sold in plastic-free packaging, this company donations a portion from each purchase to SolarAid (a charity that provides solar gifts to people in Africa, so they don’t have to use dangerous and expensive kerosene for light or cooking).
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.
Some frames are made from recycled aerospace alloy, with in-built micro hinges that flex with your head. The polarised amber lenses offer 100% UVA/UVB protection, to keep eyes safe in the sun.
Rufa Tortoisehell Sunglasses are made from biodegradable plastic, rather than from real shell (from an endangered species).
Easy-to-Recycle Sunglasses (from fishing nets)
Waterhaul is a Cornish social enterprise that turns ocean plastic (collected by beach volunteers) into sunglasses. These are therefore not biodegradable, but are great for pottering around the garden, and again can be sent back for recycling, at end of use.
Sold with a free magnetic flat-fold cork case, many feature subtle flecks due to original use, and the company also offers sports sunglasses, with UVA/UVB 400 protection.
How to Choose Sustainable Sunglasses
Invest in a good pair, as you only one pair of eyes. Look for brands that offer UV400 protection for UVA and UVB rays (to protect your cornea and lens, to hep prevent cataracts and macular degeneration). Prescription and polarised lenses protect eyes after surgery, or from glare when driving, sailing or golfing.
Choose wraparound styles to protect skin at the side of the eyes (from skin cancer and crow’s feet). It’s very important also to protect children’s eyes from the sun.
Never use tanning beds, these produce UV levels up to 100 times more than the sun, and can damage the eyes and eyelids.
Why Don’t Other Cultures Wear Sunglasses?
They used to. Sunglasses have been around for over 2000 years (made from wood, to protect against snow blindness in Arctic countries). Also, people that live in tune with nature tend to live their lives, not bake on a towel, staring up at the sun, like western tourists. But World Health Organisation says that around 20% of people in Africa with cataracts could be due to UV rays from the sun.
Some tribes have eyes that have adapted to the sun, and it’s good to spend time in natural light, but don’t stare at the sun. In some areas of Scandinavia, people have developed ‘reindeer’ vision where they can see in the dark (but often babble nonsense, due to vitamin D deficiency).
