Eco-Conscious Beach Essentials

Every year billions of pounds of trash, chemicals and pollutants end up in the ocean. Yes, billions with a B. If that statistic doesn’t scare you, read it again.

It’s not just litterbugs at the beach who are to blame. It’s all of us, even if we live nowhere near the sea. The chemicals and debris from homes, factories, farms, etc, eventually end up in the oceans, harming animals, ecosystems, local economies and humans as a result.

The good news is that it’s easier than ever to be a part of the solution. There are so many amazing eco-friendly products on the market that are just as good if not better than their conventional counterparts. A super simple place to start is right in your beach bag.

Beach Packing List for Conscious Travelers

Uplevel your beach packing list with eco-friendly products that are better for the environment and your personal health.

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Reef friendly sunscreen

The harmful ingredients found in sunscreen are massive contributors to the extensive coral reef damage happening around the world. The primary culprits are the chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate, as well as parabens, including methyl paraben and butyl paraben. These ingredients aren’t just bad for the oceans, they can also be harmful to humans with studies showing endocrine disruption, skin irritation, hormonal issues and more. Here are a few reef safe brands to try. Or check out the Environmental Working Group’s guide to sunscreens.

Skinnies

Skinnies is a waterless, concentrated, reef-safe sunscreen gel. No white residue.

Blue Lizard

Mineral based. Water resistant. Made for active lifestyles.

Think Sport

Mineral based. Water resistant. Non nano-particles or aerosol. Feels comfortable on skin.

Sustainable swimwear

Your average swimsuit is made of polyester and nylon. Both materials are plastics and heavily reliant on petroleum and fossil fuels for production. And the dyes used to make those pretty patterns and colors? They’re toxic to the environment. Unfortunately, cotton and other natural fibers don’t make great swim suits. Instead, look for sustainable swimwear created with recycled materials.

Summersalt

Recycled materials used for swimsuits and packaging. Cut to fit every body. Affordable pricing.

Vitamin A

Made in California from recycled nylon and using waterless digital printing technology. Some of the proceeds go directly to environmental organizations.

GREENLEE SWIM

Made from recycled and sustainable materials. Give back to environmental organizations. Made in the USA.

Fair Harbor

Durable fabrics made from recycled plastic bottles. Men and women’s styles. Send them your old swimsuit and get 10% off.

Eco-friendly picnic supplies

Snacks and drinks certainly belong on your list of things to bring to the beach. With zero waste kits and eco-friendly plastic alternatives, you can snack well and treat the earth better too.

BKR Glass Water Bottle

Glass water bottle means no metallic taste. Silicone cover prevents breakage.

Art of Lunch Designer Lunch Baggies

Plastic alternative. Moisture and grease-proof. Air-tight. Washable. Cute designs.

Huemankind Zero Waste Lunch Kit

All of your essential eats in one place. Stainless steel and gold.

Accessories

Instead of beach accessories that you change out every year, invest in ethical, high-quality items that you’ll use for many beach vacations to come.

BEACH’D Tote

Ethically produced. Natural materials. Removable, washable interior lining with organization pockets.

Nomadix Towels

Made from recycled material. Quick-drying and anti-microbial. Use for the beach as well as yoga, camping, etc.

FLH Sun Hat

Packable. Made from a breathable cotton and straw blend. UPF 50+ sun protection.

Better beach beauty

It’s super important to keep our bodies clean and toxin-free as well as the earth. Many conventional beach beauty products contain mineral oils and other petroleum-derived, parabens, phthalates and other nasties that should be on our skin or leach into our beaches and oceans. These toxin-free beauty products nourish and repair sun-exposed skin and hair while being kind to the environment.