Summer isn’t complete without a trip to the beach. Nothing beats the warm sun on your skin, the feel of sand between your toes, and refreshing water that makes you want to dip in. But preparing for a trip to the beach, whether it’s just a day trip or a week-long vacation, takes some effort.
A day at the beach is full of fun, but it can go wrong without the right products to make you feel comfortable. But more products often mean more waste, and that’s not easy on the planet. Finding the best (and eco-friendly) products will help you be prepared and be kind to the environment at the same time.
Here are five green products you need to add to your beach trip toolkit right now.
1. Sustainable Beach Bags
A large bag is essential when going to the beach. You’ll need a large bag to carry the items on this list and other essentials. Choose a lightweight bag to make it easier to travel to and from your car or home. Consider a bag with a waterproof lining to prevent irreparable damage if it comes into contact with water. At the beach, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll come into contact with water.
we Mercado Canasta Bucket Bag It’s a Made Trade product and it ticks all the boxes when it comes to being eco-friendly. Firstly, it’s reusable. It’s also waterproof, making it perfect for a day at the beach.
Made Trade is not only a company committed to sustainability, but also to ensuring fair trade practices, so when you buy this bucket bag, which is handwoven in Mexico from biodegradable palm leaves and features a crossbody shoulder strap and leather tote handles, you can rest assured that your bag has been ethically sourced and made by artisans who have been treated fairly.
2. Mineral Sunscreen
There are so many sunscreen products on the market, it can be hard to know which one to choose. Sunscreens are divided into two categories, both of which have very different environmental impacts.
Chemical sunscreens cause chemical reactions When the sun’s rays reach your skin, they are neutralized. This is done by using small molecules. When the sunscreen is worn off, these molecules are released into the environment, May be harmful to animals if accidentally ingestedWhile experts agree that this type of sunscreen is effective, environmentalists tend to steer clear of it.
Mineral sunscreens, on the other hand, use natural minerals, like zinc, to physically block the sun’s rays from reaching your skin, according to the Personal Care Products Council. Mineral sunscreens are just as effective. Similar to its chemical counterpart.
Badger is top notch Coral-friendly mineral sunscreenProfessional divers and beachgoers alike rave about this product. We love it, too. It’s got great ingredients in it for your skin. and It’s also environmentally friendly. That’s the double whammy of our dreams.
3. Slip-on shoes
Washable shoes? Yes, please. And best of all, these shoes are made from recycled, disposable plastic bottles. Rothy’s 30 million was diverted Over one million pairs of shoes have been divert from landfills in the past three years. The end product is a stylish, timeless shoe suitable for any occasion, including the beach.
Rothy’s especially Great for kidsAt the beach, fearless kids tend to run, stomp, and jump everywhere. Thankfully, Rothy’s eco-friendly flip flops are extremely durable – and can be washed to keep them looking like new when you get home.
It is common to go barefoot on the beach, but Comfortable slip-ons I use them when I’m going on a long walk or heading to the car, and I keep a pair of Rothy’s in my bag so I can slip them on right away.
4. Wooden sunglasses
Perhaps the biggest danger at the beach is strong sunlight. The sun’s rays can dry out and damage your skin, hair and even your eyes. Sun protection is key. Protect your beautiful eyes with sunglasses. And while you’re at it, make sure your eyewear is eco-friendly too.
Choose sunglasses made from sustainably sourced materials rather than environmentally damaging plastics. Look for ones made from recycled or biodegradable materials.
Woodsy There are so many stylish eyewear options to choose from that make it onto our list of beach essentials. Woodsy Skate The line is made from recycled skateboard decks.
5. Recycled Beach Towels
A beach day will likely involve swimming, so when the inevitable happens, dry off with a sustainable towel. NomadicsTheir website says, “One Towel for Any Activity” and their towels are suitable for the beach, camping, yoga, and traveling, so you don’t need to own lots of different towels for different activities.
Nomadix towel They’re made from recycled plastic, saving tons of waste from landfills, and by using them instead of products made from virgin cotton you can reduce your carbon footprint.
Editor’s note: Feature image courtesy Pexels from PixabayThis article was originally published on June 17, 2019, but has been updated for June 2024 with some products.