The Sustainable Summer Hack You Can’t Overlook: Sunglasses
As we roll into the thick of summer and start amping up those picnics, pool-time, and barbeques at the beach, there’s one fashion item you can’t be without - sunglasses.
When I talk about thrifting and sustainable shopping, I often talk about the key players; dresses, jeans, jackets, and shoes - the core items that form the foundation of any successful wardrobe.
Something I don’t talk about nearly enough is the beauty of shopping for accessories when thrifting and hitting the reseller markets.
Accessories can be a bit trickier to thrift, as there can sometimes be hygiene concerns, and for some items, it can be harder to find pieces in a high-quality condition. But that definitely doesn’t mean it’s not worth doing!
And one item I’m always on the lookout for so I can have a sustainable summer is a decent pair of sunnies.
Shopping for
Sustainable Sunnies
As we roll into the thick of summer and start amping up those picnics, pool-time, and barbeques at the beach, there’s one fashion item you can’t be without - sunglasses.
Sunglasses are notoriously challenging for thrifting or scoring secondhand, and for a good reason. You’re relying on previous owners having done their due diligence in maintaining the lenses (scratched sunglasses are THE worst) but also, you need to know that the lenses are going to actually do what you need them to do - protect your eyes.
Sunglasses should block 99-100% UVA and UVB radiation to keep those eyeballs safe. Sunglasses purchased new will have labels and tags advising they offer this - for obvious reasons, thrifted specs often miss this. UV protection in lenses can also wear off over time with exposure to the sun, so even those that were once offering 100% protection may now be a little less robust.
So, you’re probably wondering, why even bother?
From a sustainability standpoint, sunglasses frames are usually made of metal or plastic - both materials require the extraction of raw resources to produce.
Even though they may seem small, sunglasses quickly add to a significant carbon footprint. The global eyewear market is valued at $160 billion, with sunglasses accounting for about 40%. While there are some pretty cool brands doing more to make these products more sustainable, there’s still a long way to go.
4 Ways to Shop Safely
Below are just a few things I like to keep in mind when shopping for sustainable sunnies:
1. Opt for high-quality brands.
I’m not someone who has a HIGH brand affinity, but I have to admit when thrifting, there are certain brands where the quality speaks for itself.
When it comes to sunglasses, high-quality brands can offer you some reassurance around the UV protection and longevity of materials. It’s worth ensuring the specs you look for are from a renowned brand known for ticking these boxes.
2. Check the original care labels.
It’s not always possible, but if you can, look for sunnies that come with their original cases or even packaging.
This can give you some info on the UV protection they offer. This tends to be easier said than done, but you can usually find some pretty good pairs with their original packaging on reseller sites.
3. Purchase from reputable places.
Look, I love a good rummage of the weekend markets or deep dive into the bargain bins at my local thrift store, but when my eye health is at stake, I know I have to up my game a little.
Some highly reputable reseller sites do a lot of the work for you in terms of authenticating brands and products, which in turn offers you some reassurance that you’re picking up a quality item that isn’t going to falsely convince you that your peepers are safely shaded when they aren’t.
Vestiaire Collective is a favorite for me, but there are a number of others out there.
4. Invest in a UV top-up.
Some eye care stores offer a UV coating service for sunglasses that are older or generally need a touch-up. The catch here is that they’ll generally only do it for specs purchased from them or that belong to a brand they stock.
Not everywhere offers this, but if you do happen to find that perfect vintage pair of designer specs that you must have, it could be an option to help you make sure you look good and keep being able to look good (I will not apologize for my poorly constructed sentences in order to squeeze in a pun.)
Enjoy the Sunshine!
The great thing about shopping for sunnies in this way is that - as we know - trends always come back around.
Instead of giving in to short-term high street consumerism, you can help save the planet and find some super unique trendy face frames in the process.
Elaine Mead
Elaine is a freelance writer, educator, and psychologist-in-training from London, currently residing in Tasmania. Her writing on personal and professional development has appeared with Darling Magazine, Healthline, Psych Central, and many more. You can usually find her having a good rummage at the local thrift market, fueling her caffeine addiction, or napping with her dachshund, Einstein.
