While many of us are busy planning our getaways this summer, a waste and pollution watch group reminds everyone to make our vacation plans healthy and green.
“Your summer plans need not worsen the garbage situation in your chosen destinations,” says Daniel Alejandre, Zero Waste campaigner of EcoWaste Coalition. “Whether you are aiming to go cycling, mountain trekking, swimming, or simply going back to your hometowns, you can have a pleasant vacation without harming local environments.”
The EcoWaste Coalition lists down eco-friendly tips—ways to care for yourself and the environment—for individuals taking advantage of the summer break.
When traveling
EcoWaste Coalition urges everyone to select a destination nearer to home and one that is accessible via non-plane transportation to cut on greenhouse gas emissions. The group also suggests taking the public transportation or share the ride to reduce the number of cars on the streets, reduce road congestion, and reduce vehicular emissions.
When going on a relatively long vacation, unplug household appliances, particularly the refrigerator, to save on electricity. However, make sure not leave behind items inside the fridge that may go stale.
When choosing accommodation
The green group strongly recommends patronizing eco-friendly hotels and recreational facilities that demonstrate care and respect for the environment. Reuse towels, bed sheets, and pillow cases to cut down on laundry and conserve water and energy.
It is also best to bring your own toiletries; refrain from bringing home those complimentary personal care items in sachet or tiny plastic bottle to lessen their production, use, and disposal. Don’t forget to bring your own slippers instead of using those short-lived, thin slippers that are immediately disposed after a few uses.
When dining, drinking, and shopping
Patronize restaurants that serve beverage and food in reusable containers or bring your own reusable utensils. Check the menu for healthy options. To lessen consumption of bottled water and sugar-laden drinks, bring water in a reusable jug or mug every time you go out. Bring a bayong, cloth bag, or other reusable bags when doing any kind of shopping. Shun single-use carry bags: paper and plastic.
Lastly, don’t buy and bring home souvenir products made of endangered species; opt for locally-made handicrafts instead. Refrain from buying painted souvenir items unless guaranteed as lead-safe.
When going out
When visiting beaches, mountains, resorts, and parks, be sure to take back everything you bring in. Don’t leave cigarette butts, leftover foods, plastics, and other discards behind. Never burn or dump your trash.
For a waste-free outing, go for reusable packaging materials and products that can be cleaned and reused many times such as bayong and cloth carry bags, reusable dinnerware and cutlery, and washable cloth napkins, among others.
Refrain from smoking or, better still, quit to avoid generating toxic cigarette smoke and butt litter.
When playing and buying toys
Shun aquatic toys such as inflatable balls, floaters, and rings that are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic that may contain banned phthalates. Instead, opt for non-PVC swimming toys that are age-appropriate and do not pose drowning hazard.
So as not to waste water, refrain from using water-based toys such as water guns, soakers, and blasters. Moreover, beware of playground equipment that pose chemical hazards such as those decorated with lead-containing paints.
Most importantly, EcoWaste Coalition advises to use recreational products responsibly. Balloons, beach balls, kickboards, and swimming floaters that have gone astray, as well as misplaced lines, nets, and other fishing gear can injure and kill marine animals.
When using sun protection skin care products
Protect yourself from harsh ultraviolet rays by staying in the shade, slipping on a shirt, wearing a hat and sunglasses, and applying sunscreen on your skin. However, make sure your sunscreen product does not contain any of these banned ingredients: Isopropylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Benzylparaben, Phenylparaben, and Pentylparaben.
Should you use powder to help you cool down, make sure to pick a talc-free version. Keep it away from children’s nose and mouth, as well as in the female genital area.