8 Ways to Green Your Beach Trip

This story is part of Earth911’s “Green Eight” series, where we showcase eight ways to green your life in various areas.

The Beach Boys said it best:

“If everybody had an ocean
Across the U.S.A.
Then everybody’d be surfin’
Like Californi-a”

For those with ocean access, summer time is beach time. Before you get out your boogie board and picnic basket, here’s a few ways to keep the environment in mind while you’re “hanging ten” and “soaking up the sun.”

1. Know Before You Go

Like it or not, beaches close for a variety of reasons. The water may be polluted from a sewage run-off. There could be a nearby oil spill. If you live a half hour away from the beach, that’s an hour of driving you can save by knowing this status ahead of time. To find beach water quality reports for 23 states that border an ocean or a Great Lake, check out Earth 911’s sister site Beaches911.com.

2. Beachwear: The Ultimate Reuse

Beach clothes are going to get dirty. You’re lying in sand and swimming in water filled with all kinds of plants and animals. Instead of buying brand new apparel for your beach excursions, wear some old clothes you’ve been meaning to throw out. T-shirts filled with holes. Promotional giveaway hats. This is perfect beach attire.

3. Keep Dogs on a Short Leash

There’s lots of debate as to whether dogs belong at the beach. One thing is for sure: dog droppings do not belong there. They are a source of E Coli and other bacteria that can close beaches while also causing health hazards to swimmers. Pick up after your pets and keep them away from the water in general. You can find more tips for keeping your pet safe this summer at Earth 911’s sister site Pets911.com.

4. Stay Away from Stormdrains

You may not think that water from our city streets ends up in the ocean, but it does. When streets get wet, traces of motor oil, pesticides and animal waste go down these drains. Swimming near storm outlets gives you direct access to this dirty water. Stay out in the open where these traces are diluted.

5. Sail Your Cares Away

If you’re looking to spend the day at sea, rent a sail boat or wind sail over a motor boat or a jet ski. Sail-powered boats use renewable energy (wind) and are less likely to pollute the surrounding water. If your transportation does have a motor, practice clean boating.

6. Drink Plenty of (Fresh)Water

Make sure you stay hydrated while you’re at the beach. But that means bringing water from home, not drinking it from the ocean. Ocean water is full of salt (and who knows what else), so it will do the opposite of hydrating you.

7. Take Only Photographs

The beach is filled with all kinds of fascinating “souvenirs.” Rainbow-lined shells. Slippery seaweed. Keep in mind that all of these things are part of a local ecosystem. If you’re out snorkeling or scouting tide pools, avoid the desire to touch things or pick things up. This is also a great way to avoid bites and stings.

8. Leave Only Footprints

On a windy day, it’s easy for trash to blow into the nearby water, where it can harm sea life. Make sure all your garbage ends up in the appropriate place. Recycle your bottles and cans using Earth 911.