Last modified on October 8th, 2020 at 10:05 pm

Beach Holidays: 5 Ways To Make Them Eco-Friendly

Going somewhere new for a bit is a great way to recharge your batteries. Many people opt for beach holidays for one obvious reason: sea, sun, and sand have always been and still are the ultimate combination for families and singles alike. However, living in today’s age requires people to be mindful of the environment, now more than ever. So, if you’ve chosen the beach as your holiday destination, here are some helpful tips that will help you make your beach visit more eco-friendly and sustainable.

1. Always Clean After Yourself

A day at the beach can be very active and fun, especially if you plan to bring food and snacks. However, that means that cleaning after yourself is a must. Most beaches have designated spaces for trash disposal, and if they don’t, then make sure to bring a trash bag to pick up all your leftovers and take them with you once you’re done. In case you’re not sure whether there’s a bin at the beach, just pack a bag to be sure you’ll be able to pick up all the trash.

2. Use An Eco-Friendly Sunscreen 

The majority of people only worry about the SPF label, however, if you’re looking to be an eco-friendly beachgoer, then it’s important to use a sunscreen that is free of toxic chemicals that pollute the oceans. Usually, chemical sunscreens are those that contain harmful ingredients, the main one being oxybenzone. This ingredient is so dangerous that certain places decided to ban it from their beaches. Instead, opt for sunscreens with mineral filters as they’re much safer and better for the environment.

3. Don’t Forget To Dress Sustainably, Too

Going to the beach doesn’t require you to wear a lot of clothes, unless you’re going when it’s not so cold, of course. And if you are visiting during the summer (when most of the people go), it’s important to pick sustainable swimwear that is made of biodegradable fabrics. There are many brands that are eco-conscious, so feel free to explore them until you find the one that you like. Wearing an eco-friendly bathing suit is a great way to live a more sustainable lifestyle during the summer.

4. Never Collect Anything You Find there (Unless It’s Trash)

Seashells are beautiful, and they can be a great decor to your home, but in case you didn’t know, they have a specific role: to protect other beach species so taking them away can disrupt the beach ecosystem. The same goes for sand, pebbles, and shellfish. If you really want to take them as a souvenir, it’s better to take a few pics instead. You can frame the picks and use them as decor for your space.

5. Try Reducing Your Carbon Footprint

If you live far from the beach, then it’s logical you’ll use some form of transport to get there. However, once you arrive at your accommodation, you can opt for more eco-friendly means of transport: renting a bike or going on foot are both excellent choices. If the beach is a bit far from your accommodation, then you can use public transport or shuttles that are often available to visitors. Additionally, it would be great to choose carbon-neutral water sports such as paddle, snorkel, or surfing as they’re not motorized which means they won’t disturb marine wildlife. 

Conclusion

Adopting some eco-friendly principles when visiting the beach can help the environment, But, before you decide to include some of these tips, make sure to do your own research so you’ll be more educated regarding the environmental issues that plague the planet nowadays. Still, these tips are definitely useful, and they’re also a good place to start your journey toward a more sustainable lifestyle.