Planning a trip to Virginia Beach is a brilliant way to spend some quality downtime with a healthy dose of sun, sea and surf at your disposal. And while this top destination is a hit with tourists from all over, that doesn’t mean it can be treated inattentively when it comes to the environmental impact of your visit.
To help you pack conscientiously, and leave no trace of your jaunt once you return home at the end of your vacation, here are some steps to take that will make it that much greener.
Choose Reusable Packaging for Beachside Snacking
When planning your beach day snacks, the packaging is just as crucial as the food itself. Traditional single-use plastic bags and containers contribute significantly to marine pollution – and here are some worrying stats to hammer this home:
- 33% of fish contain microplastics
- Each day over 8 million items of plastic trash end up in the ocean
- 1 million seabirds die as a result of plastic pollution annually
So to avoid contributing to that, here are some straightforward steps to switch to reusable packaging:
Opt for Silicone Bags
Unlike single-use plastics, high-quality silicone bags can be washed and reused indefinitely. They’re not only durable but also secure enough to keep sand out of your snacks.
Stick to Stainless Steel Containers
These are perfect for holding everything from cut fruits to sandwiches. Their sturdy build prevents crushing and they’re entirely plastic-free.
Pick Pre-Roll Tubes
Ordering multi pre-roll tubes is a good way to keep cylindrical snacks fresh – and is proof that so long as the plastic containers are reusable, the material itself is not problematic.
Beeswax Wraps
An eco-friendly alternative to cling film, beeswax wraps are great for covering bowls of salads or wrapping up pieces of fruit. Plus, they’re naturally antimicrobial thanks to the properties imparted by the beeswax.
Acquire Essential Eco-Friendly Beach Products
Bringing the right products to the beach not only enhances your experience but also safeguards the ecosystem – which is important if you want to enjoy Virginia Beach and maybe even go on a marine expedition. Many typical beach products can be harmful, especially if they contain chemicals that damage marine life or are made from non-biodegradable materials.
Let’s explore some must-have eco-friendly items for your next beach visit:
Biodegradable Sunscreen
Chemicals commonly found in sunscreens, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, have been shown to contribute to coral bleaching when they wash off into the ocean. Biodegradable alternatives provide effective UV protection without these harmful ingredients. A study indicated that about 14,000 tons of sunscreen end up in oceans annually – so it needs to be able to break down without doing damage.
Microfiber Towels
Opt for towels made from recycled materials. Microfiber towels are not only super absorbent and quick-drying but also compact and lightweight – so they’re perfect for minimizing luggage space on your well-planned trip to Virginia Beach.
Eco-Friendly Water Bottles
Ditch single-use plastic bottles for insulated, stainless steel water bottles which keep your drinks cold throughout the day without any plastic waste – and without the chances of microplastics getting into your body either.
Minimizing Your Beach Footprint
Responsible beach-going extends beyond what you bring, and encompasses how you leave the place as well. Here’s how you can minimize your footprint when packing up after a day at the beach:
Bring Along a Trash Bag
Always carry a reusable trash bag to ensure all your garbage leaves with you. A simple rule of thumb is to leave the beach cleaner than you found it. And since biodegradable trash bags are available, you can eliminate the perma-problem of plastic here as well.
Participate in Beach Clean-Ups
If you notice litter, consider taking a few extra minutes to pick it up, even if it’s not yours. Many beaches have organized clean-up efforts which you can join to make a bigger impact – and Virginia Beach even has a Clean Community Commission dedicated to this.
Snack Wisely
Opt for snacks that generate minimal wrapper waste or bring homemade treats in your aforementioned reusable containers. This not only reduces litter but also lessens reliance on processed foods often packed with preservatives that are harmful to both your health and environment.
The Last Word
We’ve all got a responsibility to keep our world clean and green – so as well as applying these tips to your beach vacation, be sure to maintain an eco-friendly approach to everyday life, and protect what we have for future generations.
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