Beach, Please… Everything You Need for a Sustainable Day in the Sun
- Words by Peppermint
The platonic ideal of a perfect summer’s day has got to include heading to the beach to soak in some essential sun, surf and sand.
But what about the other essential S-word, sustainability? The beach is, not to state the obvious, a natural environment. And like all natural environments, we’ve got to be considerate of our consumption if we want future generations to experience the sea, shores and skies the way we get to.
So, as we head deep into sunshine territory, we’ve put together the ultimate roundup of everything you could possibly need for a jubilant day of beachside frolicking and the best places to buy them from – brands that are keeping the seaside stylish and sustainable! Get ready to be beached as, bro… and don’t forget to Take 3 for the Sea while you’re there!
SUN SAFETY
As Australians, beset by a particularly persistent seagull with a fondness for sibilance, we understand the importance of sun safety. We all know to Slip, Slop, Slap and the younguns among us may even know about Seeking and Sliding. Protect yourself from the ominous sky orb with these awesome accessories.
Seek shade by erecting a beautiful beach umbrella that will make you the envy of the beach.
Slap on a hat to protect your precious head. Explore the incredible options on offer, from practical and plain to colourful and eye-catching, or create your own with the Peppermint Bucket Hat DIY Project.
Slide on some sunglasses, preferably a pair that meet the Australian Standard for UV protection, look cool as hell and are recycled from some unexpected materials like wood or even… old blue jeans?
Slop on sunscreen to look after your body’s largest organ. Sid the Seagull, Baz Luhrman and, um, any dermatologist would agree, you gotta wear sunscreen. But not all sunscreens are created equal – make sure you’re picking one that is good for your skin and for the sea, and say, “See ya!” to those reef-bleaching chemicals!
WHAT TO WEAR
One can hardly go to the beach without a sweet set of swimmers (bathers, togs, cossies, if you’re fancy). Peppermint has already put together the ultimate guide to sustainable Australian swimwear, but there are always more brands popping up on our radar. We’d also be remiss if we didn’t mention our beloved founder and editor-in-chief Kelley Sheenan’s side hustle Waverley Swim – wrap rashies made ethically in Australia from recycled nylon!
Tempting as the alternative may be, you’ll also need clothes and cover ups – the very first rule of sun safety is slipping on a shirt after all. If your beach time is also sporty time, you can check out our roundup of sustainable activewear. If you’re the crafty kind, you could try your hand at making the Peppermint Beach Coverup. Or if you’re more into lounging, lying back and relaxing, there are some gorgeous ethical resort wear options on offer.
A pair of stylish, sustainable shoes should also be on hand – or foot, rather – to protect your toesies from piping hot sand and bastardous bindies!
WHAT TO BRING
Now you’re safe from the sun and dressed to the nines, it’s time to start packing your proper provisions and paraphernalia. To start with, you’re going to need a trusty towel for drying off and lying on.
Also necessary is a suitable (and sustainable) bag for bearing all your belongings to the beach and back again.
Staying hydrated is important. So is sitting down for tasty eats and drinks. Everything you need for an idyllic shore-side picnic is here, from crockery to cutlery to beach blankets and mats.
Now it’s time to kick back and relax. Are you the kind looking for an eco-friendly beach game like Finska? Or you prefer to sit your booty down in a sustainable beach chair and crack open a book? We’ve got a great roundup of reading recommendations for our stitchy pals, or here are a couple of great long reads we’ve published on the website recently. Of course, and we may be a tad biased, but our summer issue is also perfect for lazy beach days
Talking about a Revolution by Yassmin Abdel Magied
My Father and Other Animals by Sam Vincent
Together We Can by Claire O’Rouke
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