Dating can be a nerve-wracking and intimidating experience. In fact, 47% of Americans think that going on a date has gotten harder now compared with 10 years ago, according to data from Pew Research Center. Some factors that contribute to dating difficulties include the trouble of finding someone who is looking for the same type of relationship and the challenge of matching with someone who meets expectations. Going out on a date as a vegan can even pose more challenges, especially in finding a match that shares the same ethical stances, values, and lifestyle choices.
In our previous article on dating another vegan, we highlighted how sharing the same dedication to environmental sustainability and eco-friendly choices is essential in building your relationship. Good first impressions are crucial, and sometimes, bringing your best foot forward on a date means making sustainable wardrobe choices. But while there are tons of sustainable clothing brands out there, finding sustainable eyewear to accessorize with might be a little trickier. That said, here are four sustainable eyewear brands to check out:
Foster Grant
Foster Grant is a leading eyewear retailer that offers a wide range of specs – from sunnies and reading glasses to blue light glasses. Foster Grant’s SUN LUV AF11FA (All for One, One for All) sunglasses collection includes sunnies with frames made with recycled plastic, such as the Good Vibes and Life Rocks frames. The company has also launched the Foster Grand CIRCUL8 program, which signifies its commitment to using more recycled materials in its eyewear products and packaging. Choosing sunglasses made with recycled materials is one way of adhering to a more sustainable lifestyle, promoting sustainable production, and making a good impression on your date.
Armani Group
Armani Group, the Italian luxury fashion house composed of the Emporio Armani and Giorgio Armani labels, is also a good choice for more luxurious eyewear, especially with its environmentally-friendly line. In 2021, Emporio Armani launched the SS21 Bio-Based story, which featured sunglasses with partly bio-based lenses, biodegradable bio-acetate frames, and recycled polyester packaging. Meanwhile, the brand has further shown its commitment to sustainability with the launch of the Bio Capsuleeyewearcollection, which highlights women’s bio-acetate sunglasses with frames made with biodegradable materials. Through industrial waste recovery, the company has created specs with 100% recycled content, ensuring its dedication to environmental sustainability.
Sunski
Lifestyle and apparel brand Sunski, which sells classic tortoiseshell frames, has also produced sustainable eyewear. The company’s Alpinecollection consists of the Tortoise Forest and Black Gold sunglasses made from recycled post-industrial scrap. The company has also partnered with Climate Neutral, a non-profit organization that helps measure, reduce, and offset carbon footprint. As a member of the 1% for the Planet, Sunski donates 1% of its profits to environmental groups like Adventure Scientists, Conservation Alliance,and Save the Waves.This is a perfect choice if you’re looking to accessorize with a sustainable, environmentally-responsible brand during a first date.
Eco Eyewear
Eco Eyewear – as the name itself implies – is a viable option if you’re looking for sustainable sunglasses to wear on a date. The company’s eyewear is made of recycled bio-based materials, such as the Jade glasses, and recycled metal, such as the Blake Clip-On. The company’s One Frame, One Treeprogram, which began in 2009 in partnership with the non-profit group Trees for Nature, supports climate preservation by planting one tree for every purchase of their specs. Just last year, Eco Eyewear celebrated planting 3.6 million trees, which plays a big role in capturing over 164 million kg of carbon dioxide.
Reducing carbon footprint and preserving the environment are important cornerstones of a vegan lifestyle. Wearing sunnies from these sustainable eyewear brands is a great way to accessorize on a first date and show your commitment to eco-friendly living and doing less harm.
