8 Sustainable Products To Bring To The Beach

Summer is finally here, and I’m increasingly finding myself sitting poolside, hiking through the mountains, and generally spending more time outside.

For me, spending time outside means making sure I’m lathering up in sunblock at least once every two hours (thanks, fair complexion). But it wasn’t until a few years ago that I realized how my sunblock was affecting the environmental – and it started when I was swimming in the ocean, looking at an oily film coming off of my body and spreading across the surface of the ocean.

It was that moment when I decided to research sustainable summer products that would protect me and the environment. These are some of the products I recommend that you take on your summer adventures — and you can leave the guilt behind.

Reef-safe sunblock

Traditional sunblock is terrible for the ocean because of its chemical makeup, and it’s part of the reason why coral reefs have been bleaching and dying. Two chemicals in traditional sunblock — oxybenzone and octinoxate — are why this happens. But reef-safe sunblock exists for this reason, and it works just as well as other sunblocks.

Reef-safe sunblock brands include Stream2Sea Sunscreen, Thinksport SPF 50 Sunscreen, and All Good SPF 30 Sport Sunscreen Lotion.

Natural Bug Repellent

Most bug repellents contain DEET or synthetic chemicals. While DEET is highly effective at repelling mosquitoes, it can cause blisters and rashes for some people and has also been associated with lethargy, disorientation, and more. It’s also considered an environmental contaminant that breaks down slowly in soil, and the EPA says DEET is slightly toxic to birds, fish, and aquatic invertebrates.

Instead of popular bug sprays that contain DEET, try an organic bug spray like Badger Anti-Bug Shake and Spray repellent that repels bugs with scents of citronella, wintergreen, and rosemary essential oils. You can also try Sky Organics, Wondercide or if you prefer a brand name like off, then reach for their DEET-free plant-based botanical spray.

Recycled Beach Bags

Any reusable bag obviously helps with sustainability, but if you’re going to the pool or beach, a recycled beach bag is an extra eco-friendly way to carry all your stuff. Your beach bag can still be stylish and unique with a tote from Sea Bags. They’re really cool brand that produces bags from recycled sails in Maine, and their handles are made with hand-spliced rope. For more eco-friendly options there are also VIE Naturals recycled plastic woven bags, BRISLA recycled handmade bags and Vera Bradley’s Recycled Lighten Up tote bags that offer fashion, function and a little environmental support.

Reusable snack bags

Going on any sort of outdoor adventure usually means you’ll be gone for at least a few hours. If you’re looking to bring snacks, leave the plastic bags at home. There are too many plastic bags, snack bags, and plastic, in general, floating in the ocean or littered on beaches and hiking trails.

There are hundreds of brands that provide reusable sandwich bags like Baily Cheer’s reusable BPA-free bags, or Langsprit’s premium washable, reusable bags in fun patterns. Or try these Reusable Insulated Sandwich bags that go a step further by providing insulation for your favorite snacks to help keep your food cold and fresh until snack time.

Non-plastic Utensils

Whether you need a few disposable forks at the beach or enough silverware for a whole BBQ, non-plastic utensils should be a must-have. Instead of picking up a pack of plastic forks, knives, and spoons, try these more eco-friendly options instead. Eco Soul biodegradable cutlery is made of biodegradable birchwood, Ibambo Natural Bamboo cutlery is tree and plastic-free, and EarthClusive offers recyclable birchwood flatware, and plants one tree for every set made.

Solar-powered Portable speakers

Speakers are an essential beach or pool day accessory. But for something a little more environmentally friendly, leave the chemical-filled batteries at home and go for a solar-powered speaker instead. This solar speaker from Reveal also works as a phone charger and is made with sustainable bamboo. The battery life lasts about eight hours, and it’s super energy efficient. Another option is the ABFOCE solar speaker which is also waterproof, shockproof, and dustproof or for something that transitions from day-to-night, take a look at the Cyboris solar speaker which also works as a flashlight.

insulated water bottles

When you’re outside in 80-degree weather, it’s easy to go through multiple bottles of water. The problem? If they’re single-use bottles, a lot of that plastic waste ends up left on the beach, in the ocean, or piled up in landfills. Not to mention how much carbon dioxide the water bottling process releases into the atmosphere.

So, instead of picking up a pack of plastic water bottles, bring an insulated water bottle instead. A large one holds enough water to last for a while and its double-wall vacuum insulation helps keeps water cold in the sun. The Fishot insulated water bottle hold up to half a gallon of water. The Lilly Pulitzer stainless steel water bottle is smaller for easy travel and comes in stylish prints. Simple Modern water bottles come in 8 different sizes and over 30 different colors and a leak-proof straw.

Recycled Beach Towels

You can’t enjoy the beach without a towel, but there’s no reason your towel can’t be part of the solution too. Next time you’re shopping for a beach towel consider the options made from recycled materials. Nomadix provides towels that are made from recycled plastic bottles, and they’ll be your favorite summer companion anytime you get wet. They have tons of designs on their website, and their performance towels can also be used for camping, travel, yoga, and more. Dock & Bay beach towels are made from 100% recycled materials and come with a handy pouch and Hightide micro-fiber towels are made from 80% post-consumer waste, primarily plastic water bottles.

If you’re an eco-conscious person, these items are made for you. And if you’re looking to make little decisions with a big impact, this is a great place to start! Head to the beach or pool this summer in style — all while helping our planet.

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