Whether you’re out hiking, chilling at the beach, or just walking to your favorite coffee shop, a good pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes on bright, sunny days is a necessity. But like so many everyday items, traditional sunglasses often come with a hidden cost: cheap plastic frames, mystery materials, and very little transparency about who made them or how.
If you’re trying to shop more consciously (but without giving up style), you’ll be glad to know there are now some incredible brands making sunglasses that are eco-friendly, ethically made, and built to last. Many of them use recycled or bio-based materials, avoid virgin plastic, and take fair labor seriously.
Here are a few of my favorite sustainable sunglasses brands – perfect for summer hikes, city days, or just running errands a little more stylishly.
1. Pala Eyewear
Stylish Frames, Ethical Vision
Pala is a UK-based B Corp that makes beautifully designed sunglasses using bio-acetate, recycled materials, and plant-based plastics. For every pair sold, they help fund vision aid programs in Africa, working with local communities to improve access to eye care. Their frames feel modern but timeless, and I absolutely love that they come with a recycled woven case handmade by artisans in Ghana.
Price range: Mid-range (£80–£120).
🌍 Ships worldwide from the UK.
2. Parafina
Sunglasses Made from Trash (Yep, Seriously)
Parafina is doing something really, really cool – turning discarded plastic bottles, rubber tires, and even cork into cute sunglasses. Their designs are lightweight and fun, with bold colors and classic shapes. They’re also B Corp certified and fund education programs for underserved kids in Paraguay.
Price range: Very affordable (€35–€60).
🌍 Based in Spain, ships internationally.
3. Zeal Optics
Plant-Based Shades for Outdoor Adventures
Zeal makes high-performance sunglasses that are great for hiking, biking, and long sunny road trips. They use plant-based Z-Resin (made from castor beans) for their frames and Ellume bio-plastic lenses, which are designed to be both clearer and more eco-friendly than traditional polycarbonate lenses.
Price range: Mid-to-high ($100–$200).
🌍 Based in the US, ships internationally.
4. Sunski
Recycled Frames with a Lifetime Guarantee
Sunski is a California brand that makes all of its frames from recycled plastic, and their packaging is completely plastic-free. They’re also a member of 1% for the Planet and offer a lifetime warranty – so if they ever break, you can get them fixed instead of replacing them. Their styles are relaxed and outdoorsy, perfect for everything from trails to brunch.
Price range: Mid-range ($58–$98).
🌍 US-based with international shipping.
5. Bird Eyewear
Circular, Conscious, and Carbon Neutral
Bird Eyewear (another UK brand) uses bio-acetate, FSC-certified wood, recycled aluminum, and even castor oil-based plastics in their sunglasses. They’re certified carbon neutral and donate to SolarAid, helping provide solar lights in off-grid communities. Their frames are sleek, thoughtful, and great for both city days and nature escapes.
Price range: Mid-to-high (£95–£150).
🌍 Ships internationally from the UK.
Handmade Frames with Natural Materials
Proof makes beautifully unique sunglasses out of wood, recycled aluminum, and plant-based acetate. Every pair is handmade and part of the proceeds go toward health and vision initiatives around the world. I love their earthy, natural vibe – these are definitely statement pieces with a soul.
Price range: $100–$180.
🌍 Based in the US, ships globally.
7. Sea2see
Sunglasses from Ocean Waste
Sea2see collects ocean plastic (like fishing nets and bottles) from ports around Europe and turns it into high-quality sunglasses. Every frame is 100% marine plastic, and the company works to raise awareness about ocean conservation. The styles are classic and lightweight – think tortoiseshell, aviators, and timeless shapes.
Price range: Mid-to-high (€90–€160).
🌍 Based in Spain, ships worldwide.
8. Karün
Traceable and Transparent Eyewear
Karün is a Patagonia-based brand that makes sunglasses using recycled fishing nets, metals, and even jeans. Their whole process is traceable – from material sourcing to manufacturing – and they work closely with Indigenous communities in Chile. The brand has a rugged, adventurous vibe and their lenses are polarized and super durable.
Price range: Mid-to-high ($120–$180).
🌍 Ships worldwide.
9. Dick Moby
Recycled Sunglasses with Style
Dick Moby is an Amsterdam-based brand founded by two surfers on a mission to reduce waste. Using only recycled or biodegradable materials, they make sleek, minimalist sunglasses with recycled acetate and stainless steel, and their packaging is totally plastic-free – even the cleaning cloths are made from recycled PET!
Price range: Mid-to-high (€130–€180).
🌍 Ships worldwide from the Netherlands.
10. Woodzee
Natural Materials with a California Vibe
Woodzee makes sunglasses from sustainably sourced wood, recycled skateboards, and plant-based acetate. They have a relaxed, outdoorsy vibe and even offer options with bamboo or rosewood frames. Bonus: they have a recycling program where you can send back your old shades to be repurposed!
Price range: affordable-to-mid range ($40–$120).
🌍 Based in California, ships globally.
A Note on Lenses, Fit, & Repairs
Many of these brands offer polarized lenses, scratch-resistant coatings, and even prescription options. Several (like Sunski and Zeal) also have repair programs or lifetime guarantees, because truly sustainable sunglasses should last you more than a summer.
Choosing Sunglasses That Align with Your Values
If you’re anything like me, it feels good knowing the things you wear and use reflect your values. Sunglasses might be a small accessory, but they’re also an easy place to shift away from fast fashion and toward something more ethical, thoughtful, and planet-friendly.
And if you already have a pair of sunnies you love… Stick with them! Repair, reuse, and protect them. Because often the most sustainable choice is the one you already own.
