Are you heading to the beach this summer? Make it a more planet-friendly beach day! I love the beach, and I’m always on the lookout for ways that we, as a family, can be better caretakers of our planet.
In this post, I will share 11 easy tips for a more planet-friendly beach day.
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Reusable Cooler
One of the stumbling blocks we faced was finding a reusable cooler that we could take with us to the beach. It may seem like a no brainer but when you live in the midwest and travel by airplane to visit the beach, packing up the family cooler isn’t quite going to work.
Picking up a cheap styrofoam cooler at Publix, using it once and then putting in the trash wasn’t acceptable to me either!
Then we found this one! It folds flat for easy travel then pops up for a perfect beach day cooler.
Reef Safe Sunscreen for a more planet-friendly beach day!
Protecting your skin from sun damage is critically important but so is saving our marine ecosystem. One significant impact you can make is switching to a biodegradable/reef-safe sunscreen.
I’ve started to quietly observe the people around me when I travel, and sadly, very few are using reef-safe/environmentally friendly sunscreen.
Keep in mind that these aren’t environmentally perfect but I find them to at least be a step in the right direction. I’m a work in progress. My current favorites: Sun Bum (love the smell!), Alba and Safe Sea. Do you have a favorite planet-friendly sunscreen?
Bug Repellent
I am a big fan of Avon Skin So Soft and frankly NOT a big fan of bugs. I use the spray oil and the regular lotion and love them both. I can’t believe how well they work at repelling pesky insects. Yes, even the regular non-bug types seem to deter some insects.
When traveling, I always pack SSS Bug Guard Plus. It has an SPF 30 and natural insect repellent. I found this to be the perfect option for our Mayan ruin tour where we needed both sun protection and a bug repellent. Just give it a good shake before use.
There isn’t a harsh smell and it feels good on your skin. While the bug repellent is planet-friendly, the sunscreen is not considered reef safe, so it’s best to reach for this option when you aren’t planning on getting in the ocean. If you are, apply and then wait 30 minutes before your swim. And, there’s probably someone in your group that enjoys the beach but doesn’t necessarily enjoy ocean swimming.
Stainless Steel Straws
Here’s a controversial one. There is a huge debate (several actually) about paper straws. What’s the big deal? What difference does a little straw make to the planet? Of course, there are different schools of thought. I believe that if a swap is fairly easy to make and might help even one sea turtle…why NOT do it?
I ordered this stainless and silicone set a while back and have been quite happy with them. For travel, I have just ordered this new travel set which is just more conducive for on-the-go use. The prices are still a little high but they are coming down from when they first entered the market. And, considering that they can be used over and over again with a simple wash, I find them to be worth the investment if using straws is important to you.
Reusable Water Bottle
This is my MUST HAVE item for the beach or any travel really. As a family, we have slowly invested in Yeti Ramblers with the water bottle lid (sold separately). We all love that they are easily refillable, dishwasher safe and the handle makes it so easy to carry. It also fits in the side pouch of my travel backpack so it’s perfect in my world. The price is a bit high but it’s been worth the investment for us.
There are so many great water bottles to choose from now there’s no reason to purchase single-use plastic water bottles. I’ve heard that the Ozark Trail or Orca brand are said to be comparable at a lower price point.
Of course, we don’t always just drink water at the beach so if you are the same…make sure you recycle those cans!
Quick Dry – Sand Resistant Towel
Our daughter just received this sea turtle towel for her birthday and loves it. It’s lightweight, soft and of course, her favorite color. There are so many great options to choose from on the Sand cloud web site.
How does this help the environment you may ask? For starters, getting all of the sand off of traditional towels can make a grown man cry and then pollute the planet with their potty mouths. 😉 Seriously, these towels need to be air dried and therefore save energy. Sand Cloud also donates a portion of its profits to support marine life.
These beach companions are also compact, lightweight, super soft and come in beautiful designs.
You can find similar ones on Amazon.
Bamboo Sun Shirt
I know that rash guards have their purpose but for general sun protection use, I find them to be tight and not very breathable. If you are in search of super soft sun protection, try a sun shirt made from bamboo. This fast-growing, renewable resource is a great option!
Planet-Friendly Beach Day Snacks
You can’t plan a day at the beach without packing lots of snacks! There are a lot of convenient and natural food options to choose from. You can fill your cooler with apples, oranges, and bananas which all come in their own natural container.
You can also try packaging sandwiches in beeswax food wrappers or recyclable sandwich bags. If you want to bring along some chips (who doesn’t love chips!) consider the family size bag instead of individual snack size for less packaging and waste.
If you do opt for disposable packaging, just remember to gather up all of your trash. A Windy day at the beach can lead to many plastic sandwich bags in the ocean.
A Packable and Reusable Trash Sack
Sad but true. It’s no longer just a “pick up after yourself” message. Each time we visit the beach, trash can be seen in the sand and at the shoreline. If you’re a beach/ocean lover, too, consider bringing a smaller reusable bag to collect items and place them in the receptacles where they belong. I just ordered this adorable set and have added one to my purse, beach bag, travel backpack, and even the car glove box.
Reusable Swim Diapers
I no longer have babies at home but if I did…I would definitely try these! If you have little ones, you have got to check out the adorable selection of reusable swim diapers. I wish they had these around when our kids were little.
Solar Power Bank
A fantastic and renewal source of energy is solar power. If you are enjoying a sunny day at the beach, why not build up some power in a solar power bank. You can keep all of your personal electronics charged and feel good about using a highly available energy source.
Did you find any of these ideas helpful?
What did I miss? If you have a planet-friendly beach day product you love, please let me know! I’m always looking to improve and be a better caretaker of our planet.
If you are as crazy about the beach as I am, check out more of my Top Beach Items.
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Happy Travels!
Jillian
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