Sustainable Sunglasses, Reef-Safe Sunscreen, and More: Essentials for an Eco-Friendly Escape
Every traveler has their priorities. Lounging around on a beach is a good option for some, while others might enjoy hiking or camping. For Canadian travelers? It’s eco-friendly travel. A recent Booking.com report indicates that 70% of Canadian travelers plan to focus on sustainable choices over the next year, with 40% admitting that they’d feel guilty if they chose less eco-friendly options.
But why is that? For 41% of the respondents, this response is based on a feeling that traveling sustainably is the “right thing to do.” In light of these statistics, it’s pretty clear that more Canadians are looking for ways to stay eco-friendly — not only in their choice of destinations, but right down to what they pack in their bags.
We’ve previously talked about how eco-travel can cover responsible habits across all kinds of travel experiences, from checking into green accommodations to even the mindful selection of luggage. Today, we’re also including things like environmentally friendly sun protection, which is a pretty important thing to keep in mind no matter where in the world you’re traveling. New to the concept? Here are three sun-safe, eco-friendly essentials to bring on your next trip.
Sustainable sunglasses
If you think sunglasses are just another accessory to add to your vacation looks, then you might want to think again. A good pair of sunglasses is actually really important for protecting your eyes from UV rays, which can lead to a ton of long-term health issues like cataracts and macular degeneration. Plus, they can make travel feel more comfortable. After all, if you’ve got a pair of sunglasses with you, then you don’t have to worry about squinting in the sunlight while exploring a new city or going to the beach.
But while sunglasses are essential — especially if you’re planning to be outdoors a lot — unfortunately, there are lots of popular brands that make their sunglasses from plastic. And where does plastic eventually end up? In landfills, mostly, which can make plastic pollution even worse. However, stylish, sustainable sunnies are available anywhere if you know where to look. You can try Eyebuydirect, which hosts sunglasses that can be filtered according to material, so you can look for frames made from biodegradable acetate or recycled plastic bottles, such as their Ocean model. These sunglasses also have 100% UV filters and anti-scratch coatings, making them the perfect pair to bring on a trip. If you want to stay comfortable and protect the environment at the same time, this is the way to go.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Next on the list? Protecting your skin. Did you know that just one bad sunburn in your life can actually double your risk of developing skin cancer in the future? According to sunscreen guidelines from the Canadian Dermatology Association, you should use at least one to two teaspoons of sunscreen for your head and neck and two to three tablespoons for your body. Look for a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher from brands like Thrive, or Maui Naturals, as this helps block both UVA and UVB rays.
Most importantly: reapply sunscreen regularly. Basically, this means reapplying at least every two hours and before and after activities like swimming. Sweating or touching your face or skin a lot? Reapply.
Is time at the beach your favorite thing to do on vacation? If so, then experts advise using a reef-safe formula. Chemical sunscreens containing ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate can stress out coral reefs, disrupting marine ecosystems. You can try the Raw Love Mineral Sunscreen with SPF 35+. This uses non-nano zinc oxide and organic, plant-based ingredients that are less likely to damage marine life.
Reusable water bottles
Sunglasses? Check. Sunscreen? Check? Water? Hold on.
Staying hydrated is a pretty big deal for travelers, especially if you’re planning to move around a lot. But even though a million plastic bottles are purchased worldwide every minute, less than a third of these end up being recycled properly. A single person using a reusable water bottle can help prevent an estimated 156 plastic bottles from entering the environment each year. If that’s not enough motivation for you, studies also show that store-bought bottled water contains tiny plastic particles, or nanoplastics, which can infiltrate the body and pose potential health risks, making picking safer, reusable material like steel or BPA-free plastic all the more essential.
Try to bring along a reusable water bottle like the Owala Free Sip, which features a stainless-steel design, a leak-proof lid, and triple-layer insulation to keep drinks cold for extended periods. The Owala Free Sip also comes in various sizes and colors, making it a cute and versatile option that supports sustainability. Owala not your style? There are a ton of other reusable water bottle options you can choose from. For instance, you can try Bink if you want a glass water bottle that comes with a silicone sleeve.
Sustainable travel doesn’t require overthinking. Instead, all you need to do is make mindful choices that benefit both you on an individual level and the environment as a whole. Use these essentials and you’ll be ready for an eco-friendly escape that aligns with your values and helps protect our planet for future generations.
Amélie is a health and wellness junky. Certified yoga instructor with Yoga Alliance in the Vinyasa and Ashtanga styles, she has a Yoga Instructor Certification – Level I (300 hours) and Yoga Instructor Certification – Level II (200 hours) under her belt. She also has a certified Open Water Diver certification with PADI and SSI Scuba Schools International Freediving Level I certification with SSI Scuba Schools International. She’s been vegan for over 15 years and is obsessed with anything wellness-related.