Celebrate World Oceans Day With a Sustainable Seaside Camping Trip

• 7th Jun 2018

World Ocean Day is held every year on the 8 ^th of June. This year, this awareness day is all about keeping the focus on the problem of plastics in the world's oceans and the importance of cleaning up and protecting our precious ocean ecosystems.

Most of us are now aware of the shocking amount of plastic that ends up in our oceans, and the problems that plastic pollution causes for us, marine life, and for our planet as a whole. But rather than just getting depressed about it, it is time to actually do something about it. A sustainable seaside camping trip could be the perfect way to do your part – to become part of the solution rather than part of the problem.

A problem like this needs politicians, big business and organisations to come together to find the larger solutions. But every little bit that individuals do along the way will also help to reduce the problem of plastic waste. As keen campers, there is a lot that we can do to reduce the impact we have on the planet and to reduce the amount of plastic that we release into the wider environment. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy a sustainable seaside camping trip this World Ocean Day:

• Travel by foot, by bike, by canoe/kayak/sailing boat or by public transport. In addition to adding to your carbon footprint, a driving camping holiday will also contribute to plastic pollution. Tyres on motorised vehicles (rubbing on roads) create an estimated average of 63,000 tonnes per year of plastic dust in the UK alone.
• Choose a canvas tent (or other natural, eco-friendly materials).
• Choose eco options for camping equipment, cookware and utensils.
• Store picnic food in beeswax wraps or metal/silicon containers rather than in plastic.
• Avoid plastic wet wipes and instead go for organic, home-made or biodegradable alternatives.
• Carry refillable water bottles and try to reduce the number of drinks and snacks you buy when out and about.

In addition to reducing the number of plastic items you buy and use on camping adventures, you can also do more to combat the problem of plastic waste. You can:

• Refuse single use plastic items such as straws or plastic cutlery at cafes and restaurants.
• Take plastic waste generated on camping trips home to recycle where recycling is not immediately available.
• Do your part for the environment by picking up litter and doing your own unofficial beach clean whenever you find yourself by the seaside. (Every little helps.)