Most of us will have fond memories of aerated doughnuts or unicorns. When it was time to pack up and go home, our bloated guys had to go with us – but surprisingly, there were a lot of people left on the beach. This is a huge addition to the growing burden of plastic pollution.
Avoiding bloat together is a great way to reduce this form of plastic waste – but if you can’t imagine a beach trip without it, it’s important to keep three options in mind: reduce, reuse, recycle.
Below, we’ve outlined some tips to help you reduce your plastic use on your next holiday season.
The mini version of regular toiletries may seem easy to travel, but you can save money and reduce plastic waste by buying reusable containers. Fill them with your daily toiletries and take them with you on vacation to reduce waste.
Packing for the holidays can be stressful – but taking the extra time to prepare can save you money and reduce waste in the long run. The next time you leave your clothes in your suitcase, water bottles, coffee mugs, and reusable shopping bags are a great place to start.
No matter how sensible, many souvenirs and gifts end up being thrown away. When choosing a souvenir, consider how much use you or the recipient might leave behind. It’s a good idea to choose a non-plastic material that can be reused multiple times. Sometimes, a photo of your trip is enough as a souvenir!
Many beach toys such as sandcastle shapes and shovels are made of plastic. Luckily, you don’t have to give up this experience to reduce waste.
Some beaches also have “toy libraries” where buckets and shovels can be borrowed. Other times, local charity shops on the beach may offer you access to second-hand toys, reducing the amount of plastic waste you generate from your trip.
If you enjoy spending time at the beach, cleaning your own mini beach can be a fun and easy way to give back. Some cafes also offer free ice cream if you help clean up the beach, so keep an eye out for participating cafes! Or, take part in our beach clean-up in United Kingdom. You will help support our work and do some amazing things for marine life.
Bottled water may seem safest when you’re traveling to an unfamiliar place – but before you consume it, check the local advice. In many popular holiday destinations, tap water is completely safe. If you need to buy water from the store, check to see if you can find glass bottles or jars – and be sure to recycle them, or take them to a deposit return program collection point if the area has one.
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