Eco-Friendly Beach Essentials

3. Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Protect your skin and our precious marine life by opting for reef-safe sunscreen. This sustainable alternative is made from natural, mineral based ingredients, such as non-nano zinc oxide, that are kinder to our skin and the environment. 

Keep in mind that “reef-safe” isn’t a regulated term, so you should still double check the ingredients before you make a purchase. Save The Reef has a great guide on this, including what harmful substances to look out for. 

Our Recommendation: UpCircle Mineral Sunscreen. Ultra-hydrating and fast-absorbing, with aloe vera and sunflower oil.

4. Sustainable Bucket and Spade

A bucket and spade is a beach staple, in particular if you have little ones. Instead of a plastic set, invest in a sustainable bucket and space, made from recycled materials, food-grade silicone or bioplastic. As well as being better for the environment, these sets tend to last longer and can be passed down (and enjoyed) for generations to come. 

Our Recommendation: Dawn and Day Beach Bucket Set.

5. Natural Beach Chairs

Relax in style with comfortable beach chairs made from sustainable materials, such as bamboo, recycled plastic or upcycled fabric. As well as being better for the environment than their plastic (and often single-use) alternatives, these chairs are often more comfortable, durable and stylish.

Our Recommendation: Lowtides Beach Chairs.

6. Sustainable Snack Storage

Pack your beach snacks in sustainable storage containers, such as food-safe silicone bags or beeswax wraps. As well as being better for the environment, these solutions are more breathable than cling film which means that your food is kept fresher for longer — an essential in the hot weather. 

Bett yet, if you’re able to prepare all your food at home with fresh ingredients, you can avoid plastic food waste altogether. The ultimate sustainable picnic.

Our Recommendation: Wild & Stone's Beeswax Wraps. Made with 100% GOTS certified cotton natural cotton, organic dyes, beeswax, jojoba oil and tree resin, and free from toxic chemicals.

7. Reusable Cutlery & Water Bottle

Reusable utensils, straws and bottles can be used over and over again, unlike their single-use counterparts which get chucked after one use and end up in landfill and our waterways (including the ocean). Carry a set of lightweight and durable reusable cutlery made from bamboo, and ditch the plastic bottle for a reusable one instead. 

As well as being better for the environment, these alternatives eliminate the risk of plastic leeching into your food, in particular if you're taking warm or hot food. 

Our Recommendation: Wild & Stone's Bamboo Cutlery Set, made from 100% FSC®  certified bamboo and biodegradable at the end of its life.

8. Reusable Beach Bag

Last, but certainly not least, you need somewhere to keep all of your beach essentials. Complete your eco-friendly beach ensemble witha reusable beach bag made fromrecycled materials, organic cotton, or upcycled fabrics. These bags are stylish and practical, and help to reduce the consumption of single-use plastic bags, leading to a cleaner and more sustainable shoreline (Every year an estimated 300 million plastic bags end up in the Atlantic Ocean alone).

Our Recommendation: Wild & Stone's Organic Cotton Blue Crochet Bag. 

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Wild & Stone's mission is to create stylish, easy to adopt and usable alternatives to common plastic products around the home. We source all our products sustainably, from raw material to final delivery. Shop our sustainable home & lifestyle products on our website, or discover our full on-the-go collection for some of your sustainable travel essentials this summer. 

Share your plastic-free swaps with us at hello@wildandstone.com or tag us on Instagram #wildandstone.