What is a guy to do when he leaves his sunglasses on a bus in New York City, sets out to replace them and realizes the marketplace is filled with underwhelming options that are bad for the environment? Start a company. This is the exact situation Nick Sancilio, founder of Shadetree Sunglasses, found himself in when he decided to build a brand.
The FDA estimates that in 2014, Americans purchased over 300 million pairs of sunglasses. Over 91% of them were made of petroleum-based plastics, equating to almost 80 tons (160k pounds) of plastic that will ultimately end up in landfills. The next time you leave a pair of shades in an Uber, on the train or accidentally sit on them, just remember – if they become trash to you, or someone else, they are going to rot for years in a landfill.
Think about a new way. Shadetree Sunglasses are handcrafted from responsibly-sourced wood, making them an eco-friendly choice. With attention to design, and a focus on a diverse product line, there is truly a pair of shades for everyone hoping to look good and feel good doing it.
All images courtesy of Shadetree Sunglasses.
Vision Quest | Shadetree Glasses
Quality, budget, and environmental awareness all come together in Shadetree Glasses, founded when inspiration struck after a lost pair of shades.
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Socrates Red Sunglasses
The Socrates Red Sunglasses, $79.95, are made of red rosewood, with 100% UV blocking polarized lenses.
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California Condor
The California Condor, $79.95, shown in red rosewood, is named after the largest flying land bird in the western hemisphere. The reason? The expansive wingspan of these avian-inspired aviators.
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Round Frogsplash
The Round Frogsplash, $84.95, shown in real cork wood, features 100% UV blocking polarized lenses, and come in an ultra-pus microfiber bag.
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Fusion Highlighter
The Fusion Highlighter, $79.95, is shown in green - but also available in hot pink & bright yellow.
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Cork Confetti
The oversized Cork Confetti frames, $84.95, are made of Verawood, one of the hardest woods in nature.
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Zebrawood Wayfarer
The Zebrawood Wayfarer, here shown in the Socrates iteration, $79.95, has wood grain that is unique per pair.
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Zebra Wood
The Zebra Wood frames, shown in Fusion Blue, $79.95, are even available in XL sizes for the best fit possible.
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Limited Edition Classic 'Merica
For every pair of the Limited Edition Classic 'Merica glasses, $64.95, Shadetree Glasses will donate $10 to charity.
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Gold Standard Classic Wayfarer
The Gold Standard Classic Wayfarer, $79.95, are made of layered beech wood, with light gold reflective lenses. The result is a super light, super sturdy pair of shades.
