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As a conscious traveler, I’m always on the lookout for sustainable travel items that also do their bit for the planet. After I lost my Ray-Ban that I had for many years, it was time to search for a new pair of sunglasses. That way, I discovered Sunski, a sustainable sunglasses brand with a slightly retro feel. In this post, I’ll share my honest Sunski review, why this brand is sustainable and where you can shop these gorgeous and ethical sunglasses!
Sunski was born out of a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign, fueled by a passion for the outdoors and sustainability. Founded by Tom Stewart and Michael Charley, it quickly became the favorite eyewear brand of many travel enthusiasts and conscious consumers.
While there are many ethical eyewear brands out there, Sunski stands out for me because of its vibrant retro yet timeless style. The frames are made from ‘Superlight’, a recycled polymer made from post-industrial plastic scrap plastic.
This approach not only reduces waste but also lessens the need for new raw materials which in turn lowers the environmental impact even more. Furthermore, Sunski contribute to 1% for the planet, is a climate neutral company and partners with various organisations to create even more impact!
Sunski is an ethical brand due to its dedication to sustainability. Here is what they do:
As mentioned before, the frames of the Sunski sunglasses are made from ‘Superlight’ a recycled polymer which is derived from scrap plastic.
Furthermore, the textiles used for their accessories are made from RPET, durable solution-dyed recycled polyster. This is basically household waste like recyclable, bottles, food packages and other PET containers that are first recycled to new pet and then woven into polyester.
When you look at Sunski’s website, it’s clear that they want to foster a deep connection between people and the planet. They say that the simple act of ‘basking in the sun’ instantly connects us with the importance of nature and I couldn’t agree more.
These sunglasses are the perfect embodiment of how a useful item to enjoy the beauty of nature can go hand in hand with sustainability, and respecting the environment.
1% for the Planet is an organization founded in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, who used to be the owner of Blue Ribbon Flies. Their aim is to encourage business and individuals to supports environmental initiatives through donations and everyday actions.
Sunksi is a proud member of 1% for the Planet and donates 1% of its sales (not just their profit!) to environmental charities each year. They have been a member for more than 10 years and have already donated more than 250.000 dollars so far!
Not only does Sunski donates to initiatives through their 1% for the Planet membership but they also actively partner up with other organizations and support them financially. For instance, in the fall of 2023, they partnered with Earth Guardians.
They supported their Indigenous Youth Leadership Training which helps youth leaders from over 20 tribal nations hone their skills regarding leadership, engage in social and environmental justice and build community.
Sunski offers a lifetime warranty, which means that they cover the costs of any defects in materials or workmanship. If your pair of Sunski sunglasses fails to do what it needs to due to a manufacturing defect, they either will repair them or give you a new pair free of charge!
Obviously, this warranty doesn’t cover regular wear and tear that goes along with wearing your Sunski sunglasses, but they do offer replacement lenses for scratched-up shades that you can replace at home!
Sunski is certified with the Climate Neutral Logo from the Change Climate Project. The Climate Change Project is a non-profit focused on eliminating greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate climate change.
They have certified Sunski with their Climate Neutral Logo because they are actively working towards a net-zero future. Sunski measures its emissions each year, reduces them wherever possible, and compensates for what remains by buying verified carbon and clean energy credits that support climate projects like reforestion.
Also Sunski’s packaging is eco-friendly and 100% free from plastics. They use recycled cardboard for their packaging, which they fold cleverly, like origami, to protect the sunglasses during transit.
This is much better than the plastic wrappers most sunglasses are transported in as it reduces plastic waste.
Before I embarked on a two month-trip through Colombia, during which I discovered the most magnificent places like San Agustin, La Playa de Belen, and the Tatacoa Desert, I was in need of a new pair of sunglasses after loosing my Ray-Ban that I already had for many years.
After doing some research I stumbled upon the brand “Sunski”, a sustainable American brand that delivered to Belgium through their online shop but I found the shipment costs too expensive.
A few weeks later, however, I got in touch with Hike-A-Way, a Belgian distributor of outdoor travel gear, for a collaboration with the German brand Vaude.
As I went through their website, I discovered that they worked together with Sunski to supply the Benelux market. I was thrilled! They gifted me the Sunksi Bernina in Caramel Forest and I couldn’t be more happy.
Sunski Bernina
This pair of sunglasses is simply amazing. I never got so many compliments about the sunglasses I was wearing from friends, family and other travelers and they all wanted to know more about the brand.
It felt a bit similar to when I was backpacking through Vietnam and Laos last year and when I got so many compliments about my Wayks Backpack. But that’s another story!
Clearly designed with the conscious traveler in mind, the Sunski Bernina has everything you could ever desire from a good pair of sunglasses regarding style, sustainability and good protection from the sun.
Being a redhead, I absolutely love the Caramel forest color scheme as these colors blended perfectly with my pale skin and Venetian blonde hair. Furthermore, the frame is indeed super lightweight and I love the fact that it has been made from scrap plastic.
The pouch is also very well-made and I love the fact that it is not a hard case that takes a lot of space in your bag, but rather a small pouch that fits around the sunglasses perfectly and offers just enough protection.
Another thing that I truly enjoyed about this pair of sunglasses is that it has a small frame size. I always had trouble finding a good size of glasses for my, apparently, small head structure. The Sunski Bernina fits me perfectly and I can highly suggest them to you if you also previously shopped at the kids collection in eyewear stores!
Here is all you need to know about where you can buy the wonderful sunglasses on Sunski!
Sunski is an American brand that ships worldwide through its online shop. They ship to all countries but, for some reason are not able to ship to Greece, Colombia, India, and Malaysia. The international shipping rates can vary greatly based on location. Shipment to Belgium is currently priced at $ 37.
Furthermore, you can find a store locator on the website if you’d rather try the sunglasses on in a physical store. Sunksi can be found at multiple locations in the US and Canada as well as in Hawaii and even Chile.
They also have a few retailers in the UK.
Paying $ 37 for shipping a pair of sunglasses from the US to Belgium or the Netherlands is expensive and, if we are being honest, it’s also far from sustainable.
While it’s not indicated on their website, Sunski is also available in Belgium and the Netherlands thanks to Hike-A-Way, a wholesaler who distributes and represents various leading outdoor brands in the Benelux market.
If you fancy buying a pair of Sunski sunglasses, simply head to the A.S. Adventure in Belgium and you can find them there! They are also for sale at the Vaude stores in Ghent and Leuven.
After using my Sunski sunglasses for months now, here are the pros and cons I discovered:
Sunski sunglasses review
Aside from the sunglasses, Sunski also offers a few additional products on their website.
Aside from their range of sunglasses, Sunski also offers Type-1 Fun Slings and a Travel Case since 2022. They are versatile, lightweight, and perfect for a minimalist traveler.
Sunski also offers a lovely collection of hats and beanies, perfect for adventuring both in summer and winter! These accessories are designed to complement their incredible sunglasses, adding a certain kind of cool to your outfit.
Sunski on the Caribbean Coast of Colombia
Sunski uses two types of lenses:
Furthermore, there are different types of colors like sepia, midnight, or velvet. You can find more information on the F.A.Q. page!
There you go! I hope you enjoyed this Sunski sunglasses review. Sunski is a great sustainable alternative to regular pairs of sunglasses on the market and is much more eco-friendly than brands like Ray-Ban.
Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions or drop me a message through my contact page.
Also, don’t forget to check out my resources page with my favorite booking platforms and tips to start planning your trip. Additionally, have a look at my favorite travel gear if you want to pack more consciously!
ENJOY!
Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links. If you click on them, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Hi! I am Annelies and this is Travelers & Dreamers, a blog about conscious travel which means traveling in a more mindful way, with a positive impact on the world and yourself!
On this website, I cover different topics like slow travel, plant-based food guides, responsible travel, sustainable packing, eco-travel, and more!
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