8 Tips to Green Your Beach Trip

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2. Choose an eco-friendly sunscreen

Sunscreen is a beach-day essential, but not all sunscreens are created equal. Some formulas rely on chemical-based ingredients to block out UVA and UVB rays – many of which are said to be harmful to human health and the environment, studies show.

When chemical-based sunscreen washes off in the ocean, it can leave behind residues that are harmful marine life, particularly coral reefs, according to a 2008 study published in Environmental Health Perspectives, a peer-reviewed journal published by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Active chemical ingredients can also penetrate your skin, which poses a potential health risk, according to research conducted by the non-profit Environmental Working Group. Opt for a biodegradable, mineral-based sunscreen for protection that’s healthy for you and the planet. Not sure which brand to choose? Our green buyer’s guide to eco-friendly sunscreens will point you in the right direction.

If someone in the family gets too much sun, skip the chemical-laden cures and sooth their aching skin the natural way. Simply mash up half a cucumber, and add a few tablespoons of honey and aloe vera gel for fast relief. For more all-natural cures to common summer woes, including bug bites and poison ivy, check out these DIY health and beauty remedies for summer.

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