The weather is getting hotter and our favorite summer destination is calling! In Egypt, the season usually runs from June to end-August, in parallel with school holidays, and most people travel to other cities along the Mediterranean and Red Sea shores for a perfect summer vacation. Whether you enjoy swimming in the sea, walking along the shore, or simply relaxing in the sun, you can enjoy the season while being mindful of your impact on the planet by practicing simple sustainable habits, and without missing out on your favorite summer activities either.
- Avoid Disturbing the Marine Life
The beach and the sea are ecosystems that need to be protected and preserved. The souvenirs you take, such as shells, sand, or plants, play a crucial role in maintaining this delicate balance. Do not to take anything that is alive; taking a sea snail, for example, just to take its shell is not ethical. If you find any living creature lost on the sand due to the tide, return them peacefully to the sea. Additionally, do not collect empty shells; seashells, for example, provide homes for marine animals, most famously crabs who depend on empty ones for their survival. As millions of tourists appear on the beaches, our cumulative impact continues to grow; the golden rule is: take less, or better yet, take only pictures.
- Prioritize Health for Yourself and the Marine Life
While applying sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin from harmful effects of ultraviolet rays all year round, it is also important to safeguard marine life. Research shows that chemicals, such as oxybenzone, found in sunscreens and other cosmetics, can threaten corals and other marine life. To reduce marine pollution, choose organic health products and use biodegradable shampoo and shower gel. Make this a daily habit, not just for the beach. Additionally, avoid smoking on the beach to reduce air pollution and waste, and improve the well-being of everyone; cigarette butts are the most common form of trash found during beach cleanups worldwide, with trillions being discarded annually.
- Embrace Sustainable Beach Essentials
Make your beach day more eco-friendly by embracing sustainable materials. Instead of packing plastic and synthetic fabrics, opt for clothing and towels made from natural, breathable fibers, such as organic cotton, which reduce microplastics and help you stay cool in the heat. Similarly, choose eco-friendly bags and remember to check their durability to ensure they can accommodate all your beach gear. For swimwear, look for options made from recycled fabrics or that are handmade. When it is time to buy beach toys, select those made from wood or recycled plastic.
- Pack an Eco-Dining Set
Single-use plastic and paper products are often used during summer holidays, but seas and oceans are already overloaded with tons of these disposables. The easiest way to reduce your environmental footprint is to pack environmentally friendly home supplies, such as reusable plates, cups, bottles, travel mugs, and cutlery; all can be easily packed in a bag. This simple act reduces wastes and are more cost-effective on the long run.
- Savor Summer Sustainably
Not only the beach is a seasonal thing, the food we eat there is seasonal too. It includes a variety of delicious summer snacks that some vendors sell with eco-friendly paper bags or plates along the shores, such as grapes, figs, gandofli, and the iconic fresca—caramelized nuts and honey sandwiched between two small wafers, and means “fresh” in Italian. If you enjoy having lunch on the beach, it is highly recommended to prepare your food at home; sandwiches are classic options as well as finger foods, salads, fresh vegetable sticks, and fruit skewers. As for drinks, it is important to bring plenty of water and refreshing homemade juices to stay hydrated.
- Turn on Eco-Vacation Mode
Summer is a perfect time to get out and soak up the sun on longer days; yet, the hottest parts of the day may affect our habits. Whether you are staying in a vacation rental, cabin, or beach house, use fans to circulate the air during the day and curtains to block out the sun. When air conditioning is desperately needed, select energy-sufficient settings—dry mode is more efficient than using a more energy-intensive cooling one. Another golden rule is to make sure that your cozy lodging is on vacation mode too. Turn off the lights and unplug electronic devices when they are not in use; never miss a chance to save energy, extend the life of your electronic devices, especially fans and air-conditioners, and make the most of natural light and fresh air.
- Be a Waterwise Vacationer
After a fun day, it is so tempting to blast the public showers to get every grain of sand off. First, quickly rinse off as much sand as you can with salty water before you get in the freshwater shower. Once you are done, the trick is to limit your shower time to turning the tap off while you are soaping or scrubbing your body, and turning it on only while washing down. This simple method prevents water from running continuously, which can waste hundreds of gallons of water. It is also helpful to conserve water in your vacation lodging by making small, smart changes. For example, check and fix any water leaks; even a small drip can waste over 180 liters of water a day.
- Explore Green Cleaning Alternatives
A summer destination is not only about heading to the beach; it is also a perfect environment for unwinding. Between gatherings and parties, we try to keep our space sparkling clean and in order as much as we can during the holidays. To do this, establish a sustainable cleaning routine by using reusable cleaning cloths instead of disposable ones. Choose eco-friendly cleaning products or those made from natural ingredients, such as baking soda, vinegar, and lemons. These are healthier, safer, and less likely to pollute waterways and soil. Care also for your clothes and swimwear sustainably to maintain their lifespan by hand-washing them with eco-friendly detergents. After washing, take advantage of the sunny weather by laying them flat to dry; sun-drying not only saves energy but also naturally kills microorganisms as bacteria and viruses.
- Travel Responsibly
Your summer vacation is all about relaxing, so there is no need to rush. When traveling to your destination, consider sustainable transportation options to reduce your carbon footprint. Also getting to the beach is part of the fun; never miss an opportunity to go car-free. Enjoy a leisurely walk or bike and embrace a sustainable mobility; it is healthy, saves money, reduces your carbon footprint and more enjoyable. If the beach is not within walking distance, consider carpooling to reduce the number of cars on the road. You can even organize “clean walking” outings with your companions along the beach, to collect trash you find along the way, while wearing biodegradable gloves and bags.
- Leave No Trace
As you arrive to the beach, you will find it clean, ready to welcome you. The least you can do is to repay it by leaving no trace. Before leaving, make sure that you have picked up all your belongings and any leftovers; do not leave anything behind. Follow recycling guidelines even at the beach; if you recycle at home, you should do the same on vacation. If you do not find a nearby (categorized) waste bin, carry your waste with you to dispose of it at home. Strive to leave the beach the way you collectively found it; better still, think of how to make it better to welcome new guests.
- Share Your Experience
Now, you have some tips to start a joyful, sustainable summer vacation. Remember to always follow the directions of lifeguards on the beach for your safety. Use the hashtag #SCIplanet and share with us your ideas, experience, and photos of how to adopt eco-friendly summer vacation practices, and we will post them on our social media pages.
Small things do make a big difference, and practicing good green habits means celebrating life. Such simple practices can by all means save our budget, homes, and planet. If you cannot do them all, choose at least three and make them your habit this year. Let us collaborate to get one step closer to a greener planet and secure life for future generations.
References
aconsideredlife.co.uk
bibalex.org
climatepromise.undp.org
ecobnb.com
link.springer.com
travel4wildlife.com
Photo credit Freepik