Since beaches are a top tourist destination, it’s impossible not to attract big crowds, especially come summertime. With this, it also becomes increasingly challenging to maintain our environment. Given that, travelers should make it a point to preserve the current beauty we are enjoying.
Take a look at these simple tips you can do for your next beach trip.
Source: pexels.com
- Throw Your Trash Properly.
The number one culprit for beach degradation is the accumulation of trash from tourists. Nobody is going to clean up after you. Do not just throw your trash around, no matter how small it is. If possible, put it in your pocket or your bag until you find a proper place to throw it. The most important rule when going to the beach is to always clean up after yourself.
- Avoid Using Plastic.
Chances are, the plastic you use will be left lying around the beachside or will get into the ocean itself. Instead of plastic, try switching to better options like metal straws, eco-bags, or reusable cups.
Source: better.net
Straws are also one of the biggest enemies of sea creatures. Unless you are incapable of drinking from a cup, straws are unnecessary. Like plastic or PET bottles, fishes or turtles can mistake straws for food. Thus, straws and plastics are life-threatening wastes for sea animals. In any case, avoid bringing non-recyclable things to the beach as much as possible.
- Don’t Bring Home Shells Or Sand.
It’s tempting to bring home natural collectibles. But when you take shells or sand from the beach, you are taking away things that make it healthy. You might think it does not affect the environment, but studies show that it does harm the beach and marine ecosystem. You can still touch them, but it’s best to leave them where they belong—on the beach.
Source: pixabay.com
- Be Sensitive To Other Beach-Goers.
You are not the only tourist in the area. Just like you, other beach-goers go to the beach to relax and enjoy peacefully. Do not do anything that might disrupt their peace, like playing music on a very high volume, for example. Also, make sure to keep your children and pets at bay so that they don’t disturb other people or cause any other mishap.
- Use Environment-Friendly Products.
You need to check the ingredients of the products you are using so that you know which can easily get washed off by seawater. For example, lotions and oils which contain oxybenzone can harm the internal structure of corals and cause coral bleaching. For this, you might want to use organic sunscreens that contain no harmful chemicals. Doing so can help minimize this unwanted effect from happening.
- Spread The Word.
Now that you know the extra measures you can take to be a more responsible beach-goer, you must now tell other people too. Traveling certainly gives you the chance to see the world and experience its beauty. Hopefully, with adequate knowledge and proper education, we can help save our seas. That way, generations to come can experience their beauty as well.
Here’s to making your future beach trips more fruitful. Safe travels!