What’s better than a great beach trip? How about an eco-friendly and responsible one. As more people come to the beach in the summer months, large crowds have a negative impact on the scenic and sandy beaches that we love so much. As responsible travelers and beach- goers, we can make simple choices that help preserve these beautiful environments for years to come. We’ve prepared a few tips for how you can make your next beach trip an eco- friendly one.
Making a few small changes can make a big impact so get ready to enjoy the sun and sand in an environmentally friendly way.
Before Your Eco-Friendly Beach Trip
How to Choose the Beach
When planning out your next beach visit, opt for a beach that’s less crowded. Smaller amounts of people mean less of a strain on the local ecosystem. Though those beaches may have less amenities, a little planning when it comes to food and activities is all you need. Please be sure to respect any guidelines put in place to protect the environment and wildlife when venturing out on your next sustainable beach day.
Plan and Pack smart
Every trip to the beach needs a few sun appropriate essentials and fashion accessories. Please consider sustainable options to alleviate the strain that they can have on the environment. When choosing your SPF, invest in biodegradable or non-nano sunscreen that you can wear when going for a swim without harming marine life. Reusable water bottles are always an easy swap for single-use ones that contribute to the plastic waster and microplastics that are spread into the environment, while packing your food in reusable containers with utensils from home will help to cut down as well.
Bike or Walk to the Beach
If you have the option to walk or ride a bike to the beach, this can be an easy way to reduce your carbon footprint. Pick up a friend on the way to carpool or hop on the local bus or train as other eco-friendly options. Doing this on beach days and in everyday life is a great way to have a positive impact on the environment.
Eco-Friendly Beach Fashion
Choosing Sustainable Beach Accessories
We know that fashion is a big part of summer and having a few great outfits planned for the beach can make your trip that much more exciting! Choosing a brand that is sustainable and aligns with your values while showing support for their mission is important when shopping for a beach chic look.
Sustainability is also driven by quality products. Brands that choose to design and create from high quality materials and fabrics make a lasting product that reduces the need for fast fashion alternatives. Additionally, looking for items with timeless silhouettes, colors and patterns will allow you to keep them in your closet rotation for years to come.
Hat Attack products are produced with many eco- friendly fabrics sourced globally including raffia straw, linen, cotton, hyacinth. Our Panamas and continentals are hand-blocked, cut and sewn by workers in our Stamford, Connecticut factory making sustainability the core of our brand. Our hats are thoughtfully designed in the USA, being an integral piece of our timeless style. Explore more about Hat Attack’s sustainability and story here.
Here are some of the sustainable accessories and apparel, we cannot imagine visiting the beach without.
Panamas, Crafted in the USA
Panamas are one of our favorite and bestselling summer staples, that's handblocked in our Stamford, Connecticut factory. It’s made from 100% Panama straw, which we particularly love because of its lightweight feel and and built in SPF protection. Creating durable and comfortable hats that are made in the USA is something we pride ourselves on as a brand. Beach visits would not be complete without a proper sun hat, made from quality materials that last.
Large Bags, to Carry Everything You Need
A large beach bag is an essential summer must have when planning your eco-friendly trip to the beach. Not only will you be able to carry your favorite snacks, book, SPF and hat, you can also leave the beach as you found it.
During Your Visit
Take Only Pics, Leave Only Footprints
Stick to the Leave No Trace principle. Beaches are for everyone to enjoy, so make sure to dispose of your trash in the proper bins or take it with you and dispose of it at home.
Shells can make a pretty souvenir, but try to resist the temptation of collecting them and displaying them at home. Removing these from their habitat can harm the ecosystem.
Respect Marine Life
While you’re enjoying yourself on the beach, make sure not to disturb the marine life and its natural habitat. Maintain a safe distance and don’t touch or feed them. If you find a marine animal in distress don’t help it yourself. Wildlife authorities know best, so make sure to contact them before trying to assist yourself.
Eco-Friendly Beach Activities
Low impact activities are the way to go, during your eco-friendly beach visit. Here are a few ideas of what you can do, without disrupting the habitat:
Paddle-boarding - rent or bring your own paddle board and go boarding alongside the beach. This can be a really meditative experience, and will also bring out some great conversations when doing it with a friend. Make sure to avoid areas with fragile coral reefs.
- Beach yoga - bring your yoga mat with you and do a freestyle yoga flow or follow a yoga session online. Nothing will bring you peace of mind like yoga and the beach.
- Clean-up events - participate in a beach clean-up event to contribute to beach conservation. If you miss it, you can also bring a few pieces of trash home yourself.
- Read a book and listen to quiet and peaceful music - just you, beach waves and a good book. Take a day for yourself to fill your soul with activities you enjoy on your own.
Organic Food and Local Drinks
Think Local when preparing a snack to take with you to the beach.Support a local farmer, choose fresh fruits over store bought snack bars, make your own snacks from ingredients you have at home. Those options will be healthier for you and your environment.
The coastal environment we’ve been blessed with is absolutely beautiful and it should be appreciated. Make your next beach trip responsible and eco-friendly, without minimizing the fun.
By making thoughtful choices before, during, and after your visit, you contribute to the preservation of these scenic areas for future generations.
