Aviators and Wayfarers and Cat-eyes, oh my! {Eco-friendly Sunglasses}

It may not feel like sunglasses time, but I'm a big believer in protecting your eyes (and the delicate skin beneath them) year round. Everyone should be prepared for the ill effects of snow-sun reflection, which can be worse for your eyes than a day at the beach! Besides, statement sunglasses are having a serious moment in fashion, and just like with the oversize sweaters trend featured earlier this week, there is no reason we can't embrace this trend in a sustainable, stylin' manner.

There are all kinds of options when it comes to sustainable sunglasses, but the top three are bamboo or wood lenses, a vintage or used pair, and shades that are sustainably or locally made. Thats what I looked for in putting together this collection, I have to say I was overwhelmed by the variety!

The reddish cat-eyed tortoise-shell glasses are among the most expensive of the bunch because they're by Stella McCartney. You can always count on Stella to keep a close eye on materials, and although I wish she would push just a little harder, I think it's good to support a high-end designer that is making such a conscious effort to be kind. All of her glasses are made from 50% natural sources.

The other two pairs are vintage oversize sunglasses are from Etsy (available here and here), and they're both under $30.




Every single one of these reflective, futuristic (and majorly 80s) sunglasses are vintage from Etsy, and they range from $12 to $200. From top to bottom and then right they are:

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

And now for the Raybans. If you absolutely must have a pair, I'd recommend a vintage pair. Unlike the modern Luxottica models, vintage Raybans by Bausch & Lomb were made in the good ole' USA, like each pair below (1 / 2 / 3 / 4 ). 

 

The wooden sunglasses trend deserves its own special section (below). There are many versions (and copies) of bamboo glasses out there, but I like Panda bamboo glasses (bottom left) because of their promise to provide a free eye and exam and glasses for someone in need for each pair sold.




I also want to highlight two pairs of sunglasses from Shwood, although I was tempted to just make a giant collage out of every pair they have. Handmade in Portland, Oregon (where else?), these glasses are pricey and incredibly beautiful. I respect that the folks at Shwood seem committed, nay, obsessed with creating something really special in each pair. I love their experimentation with stone and salvaged wood, for example. When you are making short films about each pair of sunglasses you've lovingly handcrafted, it's clear you're not just an artisan, but an artist.

Last but not least are the eco brand sunglasses. They are the only eyewear brand in the world made of 95% recycled materials. Add to that the on-trend shape and edgy, fall colors on these two pairs and you have my favorite sunglasses on the whole page. You can find them at several local eyeglass stores nationwide.