“Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints.”
This cliché rings true for today’s beaches and other eco-tourist spots.
With the rise of social media shares and easy access, many tourist spots that were once hidden from public gain instantaneous popularity and exposure. But this positive outcome comes with a price: the overwhelming flock of tourists leave mountain of trash and environmental degradation in their wake.
To confront the sewage filled waters, the Philippine government ordered a six-month rehabilitation of the Boracay island, stopping tourist visits and local and international business operations. The island is globally known for its pristine white sand beach and vibrant night life.
Siargao, Bantayan and El Nido islands are few of the several popular beaches scattered across the country that have bigger pull of tourists aside from Boracay. And even these natural destinations are under threat of environmental degradation brought by summer vacation and hordes of tourists.
But this doesn’t meant that one should stop going to beaches to avoid its damage. On the contrary, going to natural destinations rather than commercial ones is much more eco-friendly because you leave lesser carbon footprint. What this means though, is that each one of us should be considerate of the places we visit.
So here are five simple tips to make your summer vacation a memorable and eco-friendly one:
- Take everything when you leave
And that includes trash! Whenever we visit the beach, we bring beach toys, chairs, lounges and even cook some food. But when its time to leave, many of us leave behind a trail of trash and leftover food. Being a good tourist means taking everything with you, including your own garbage, when you leave the locale.
Many beaches and destinations also have designated trash bins for the use of visitors and tourists. And since they have been put for use, why not be responsible and throw your garbage properly?
- Choose sunscreen wisely
Soaking under the sun for hours on end can damage our skin and that’s why applying a sunscreen is a must. However, this also means that whatever chemical you paint your skin with, it also spreads into the water when you go or a swim or dip in the waters. So choose sunscreen that can neither harm you nor the environment.
In Oslob, Cebu where diving with whales is the rage, the chemicals tourists put on their bodies have an even greater impact since they are interacting with the delicate animals. Keeping your body chemical-free is a priority.
- Take wholesome food with you
Avoid leaving more carbon footprint with the food you bring to the beach, such as processed and pre-packaged food or beverages in individual bottles – this makes an additional trash to throw. Instead, opt for fresh food and beverages stored in reusable plastic wares and bottles. Use reusable utensils too!
Using plastic wares near the beach is also a hazard. If left scattered in the shores, the waves can get these wastes washed into the ocean and into the homes of aquatic animals.
- Go natural when you go camping
Camping on the beach is a lovely way to spend the night, with the open sky and cool breeze. However, using your vehicle as accommodation will not only be harmul to the environment but uncomfortable for you as well. Vehicles use incredible amount of fuel and resources. So choose camping in a more classic and traditional style – with a tent!
- Be mindful at home
Even if you’re not at the beach, what you throw in your frontyard or dump down the drain will eventually end up in rivers, lakes and oceans. So start your ecofriendly activities and campaigns at home.