Want to keep the changing of the seasons distinct and beautiful but still sustainable? Keep reading for 8Shades’ picks of the coolest eco-friendly shades!

See also: 6 Sustainable Sun Hats & Visors for Summer Protection

KNWLS: Yellow Adrenaline Oval Sunglasses

With a slanted oval shape, these sunglasses from the latest it-girl brand KNWLS are one of our faves this season for those sunny days. Not only do they have the most unique silhouette that just begs to be complimented, but they are also handcrafted from 100 percent recycled acrylic!

Available at SSENSE

Bird: Athene Clear Sunglasses

We’re not sure if you’ve noticed, but clear frames seem to be back in fashion and we’re loving how wearable and chic they are! The eco-conscious eyewear label Bird makes its frames with Mazzucchelli cellulose acetate — a naturally derived material made from wood pulp.

Available at Bird Eyewear

& Other Stories: Brown Tortoise Squared Thick Frame Sunglasses

A cheaper alternative that doesn’t compromise on style, & Other Stories’ rectangle tortoiseshell shades have an unmistakably strong look that simply stands out amongst the rest! We also adore that they’re made from 85 percent recycled polyester, processed from plastic bottles and textile waste.

Available at & Other Stories

Waterhaul: Harlyn Aqua Sunglasses

On the hunt for something bright and colourful to go with summer’s vibrant palette? Well, these ocean-coloured shades are just the thing! What we love most about these round-framed shades though is that they are designed to be saltwater-resistant and are made from 100 percent recycled fishing net recovered in Cornwall, UK.

Available at Waterhaul

Proof Eyewear: Grove Wood Sunglasses

Looking for something way different? We got you. These unconventional sunglasses with a vintage vibe are handmade from sustainably sourced wood, and hand-polished with water- and sweat-resistant plant-based sealant. As it turns out, you really can have your cake and eat it too.

Available at Proof Eyewear

Szade x Impala: Dollin Sunglasses

This one’s for all the Barbie girls in a Barbie world! These matte bubblegum-pink shades with 90s inspired flame decals on the sides are so much more than meets the eye. Szade makes its sunglasses from broken-down and recycled sunglasses collected in China that were destined for landfill — tackling the waste problem at its source.

Available at Szade

Read also: 8 Bio-Acetate Sunglasses to Reinvent Your Summer Wardrobe

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The post 6 Cool Eco-Friendly Sunglasses & Shades for Summer appeared first on 8Shades.

Commercially, most sunglasses are made of cellulose acetate or nylon-based plastic. Acetate is often favoured for its hypoallergenic qualities and can easily shapeshift under high temperatures to create all kinds of designs. However, its low production cost yields pressing environmental concerns. Acetate-based eyewear is chemically intensive to make – with the process requiring acids and fossil-fuelled plasticisers – both of which are bio-hazards for humans and marine life. 

Later, an Italian acetate manufacturer Mazzucchelli introduced a biodegradable patented acetate sheet made with 68% plant-based materials to tackle sustainability, which could be recycled or discarded with less impact on the environment.

While not completely perfect, the newfound technology encourages the sunglasses sector to find better means of addressing waste management, while offering the possibility of a circular model through recycling and upcycling.

If you’re on the lookout for a sustainable pair of sunnies, here are eight unisex sunglasses styles that use bio-acetate from credible sources:

Stella McCartney – Bold Geometric Sunglasses

British designer Stella McCartney marries innovative materials with cutting-edge technologies to champion slow fashion. These shiny black frames are characterised by a bold, geometric silhouette with unique bevelled details. Echoing their green ethos, the eyewear collection uses bio-acetate frames and bio-based lenses.

Shop on stellamccartney.com

Burberry – Poppy Sunglasses

British luxury fashion powerhouse Burberry brings you a pair of trend-lend rectangular frames fashioned in stark white mounted on a transparent sheet of bio-acetate. The decorative details, including the feature of bold metal ‘B’ motif and detachable chunky eyewear chain, add an extra layer of playfulness.  

Shop on sunglasshut.com

Ace & Tate – Monty Sunglasses

Practical and stylish, these shades from Ace & Tate encapsulate the summer spirit with thin, round rims in a lustrous seashell-like treatment. Besides mentioning whether the eyewear is made from high-quality acetate or bio-acetate, the brand goes the extra mile by stating the precise carbon impact the product has.   

Shop on aceandtate.com

Arnette – Clayface Sunglasses

Shield sunglasses speak to the athlete at heart. Part sporty, part futuristic, these shades from Arnette feature a super wrapped body (ideal for an outdoor workout) with orange bio-lenses that won’t tamper with your daylight vision. 

Shop on arnette.com

RetroSuperFuture – Racey K-Way Sunglasses

Italian eyewear brand RetroSuperFuture revisits one of its iconic shapes, the Racer, through a cross-collaboration with K-Way, known for their functional and colourful waterproof jackets. This Racer comes in an electric crystal blue bio-acetate with matching lenses for maximum visual impact.  

Shop on retrosuperfuture.com

Oscar Magnuson – Serge Sunglasses

Scandinavian label Oscar Magnuson follows a subtle palette of monochrome colours throughout their latest collection. Clear square bio-acetate frames are contrasted with deep blue bio-lenses that carry a hint of green for an understated expression of style. What’s more – your purchase comes with an 100% organic leather holder sourced from a Swedish tannery.

Shop on oscarmagnuson.com

Tory Burch – Pilot Sunglasses

Tory Burch puts forth an aviator-inspired silhouette brought to life with recycled materials. The style’s seamless presentation is perfected through a timeless shiny black acetate paired with solid colour lenses. Its wide fit accommodates most face shapes, whether oval, square, round or heart-shaped.

Shop on sunglasshut.com

Ace & Tate – Heather Sunglasses

For those looking for full coverage, Amsterdam-based Ace & Tate brings you these bold and outspoken frames. Crafted from thick bio-acetate in a refreshing lilac shade, it’s the perfect style signifier for summer.

Shop on aceandtate.com

See also: 5 Sustainable Travel Hacks for Your Next Trip

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The post 8 Bio-Acetate Sunglasses to Reinvent your Summer Wardrobe appeared first on 8Shades.