It's that time of year again!
With summertime on our doorstep, good times are coming which means one thing and one thing only... long lazy days catching rays and waves on the beach.
However now more than ever it is super important for us to think about the items we take along to the sunny shores with us as according to Solactive, there is an estimate of 10-20 million tons of plastic polluting our seas and 5.25 trillion plastic particles. By 2040 these numbers will only triple if actions aren’t taken.
Here are some of our top 10 eco-friendly, zero waste essentials to make your beach day not only a glorious one but a sustainable one!
1. Stepping up your Barbeque game!
You can't have a beach day without a barbie!
Disposable barbeques may be cheap but, they are far from eco-friendly! After a hot sunny day, you either find them littered all over the beaches or buried under the sand with hot coals waiting to be stood on by another beachgoer. Ouch! Not to mention what a pain they are to light.
A cleaner and more eco-friendly option is a reusable portable grill, something you can use again over and over.
With hundreds out there on the market at affordable prices, you really don’t have an excuse. We have done some research for you, and our favourite by far is this one by Biolite. The Biolite camping stove is not only a great beach grilling buddy but also converts the heat from cooking your burger into energy! So, if you are playing tunes on your phone and it’s running low on charge… No problem! Just plug it into your BBQ.
(Image sourced from bioliteenergy.com)
2. Don't Forget your Suncream.
Suncream, love it or hate it, it’s a beach must-have. We all want a tan but we don't want a nasty sunburn that'll haunt you for a week!
Gone are those days of buying plastic bottles of suncream that will end up in landfills and potentially in the oceans when you can get yourself a 100% recyclable and vegan suncream from Amazinc.
Unlike most suncream, Amazinc does not contain Oxybenzone which is the most common chemical UV filter used today. This compound is actually one of the most toxic ingredients in the cosmetics industry! Not only does it harm humans but the effect it has on our oceans and marine life are tragic. Instead Amazinc is made with zinc oxide that reflects the harmful sun rays whilst a blend of olive and almond oils ensures that your skin stays hydrated!
Oxybenzone creates reef bleaching that causes the death of the coral. Scientists have proven that a single drop of Oxybenzone will have an impact on coral in an area equivalent to 6 Olympic size swimming pools. As well as coral, Obxybenzone is toxic to algae, sea urchins, fish and sea mammals. Not to mention dolphin and human mothers can transfer oxybenzone to their infants through breastmilk.
We found this product so fascinating and the information on their website very informative, if you would like to read more about it, check this out.
(Image Sourced from Amazinc)
3. Eco-Friendly Picnic Plates.
Plastic and paper plates are horrible things. Whenever you use a paper plate they are really floppy, they go all soggy if you put too much ketchup on it (or brown sauce whatever floats your boat) … useless! And plastic plates aren’t much better, especially for the environment!
Metal Lunchboxes are a fabulous replacement. You can use them for tons of different things, particularly for a day at the beach.
You can bring all your ingredients for the BBQ inside the containers, eat from them, and then when you have munched all your food away if you have any leftovers they can come home with you.
(Image Sourced from A Slice of Green)
4. The Ideal Beach Bag
Talking about all these wonderful essentials, you need something just as groovy to carry them in. This gorgeous straw woven tote bag is perfect for just that! It's a perfect size for all the ethical essentials as well as a great accessory for your beach day get-up!
(Image Sourced from wearethought.com)
5. No-Single use plastic cutlery.
Do you really need plastic cutlery?
Why not opt for eco-friendly, reusable knives and forks like the My Little Pandas, Bamboo cutlery set. Everything you could ever need for a dinner on the go wrapped up in a lovely lightweight recycled cotton pouch!
(Image Sourced from my little panda)
6. Bye-Bye boogie boards!
Being based out of Newquay, Cornwall we see first hand the number of plastic bodyboards that are left behind on beaches, whether snapped in half or not at all, discarded, and left to be dragged out to sea.
With these beautiful wooden belly boards by Dick Pearce, handcrafted in Newquay, not only are they more sustainable but they last decades so generations can share the joy of bodyboarding with the same board as you once did! What a wonderful thought.
Not only are they beautifully made boards but they can also double up as a quirky piece of artwork to jazz up any wall space! We love the pastel colour palette as it is very Tide + Seek, with candy floss pinks and tropical sea blues.
7. Sustainable Flip Flops.
Lets face it, standard beach-bought flip-flops are yet another cause for pollution in our oceans! They might be cheap and cheerful for a short holiday getaway but it won't be long until they break.
These Waves flip flops are made from 100% natural rubber and are designed with both your feet and the planet in mind.
Although we may not realise it flip flops often contain man-made petroleum-based rubber and plastics such as EVA, BPA & polyurethane. Not only is it polluting our oceans, these materials can be less comfortable than natural rubber to wear. The natural rubber means that Waves flip flops contain Zero Plastic.
By getting a pair of these, you are supporting a cleaner planet as well as the lives of fair trade workers in Sri Lanka.
(Image Sourced from wavesflipflops.co.uk)
8. Funky Fun Beach Towel.
Going to the beach you've got to have a funky towel to sun yourself on. So, why not get a sustainable one!
Slowtide has created a fresh take on the classic beach towel! With a double-sided feature to show off the beautiful designs, Slowtide has partnered with artists, photographers, designers, and brands to create unique prints for the towels and most importantly is made from 100% sustainably sourced woven cotton.
(Image Sourced from Slowtide)
9. Say no to Plastic Bottles.
We all know this by now, but plastic bottles are a no-go. Instead, opt for a reusable one.
Here at Tide + Seek, we personally love a Chilly Bottle. You can choose out of so many different sizes and styles, even customize your bottle to your favourite bikini to remind you of summer memories all year round.
If you don't have a flask but you wanted to take a hot drink to the beach this guy is your friend or if it’s (fingers crossed) a hot sunny day, fill it with ice to keep yourself cool as a cucumber for the whole day.
(Image Sourced from ChillysBottles.com)
10. And Of Course, Tide + Seek!
Sustainable swimwear? We've got you covered! Tide + Seek have got your back so you can look absolutely fantastic and be sustainable all in one swimsuit! Or bikini, we've got it all.
All swimwear is made from recycled materials, the main fabric is Repreve, a fabric that consists of 100% recycled plastic bottles. Roughly one swimsuit is the equivalent of 5 recycled plastic bottles that would have otherwise been in landfills or in the oceans!
Tide + Seek - Jungle Disco Swimsuit - £75.00
Make sure you leave just your footprints on the beach!
It's time to pack your bags, grab your favourite bikinis, and embark on an unforgettable girls' trip to Dubai!
As you plan to soak up the sun in this opulent desert oasis, you'll want to know where to rock your swimwear and what rules to follow for a fabulous and worry-free time.
Dubai, a jewel in the desert, is a city known for its lavish lifestyle, incredible architecture, and shimmering coastlines. When you're planning a visit to this iconic city, you can't help but wonder about the rules and trends surrounding swimwear.
Don't fret; we're here to spill the sandy secrets of where to don your swimsuit and the rules to follow when splashing around in this vibrant oasis, filled with glitz, glam, and sandy shores
Guidelines on Swimwear in Dubai (Do's and Don'ts)
When you're ready to hit the beaches in Dubai, there are a few things to know to make sure you have a blast and show some respect. It doesn't matter if you're a local or just visiting, these tips will help you rock your beach time in this lively city.
Do's:
- Wear a Cover-Up Outside the Water: While your swimwear is appropriate at the beach and by the pool, it's courteous to put on a stylish cover-up, beach dress, or tunic when you're not in the water.
- Check Beach Rules: Different beaches may have varying rules, especially private beach clubs. Always check the specific rules and dress codes for the beach you plan to visit.
- Respect Local Customs: Dubai is a culturally diverse city with a mix of local and expatriate residents. Be respectful of local customs and traditions by dressing modestly when outside the beach areas.
Don't's:
- Avoid Topless or Nude Sunbathing: In Dubai, it's not acceptable to go topless or engage in nude sunbathing in public areas - it's actually illegal!
- Don't Wear Revealing Swimwear Outside the Beach: While bikinis and stylish swimwear are appropriate at the beach, it's best to avoid wearing them in public areas like malls or restaurants.
- Don't Forget Sun Protection: While not directly related to swimwear, it's essential to apply sunscreen to protect your skin from the intense Dubai sun.
Where to go and what to wear:
Look No.1 - Relaxed Day at the Hotel Pool:
For a super chill day at the hotel pool, grab those comfy Cosmic Bolt high-waisted bikini bottoms; they're great for giving you a stylish and comfortable fit with a bit more coverage. Then, mix and match with the Cosmic Bolt triangle plunge bikini top that's got that flattering plunging neckline. It'll keep you feeling supported and looking fab.
Get The Look:
Cosmic Bolt - High Waisted Bikini Bottoms
Cosmic Bolt - Triangle Plunge Bikini Top
Look No.2 - Taking it to the Beach!
For a fantastic day at the beach, embrace a simple yet stylish look. Start with the stunning Holo Daze classic cut swimsuit, a one-piece that combines classic design with holographic accents, offering both style and great coverage for your beach adventures.
Get The Look:
Holo Daze - Classic Cut Swimsuit
Look No.2 - Seeking some Thrill! Time for Water Sports:
When it's time for some thrilling water sports, you'll want a look that combines style and functionality. Get ready with the Gone Wild surf bralette bikini top and the matching classic bikini bottoms.
The surf bralette top offers the support and freedom of movement you need for active water sports, while the classic bikini bottoms provide comfort and coverage. This dynamic duo not only keeps you secure during all your exciting water adventures but also ensures you're doing it in style