Whether you're jetting off to sunnier shores or enjoying all the UK has to offer with a brilliant stay-cation, we have some good news for you! Gone are the days when we had to worry about packing single-use plastic bottles, chemical-laden sunscreens, and synthetic swimwear full of artificial dyes for our beach trips. There are so many wonderful zero waste alternatives to commonplace products that there's no better time than now to ditch environmentally damaging products when you visit the coast. Instead, let's enjoy our time at the beach whilst protecting it for future generations to come! So, before you get ready to hit the waves or relax in the sand, here are our top tips for packing a zero waste beach bag...
Reusable Water Bottle
Whether you're heading to the beach or not, having a reusable water bottle on-hand 24/7 is always a good idea. Nowadays, many bottles are designed to keep your drinks hot or cold for the whole day, so you can use it as your morning coffee cup as well as an icy cold water bottle. Just remember to give it a rinse between uses. With so many bottles to choose from, it's a good idea to narrow down your search by focusing on a few key features that you really need. And the best part? You can feel good knowing that you're doing your part to reduce single-use plastics!
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Beach Towel
Beach towels have come a long way, with sustainable materials such as organic cotton and fabrics made from recycled plastic bottles becoming increasingly popular. If you look, you may even come across towels coloured with natural dyes. When you are travelling with limited space, you can even get creative and use a sarong or scarf as your beach towel. Our Tanzanian Cotton Throws are perfect beach towels as they are made of quick-drying 100% cotton and natural dyes. They can also be used as shawls or cover-ups and will look great on your sofa when you get home. Our Indian Block Printed Scarves are also great and make a perfect, colourful addition to any beach trip.
Natural Sunscreen
It's so important to protect our skin when hitting the beach. But not all sunscreens are created equal, and what's best for us and the environment can be tricky to figure out. To be safe, avoid sunscreens that contain 'oxybenzone', as it can harm coral reefs and cause coral reef bleaching. Look for ones labeled 'reef safe', but still double check the label, as these terms are not always regulated. When it comes to 'natural' and 'organic' products, watch out - these terms don't always guarantee reef-friendly ingredients. Make sure to check the fine print on the bottle carefully. Also, sunscreens come in so many forms now-a-days, so try and pick one with sustainable, recyclable packaging that works for you.
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Foldable Fan
Ditch the battery-powered, plastic fans and instead opt for a foldable fan that you can use again and again. Useful for far more than just the beach! Available in a range of bold and colourful designs, our Ghanaian Wax Cotton Fans will help to keep you cool. Taking a fan with you on your travels also reduces your need for air conditioning or electric fans indoors, helping to reduce your energy consumption - perfect for the environmentally conscious traveller.