Tips for a More Sustainable Beach Trip
Going to the beach is a great way to spend a day, especially if you’re not someone who loves spending time in nature, surrounded by greenery. In that case, visiting a beach is an amazing opportunity to inhale some fresh air and soak in some sun. However, since our planet is in quite a bad condition, living a sustainable lifestyle is a good step to rectify the consequences of climate change on an individual level. Therefore, next time you’re going to the beach, here are some tips to make your trip more sustainable.
1. Stay away from single-use plastic items
Single-use plastic is dangerous for the environment, as they create a lot of waste, mainly in the oceans, which further endangers the species that live there. So reducing your personal use of non-reusable plastic items will surely make your beach trip more eco-friendly, and thus better for the environment. So, next time you feel like going to the beach, make sure to bring reusable things such as a water bottle, beach bag, and cutlery.
2. Always obey the beach rules
Beach rules exist for a reason: to make sure that guests will behave accordingly without harming the living species on the beach. So when you disobey the rules, you’re not harming a person, you’re harming the beach itself. Signs serve its purpose: to notify the visitors about protected habitats and species and further steps on how to treat them fairly. So, if you’re going to the beach anytime soon, make sure to follow the rules.
3. Wear the quality type of swimwear
Going to the beach requires you to wear a certain type of swimwear that will match your planned activities for the day. However, even though there are so many swimwear types on the market, it’s important to opt for pieces that are produced by green brands that are cruelty-free. So, switching to sustainable swimwear that’s been made using fair manufacturing principles and recycled materials is a great choice for everyone who wants to live a green lifestyle. Doing a bit on a personal level can actually mean so much to everyone else.
4. Clean up before you leave
Leaving trash behind is a sign of bad manners, and there’s no further discussion about that. So, if you’ve been meaning to make your beach trip more sustainable, then picking up your own trash is something you must do, regardless of the circumstances. This is especially true if you’re a smoker: cigarette butts are also trash, so make sure to pick them up and place them into the bin. If the beach doesn’t have designated areas for trash disposal, it’s best to bring your own trash bag, pick up the garbage yourself and dispose of the bag in the closest bin.
5. Bring some waste-free food and snacks
Buying snacks in the store before going to the beach is quick, and definitely practical. However, once you eat those snacks, you’re left with paper wraps that are, you guessed it, a type of waste. So, bringing some waste-free food and snacks is a great way to reduce waste and eat more easily without unnecessary props such as plates and cutlery. Berries, smoothies, granola bars and dried fruits are all great light, healthy and waste-free snacks!
Conclusion
Going to the beach requires personal responsibility because being mindful to your environment is a sign of respectful behaviour towards nature and, therefore, yourself. So, feel free to relax, have fun and enjoy your beach time, but remember to clean after yourself and act orderly. Our planet needs to be loved and that includes everyone, including beaches and their precious wildlife.