More people want sustainability in fashion now, with 42% of consumers claiming that buying green products is a significant part of who they are. The clamor for brands to go green has also hit the eyewear market, with the race to catch up to other fashion sectors well underway. Consumers expect major brands to lead the charge for eco-conscious practices and materials, and they are willing to spend more on those who walk the talk.
In response to this shifting perspective, a need arises to know what constitutes ethical eyewear and how to recognize the brands that genuinely encompass the movement. The best place to start is to understand recycled materials, actionable steps, and lifestyle changes that impact the industry and its demographic.
Recycled materials in quality eyewear
New eyewear needs to be created every year. More and more people require tools to aid in their vision, with over 61% of the American population needing some corrective vision treatment. While a vegan diet can help stem the deterioration of your eyes thanks to antioxidants, nitrates, and carotenes, this still cannot combat the eye health decline that stems from constant exposure to screens and increasingly erratic sleep schedules.
As such, primarily using recycled materials is the best way to meet this demand and remain mindful of the need for sustainable solutions. This can be implemented into packaging, the eyewear material, or both.
Consumers can see this in action with the collection of sunglasses that Eyebuydirect is working on. The 5 TO SEE line uses frames from recycled plastic bottles to repurpose single-use plastic. The aptly named Ocean pair is created with five plastic bottles uniquely reconstructed to create square frames colored basalt, blue, or tortoise. Sourcing bottles for their plastic base aims to keep them out of oceans.
You will also commonly see eco-friendly lines featuring cellulose acetate, bamboo, and vegetal resin to create practical, comfortable, and, most importantly, sustainable frames. These are all made with natural renewable materials, reducing the overall environmental impact.
Caring consumers will want to look for materials that are biodegradable and recycled. Recycled plastic is a sturdy and cost-effective solution that can make a difference, so this should be a good start in your search. If you want alternatives to plastic, you may also want to check out bio-acetate. Look for components like castor oil, wood pulp fibers, and cotton.
How to spot greenwashing vs the real deal
Companies are making considerable efforts to let people know that they know their business’s environmental impact and are working to make meaningful changes. Unfortunately, this has also led to the phenomenon of greenwashing. Greenwashing occurs when an organization or entity tries to create the narrative that it is sustainable and cares for the environment without actually implementing these efforts. Most claims are either completely false or refer to minor changes conflated to be something more significant.
A great pioneer in the realm of circular fashion is Mara Hoffman, who pushed for sustainable materials and ethical practices in her CFDA Environmental Sustainability Award-winning swimwear and ready-to-wear label in 2014 and maintained it until its closure in 2024. Even the decision to shutter the label was made, in part, to stem the inevitable growth in carbon emissions doled out by the fashion industry. Brands encompassing ethical and sustainable manufacturing face an economic landscape that still favors fast and cheap over eco-friendly investments. Hence, the onus is on buyers to support the right businesses and tip the scales to the greener side.
How eyewear fits into a sustainable lifestyle
The best thing about living a sustainable lifestyle now is that there are more options than ever. You can easily find glasses, accessories, and apparel online on official platforms, which is a far cry from where things were even five years ago. There is plenty of variation in eyewear made with eco-friendly materials, whether it’s sunglasses or prescription lenses.
What you wear can be stylish, functional, and worth the investment to last years without harming the planet. Whether or not you have a prescription, there are plenty of inevitable moments throughout the year when you must use some eyewear. If you commit to the change and work your way through it, you can slowly but surely adopt a way of living that doesn’t sacrifice your style or the planet.
