Sunglasses Brands Dedicated to Keeping Our Oceans Clean
Environmental pollution grows every year, as evidenced by the state of our oceans. The world produces over 350 million tonnes of plastic waste annually—and though only 0.5% of it makes it to the sea, that’s still a significant 1.7 million tonnes. In the UK alone, up to 100 billion pieces of plastic packaging are discarded annually. This comes out to 66 items per household every week. Most of this waste is incinerated or sent abroad. This releases microplastics and other chemicals into the water, posing health risks to marine life.
Fortunately, various companies, organisations, and institutions are taking action by upcycling ocean waste and breathing new life into them by transforming them into new products. The best part is that many of them are doing it in style. This is in line with data from Compare the Market, which states that garments made sustainably can have an impact on user health and experience. Additionally, this satisfies consumer trends, as noted via Google Search studies, that illustrate a growing interest in ethical and sustainable fashion. For example, brands like Upcycled Medical use it to ethically produce eco-conscious clothing, resulting in durable pieces that prevent plastic waste from causing massive biodiversity loss. However, the fashion industry isn’t stopping there.
Other companies are working to create more sustainable versions of one of the most popular accessories available: sunglasses. Historically, eyewear has been a huge contributor to ocean pollution, especially with its use of plastics and fossil fuels. With that, there are some brands that are working to keep the oceans cleaner through new eco-friendly practises.
Costa Del Mar
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At its core, Costa Del Mar is a company founded with a singular vision: to protect fishermen, surfers, and anyone else on the water from the sun’s detrimental effects on the eyes. Today, it’s best known for its polarised sunglasses, like the Rinconcito and Fantail, which specifically shield wearers against glare that bounces off the waves. The brand has already put in the effort to ensure that these bestsellers are made from bio-based materials—which is why it’s no surprise that it also offers a separate collection of sunglasses upcycled from ocean waste. Models from Costa’s Untangled collection, including the Santiago, Caleta, and Pescador, boast frames made of 97% to 100% recycled fishing nets, helping reduce the tons of plastic waste circulating in our oceans.
Ray-Ban
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One of the most recognisable names in the eyewear industry, Ray-Ban is known for its designs. Despite being founded in 1936, the industry leader is still considered a global trendsetter, even amid the rise of newer brands. Such is the demand for Ray-Ban that it’s also sold on other retail platforms, where it remains among the most popular. This is highlighted in retailer Vision Express’ selection of sunglasses, where several Ray-Ban styles remain bestsellers. Among these include their iconic Wayfarers, Aviators, and Justin Classic silhouettes. Apart from its style and sophistication, Ray-Ban is also known for its manufacturing innovation. Over the last few years, the company has steadily adopted and released new products that satisfy market expectations and global sentiments. This includes a collection of bio-based eyewear, which makes use of either bio-acetate, bio-based nylon or bio-based rubber. As such, these frames are either biodegradable or make use of renewable materials in lieu of fossil materials. With this, there is less material waste, which may otherwise end up as microplastics.
VERTE MODE
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VERTE MODE doesn’t just sell eco-friendly sunglasses—it offers an entire platform that serves as a one-stop shop for sustainable living. It offers everything from skincare to bags, all of which are sustainably produced. However, it deserves to be on this list due to the amount of time and care it puts into ensuring all its products, including sunglasses models like the Bardot and Candy, are distributed in line with the highest green shipping standards. The brand uses a stringent evaluation process to ensure it only leverages sustainable packaging designs and materials, shipping methods, and recycling and disposal strategies. As it is, shipping significantly contributes to ocean pollution. This is because of ships’ tendency towards creating noise, fatally colliding with whales, and releasing toxic chemicals that don’t break down and end up in the bodies of various marine species. Consequently, this means VERTE MODE’s efforts play a significant role in helping keep our oceans clean.
Thanks to Brett V. Richards for writing this article for Zero Waste Week!