9 Top Sustainable Sunglasses Brands For 2024 (Review)
The Good Trade editors endorse products we’ve personally researched, tested, and genuinely love. Learn more about our methodology and business model here.
We’re big fans of sustainable sunglasses for summer looks — these are our top picks for brands that are eco-friendly, give back, and are made to last.
Sunny days are near! And it’s finally time to bring out our favorite sunglasses. We are huge fans of sustainable frames made from eco-friendly and upcycled materials, such as cork, bamboo, and recycled plastics. These brands are not only trendsetters in style but the conscious-consumer movement as well. Each is dedicated to sustainability, customer service, and giving back to people and the planet.
Why consider sustainable sunglasses?
The production and disposal of plastic eyewear frames are known for having a major impact on environmental degradation, which makes sustainable sunglasses a smart and responsible choice for eyewear users to turn to. Frames made from eco-friendly materials help reduce waste and our carbon footprint. The production process of sustainable sunglasses also involves fewer harmful chemicals, helping to minimize pollution and conserve natural resources, while prioritizing fair labor practices and safe working conditions. An added bonus: Sustainable sunglasses are typically made of more durable and high-quality materials, reducing the need for frequent replacements. By opting for sustainable sunglasses, you’ll help contribute to a culture of environmental responsibility one frame at a time!
Our criteria:
Our editors have researched and reviewed sustainable fashion for a decade. After personally wearing and vetting the best sustainably made sunglasses, these are our top picks that use sustainable materials, ethical practices, and are durable, too. We regularly update this list with emerging favorites that meet the following criteria.
- ECO-FRIENDLY | Each of these sunglasses are made with eco-friendly materials like recycled plastic and bamboo, while also ensuring minimal to no new materials are being used in their production.
- SUSTAINABLE | Using only sustainable processes, these sunglasses are crafted ethically and sustainably with many brands offering recycling and repair programs, recycled packaging, and carbon offsetting.
- GIVE BACK | Whether donating money to local nonprofits or providing hands-on support to charities, these sunglasses brands are committed to giving back to our communities.
- DURABLE | Made with durable materials, these sunglasses brands are crafted using high quality materials that are made to last.
Looking for a summer refresh? Check out our guide to cruelty-free sunscreen and sustainable swimwear.
Best Overall | Most Affordable | Best For Prescriptions
1. Eco
Best For | Colorful, retro styles
Sustainability | 95 percent recycled metal, works with Trees for the Future to plant a new tree for every purchase
Lens Features | Polarized, UV protection
Price | $75–$150
Looking to turn heads? Eco glasses are perfect for the trendsetting professional or city-dweller. These frames are as sustainable as they are stylish — the NYC brand uses 95 percent recycled metal, biobased castor seed oil, and recycled ocean plastic for its designs. Oh, and each purchase equals one newly planted tree. Win-win.
Our Editor’s Review | “Oh me oh my, these Eco sunglasses are on constant rotation for me this summer! I tested three models, the Calluna (pictured left), the Jasmine (pictured right), and Marigold with the clip-on shades option. I can’t truly even say I have a favorite but I will at least mention — the Calluna in light purple gets tons of compliments and I feel like I’ve walked straight out of the 70s when I wear them. Eco glasses are made using biobased materials, and I’m so pleased with the quality (as a person who drops sunglasses often, that means they can withstand a lot.) I really like that the lenses aren’t too dark, but my eyes still feel protected.“ – Emily, Editorial Director at The Good Trade (Read all reviews.)
2. Quince
Best For | Genderless, classic styles
Sustainability | Eco-friendly acetate
Lens Features | Polarized, UV400 protection blocks 99% of reflected light and 100% of UV light
Price Range | $50–$70
For a one-stop shop of affordable, sustainable styles for our closets and homes, we’re always turning to Quince. The brand is a TGT fave for its sustainable takes on timeless staples. Made from acetate, an eco-friendly alternative to plastic that comes from wood pulp and cotton, these classic sunnies will stand the test of time in both durability and style. With stylish options for both women and men that range from minimalist to maximalist, we can’t get enough of Quince’s eyewear.
Our Editor’s Review | “To be honest, I’d position Quince and Eco as tied — I didn’t realize how much my life was missing statement sunglasses until I met these styles. Bold, comfortable, and extremely durable, Quince outdoes themselves with the newest additions to their sunglasses collection. I tested the Andy (pictured at the top of this article), Jackie (pictured below), and Brixton styles and was impressed by the range of offerings for both minimalists and maximalists alike. The Brixton pair are best for a slightly wider face, but I do love the playful round frames.” – Emily, Editorial Director at The Good Trade
3. Zenni
Best For | Customizable lenses for various needs, including prescriptions
Sustainability | Made from 100% post-consumer plastic, recyclable packaging, gives back
Lens Features | Polarized, Blockz UV protection available
Price Range | $33–$40+ (with customizations)
Zenni is one of the best online sources for a wide range of eyewear, but did you know about their sustainable line? ReMakes by Zenni has their affordable, chic frames from 100% certified recycled post-consumer plastic or biobased acetate. Shipped in a paper recyclable tube, this eco-friendly line comes in styles for men, women, and kids at price points that won’t break the bank.
Our Editor’s Review | “There’s hot girl summer, and then there’s bug girl summer, which I’m celebrating by wearing giant bug-eyed sunglasses and spending quality time outside with my friends. These shades from Zenni match that energy perfectly. I tested the Oval style, which came with the added perk of customizing what lens type I wanted, as well as which lens tint I preferred (all sunglass lenses are polarized). If you have specific optical needs like prescriptions or transition lenses, Zenni’s got you covered! While this style was listed as a medium, I still found the frames a bit large for my face so I recommend keeping a tape measure handy so you can find the exact fit for your face shape.” – Emily, Editorial Director at The Good Trade (Read all reviews.)
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4. Woodzee
Best For | Classic styles with a twist
Sustainability | Wood & bamboo, recycled skateboards, glasses recycling program
Lens Features | Polarized, 100% UVA/UVB protection
Price | $49–$240
Woodzee sunglasses combine sophisticated style with nature’s influence. We love the brand’s recycling program, which allows customers to recycle old frames and receive 50 percent off their next order. With a wide variety of stylish sunnies (and lots of colors to choose from) we’re certain everyone will find a pair they love. (The brand offers international shipping too!)
Our Editor’s Review | “I’ve long known about Woodzee and was thrilled to see the brand expand from the original line of wooden sunglasses into these ones made from plant-based plastics (yes, that’s a thing!). I prefer rounder shapes like these ones (called the Bel-Air style), but if you’re looking for more broad and long styles with a more masculine fit, this would be the brand I recommend. These beauties have dark, protective lenses, which are excellent for people who spend all day out in the sun, and the tortoise shell pattern reminds me of my friends’ adorable cats!” – Emily, Editorial Director at The Good Trade
5. Proof Eyewear
Best For | Wood sunglasses
Sustainability | FSC-certified wood, cotton-based acetate, & repurposed skateboard decks, partner with nonprofits & conservations
Lens Features | Polarized, UVA/UVB 400 protection
Price | $85–$120
This Idaho-based brand is all about sustainability and giving back. Proof Eyewear frames are made with eco-friendly and recycled materials, and a portion of each purchase helps various causes, including health and vision clinics around the world. Want to get some shade overseas? Proof has sister sites in Peru, India, and Taiwan.
Our Editor’s Review | “Proof never fails to deliver, and the Goodson pair I tested was no exception. Instantly comfortable on my head and my eyes, I really love the unique shape with a more geometric top and round bottom. The gorgeous legs are smooth and shiny, made from sustainably-sourced wood, and the front of the frames are made from cotton-based acetate. The spring-loaded hinges make this pair a perfect fit for nearly anyone. (Plus, there’s a little engraving on the inside of one of the legs that says “I am who I am” — which is such a sweet and affirming reminder.)” – Emily, Editorial Director at The Good Trade (Read all reviews.)
6. Pela
Best For | Build-your-own-bundle options
Sustainability | Recycled materials, less water, plastic, and carbon emissions, recycling program, gives back
Lens Features | 100% UVA/UVB protection
Price Range | $65–$79
Pela, who you might know for their cute compostable phone cases, also has a line of sustainable sunglasses that are very chic, affordable, and low waste. The brand uses 33% less CO2e Emissions, 34% less water, and 82% less waste for their sunglasses production compared to conventional methods, which certainly adds up! The certified B Corp runs a recycling program so you can send in your old sunnies to be upcycled, recycled, composted and disposed of properly.
Our Editor’s Review | “Pela’s sunglasses are so playful and priced affordably! I have a pink version of the Solana style which is super comfortable and sits high and close to my eyes. (Note that the pink is no longer being sold, but I’m equally obsessed with the lavender option). My favorite, which is pictured below, is the Montenegro square style — oh my gosh, how cute are these? I feel like I want to sit poolside in Vegas with these babies. If you have a wider face, I’d recommend the non-biobased-polymer styles, like the Santorini (pictured on the right), which is a cute and minimalist aviator for everyday.” – Emily, Editorial Director at The Good Trade
7. SOLO Eyewear
Best For | Polarized sunglasses
Sustainability | Repurposed bamboo & recycled plastic, recycles packaging & defective sunglasses
Lens Features | 100% UV protection
Price Range | $18–$99
SOLO Eyewear’s line of trendsetting, adventure-inspired sunglasses started as a college project. Since then, the company has been committed to the mantra #LiveandGive and has restored vision for over 13,000 individuals. By donating 10 percent of profits, SOLO provides eye exams, glasses, and cataract surgeries to those in need. It also offers free shipping & returns in the US.
Our Editor’s Review | “I tested the Morocco style, and love returning to these for beach days or long walks — they cover my most sensitive skin around my eyes for when my SPF inevitably wears off from sweat. Even though these sunnies are oversized, they don’t slip down my nose and even (believe it or not) fit nicely under the brim of certain hats for ultimate coverage. The tortoise shell is shiny and classic, adding a little extra interest to every outfit. I don’t have to worry too much about trying to ‘match’ these glasses since they go with everything. The visibility is also comfortable — not too dark, and not too light.” – Emily, Editorial Director at The Good Trade
8. Pala
Best For | Sustainable sunglasses in the UK
Sustainability | Bio-acetate, carbon offsetting, sunglass bags made from 70% recycled PET, recycling service to UK customers
Lens Features | Some polarized options, UV400 protection
Price Range | $102–$127
Pala uses Italian bio-acetate—a 100 percent plant-based, biodegradable material—to create these groovy frames. The brand also works with artisans in Ghana to weave its cases using recycled plastic. As for giving back? Pala works with eye-care projects in Africa. The B Corp is committed to a circular economy, aiming to reuse materials as much as possible, and always innovating to get better. Though they ship worldwide, they have free shipping and frames recycling services for UK customers.
Our Editor’s Review | “For on-trend sunnies in the UK and Ireland, Pala is my pick! The range is fun to browse through, and I tested out the Lich in the Flint colorway. This style would be better suited for someone with a slightly wider face, but they’re super lightweight and have playful large round lenses! (I might’ve been better suited to grab the Baobab or Thoko styles). The shade is subtle and strain-free, with a subtle gradient. Worth noting: brand’s recycled woven case—it’s a winner. Also worth noting? I tested these last year when my hair was much, MUCH shorter.” – Emily, Editorial Director at The Good Trade
9. Sunski
Best For | Sunglasses for outdoor adventures
Sustainability | Recycled plastic, gives back via 1% for the Planet
Lens Features | Polarized, 100% UVA/UVB protection
Price | $48–$98
This proudly independent California brand developed its own sustainable material for sunglasses after seeing how few options were out there. Sunski’s frames are made from scrap plastic that would have otherwise ended up in landfills (so cool). Snag a pair for you and someone you love this summer (even for little ones, if you have ’em!).
Our Editor’s Review | “OMG are square glasses a thing right now, because I am loving them! Sunski’s Lago style is sleek and doesn’t get caught on my cheekbones — plus, the tint is just right. I also got to try the Bianca and the Baia; honestly they are all so well-fitting and versatile it’s hard to select a favorite. These are currently in my daily rotation for walks, and for when I want to not completely disappear behind a frame of sunglasses.” – Emily, Editorial Director at The Good Trade
Emily McGowan is the Editorial Director at The Good Trade. She studied Creative Writing and Business at Indiana University, and has over ten years of experience as a writer and editor in sustainability and lifestyle spaces. Since 2017, she’s been discovering and reviewing the top sustainable home, fashion, beauty, and wellness products so readers can make their most informed decisions. Her editorial work has been recognized by major publications like The New York Times and BBC Worklife. You can usually find her in her colorful Los Angeles apartment journaling, caring for her rabbits and cat, or gaming. Say hi on Instagram!
