Is there anything more characteristic of the Summer break than a trip to the beach? There’s something utterly magical about that feeling of the warm sand between your toes and the salty tang of the ocean tickling your lips. There’s just something about the sea that brings out a special appreciation for the natural world in us all.

Below are some ways of showing nature some love that are not only good for the planet - they’re good for you too! Eco-consciousness can be wonderful for your mental health, and the suggestions below are some simple ideas to help you nurture your mindfulness and purpose through nature. Simply being in nature has been shown to reduce stress and raise serotonin levels, with purposeful interaction magnifying these precious benefits. 

A Mindful (Clean-Up) Day at the Beach

In spite of the primordial awe that wells up in each of us when we immerse ourselves in the sea and sand, our love of connecting with the ocean can very often lead to us harming it in some way or another. We leave our mark with a day at the beach - a dropped wrapper here, a forgotten bottle cap there- and that can have some very serious consequences.

In 2017 Ocean Conservancy published the results of their annual international cleanup, and here's what they found:

Some pretty shocking statistics, right? The organization estimates that more than 8 million metric tonnes of plastic enters the ocean each year. And unfortunately, this plastic doesn’t just bob around prettily- it can have catastrophic consequences on marine ecosystems, harming almost 700 different species of marine life and even getting into our food. 

It can sound a little doom and gloom, but don’t despair! There are some very simple ways to enjoy your day at the beach and protect the planet while doing so. (Plus, helping the planet does wonders for your mental health and Forest Therapy practice!)

Idea #1 - Have a beach cleanup

Whether you join an organised beach cleanup or simply spend 2 minutes picking up anything unnatural around you, a beach cleanup is a surefire way to show the ocean some love. There’s plenty of organised cleanups (you can find some through Surfrider), or just take some trash bags with you to your next beach outing. You can even make a game of it- whoever fills their bag the most can have any ice cream they want!

Idea #2 - Use environmentally friendly sunscreen

It’s great to show off your tan after a day at the beach, but make sure to protect your skin with some mineral sunscreen. Many brands still use oxybenzone and octinoxate in their formulas, and these chemicals are damaging to both marine and human life. Switch to a mineral sunscreen (check out these brands) to protect yourself and the environment in one sunny slather!

Idea #3 - Pack a plastic-conscious picnic

Save money and the environment by taking your own plastic-conscious picnic. Instead of stocking up pre-packaged snacks, bring your own from home in reusable or biodegradable containers. This will also help you avoid any plastic from being sneakily blown away by the wind.    

Idea #4 - Leave the beach how you found it

The beach is home to an incredible array of wildlife, so be a polite guest by leaving their home as you found it. Digging holes and building sandcastles is a key part of any beach adventure, but make sure to level out the sand again before you go home to avoid creating obstacles that small animals like baby turtles could get stuck in. Similarly, stacking stones and collecting sandy souvenirs can upset the delicate ecosystem that marine wildlife rely on for their survival. 

Idea #5 - Resist feeding any wildlife

Although it can be fun to watch the fish and gulls flock to you by giving them a little snack it isn’t as kind as it may seem. Human food can be harmful to these animal’s digestive systems and it encourages them to eat things they wouldn’t naturally come across, so when a piece of plastic or trash looks inviting they’re much more likely to give it a nibble. 

Celebrate a day at the beach, but remember to leave only footprints and take only memories - we want to make sure the ocean remains healthy and glorious for many years to come, and these ideas all work towards that goal! If you want to take your beach experience to the next level, don’t forget to check out our beach themed meditations, available now on the TreeQuility app.