Favorite Finds: Eco-Friendly Essentials for National Beach Day
National Beach Day falls on August 30, which might seem like an odd time to honor the ultimate symbol of summer, but there's something beautifully poetic about it. As the season winds down, it's like throwing a farewell party for that new friend you just made, the one who's off to backpack through Europe for a while. It's a chance to soak up the last rays of sunshine, let the ocean’s cool waves wash away your worries, and feel the sand between your toes one more time before the seasons shift.
It is also the perfect time to honor our connection to these sacred spaces, by choosing eco-friendly products, allowing us to tread lightly on the Earth while soaking in all the good vibes. So to celebrate the sandy paradise we call the beach, we have curated a list of our favorite earth-loving essentials to make your National Beach Day both blissful and kind to our planet.
At the top of our list are reef-friendly sunscreens. Reef-friendly sunscreen is essential because it’s about more than just protecting our skin; it's about safeguarding the heart of the ocean. Conventional sunscreens often contain chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which can bleach and damage coral reefs, disrupting the fragile balance of marine life. These vibrant underwater gardens are the lungs of the sea, providing oxygen and shelter to countless marine species. When we choose reef-friendly sunscreens, we're making a conscious choice to preserve these enchanting ecosystems. It’s a way to give back to the ocean that so generously gives us its waves, its serenity, and its endless inspiration.
PHOTO CREDIT: Suntergrity
Suntegrity Skincare is a brand born from love and a powerful mission. After losing her mother to melanoma, the founder was driven to create a sun care line that offers true protection without harmful chemicals. Recognizing the potential dangers of common sunscreen ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate, she embarked on a journey to develop a safer alternative. The result is Suntegrity—a line of mineral sunscreens that use non-nano zinc oxide for broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, combined with antioxidants and amino acids to nourish and repair the skin. Awarded "Champion" status by the EWG/Compact for Safe Cosmetics, Suntegrity Skincare is dedicated to offering products that honor both your health and the environment. This brand stands as a beautiful tribute to the founder's mother and a testament to the belief that skincare should protect and nurture, without compromise.
Suntegrity’s SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen for the body offers broad-spectrum protection and is free of harsh chemicals like parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, mineral oil, synthetic dyes, sulfates, nanoparticles, chemical UV absorbers, butyloctyl salicylate and phenoxyethanol. It's non-greasy and contains 20% non-nano, uncoated zinc-oxide for therapeutic broad-spectrum protection against the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. This sunscreen formula is easy to apply, infused with antioxidants for healthy protection all year round and has a light uplifting citrus scent.
Next on our list is a really great pair of sunglasses, but the ones at the top of our list not only protect your eyes, but protect the ocean as well.
For more information and to check out all of the Suntergrity products, visit: https://www.suntegrityskincare.com/
PHOTO CREDIT: CoTZ
Another favorite of our is the CōTZ Face Prime & Protect SPF 40 Tinted Sunscreen. CōTZ was founded by a plastic surgeon whose singular mission was to create healthier mineral sunscreens that people love to wear.
CōTZ® stands for: Contains Only Titanium & Zinc
CōTZ contains no chemical sunscreens, which can be irritating, penetrate your skin, and absorb UV energy. Mineral sunscreens are inherently gentle, and work by reflecting away harmful rays. So you never have to worry about harmful rays heating up and absorbing into your skin.
CōTZ® Face Prime & Protect SPF 40 is a sheer mineral sunscreen providing broad spectrum UVA-UVB protection in a silky, translucent primer. Layers beautifully under makeup or can be used alone for a smooth matte finish. We love the sheer tint that blends translucent for a flawless look. We love that you can go make up free or it will layer invisibly under makeup and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes. We also love the size. It’s perfect for traveling.
The best part…all of the CōTZproducts contain no parabens or other preservatives, all of their products and the ingredients they use are not tested on animals and most importantly are reef friendly, which means they contain no oxybenzone, octinoxate, or other chemical sun filters. CōTZ mineral sunscreens are a safer solution for your skin, as well as the world's coral reefs.
To learn more about all of their face and body sunscreens, go to: https://cotzskincare.com/
Costa Sunglasses - Untangled Collection
THE UNTANGLED COLLECTION. REBORN ON THE WATER.
PHOTO CREDIT: Costa
According to Costa, every year, an estimated 640,000 tons of discarded fishing material makes its way into our waterways. Discarded fishing nets are the most harmful form of plastic pollution in our oceans. But, in partnership with Bureo, they are helping to change that. Made of 97% to 100% recycled fishing nets, their Untangled collection of sustainable frames includes Core Performance and Beach Lifestyle options that are as good for a day at the beach, as they are for the ocean. In recognition of it’s contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the Untangled Collection was recently given the prestigious RELX Sustainable Development Goals Customer Award.
These may be targeted towards a day of fishing, but we think they are way too stylish not to show them off anytime. And the fact that they are helping to keep our oceans clean, is a definite bonus!
PHOTO CREDIT: Costa
Our top fish of this collection is Pargo. Pargo doesn’t need any help fighting fish. Also called the Dog Snapper for its giant canine teeth and nasty attitude, Pargo rules the reefs. This frame is made from 97% recycled fishing nets with 3% performance additive for increased durability and performance on the water. With hooding and side shields, keeper-ready temples and Hydrolite® rubber, Pargo shows it’s not the size of the dog in the fight but the size of the fight in the angler hooked up to the Dog Snapper.
We love the choice of frame and lens colors to customize the style that best fits your vibe. No matter which pair you chose, you will not only look good, but feel good, knowing you are helping the ocean, while you are out enjoying it.
To view the complete Untangled collection and all of the other Costa sunglasses, visit: https://www.costadelmar.com/en-us
We know you have a lot of choices for swimwear, but we think buying from a swimwear and accessory brand that prides itself on sustainability and empowering women is pretty cool. The majority of JMP the Label women's line is currently made on the beautiful island of Bali by a female-owned boutique factory led by a 95% female management. All manufacturers are ethical and committed to providing safe, respectful and fair working conditions for their employees.
And their signature JMP crochet collections (one of our favorites!) are handmade by Bali women in nearby villages, extending their values in supporting women and helping provide their families income.
A lot of their collection are made from recycled and upcycled fabrics and some are even reversible, making these suit even more versatile. As we mentioned, we love their signature crochet collections. They are both stunning beautiful and unique, letting you express that boho babe inside of you.
Our other favorite, their hats. We are loving the Dunes Cowboy Hat that adds a hole lot of style not to your beach vibe, but to any look you want.
To check all of the JMP The Label Collections, visit: https://www.jmpthelabel.com/
PHOTO CREDIT: Catherine Weitzman
The Kuleana Collection from Catherine Weitzman let’s you celebrate Earth Day every day and raise awareness about the environmental impact of plastic pollution with our Recycled Ocean pieces. These unique pieces are created with microplastics collected from the ocean waters around Hawaii. Cleaned and sorted, these microplastics have a second life as a creative mosaic in eco-friendly resin and set in our signature branch frame. It is their hope that this collection can inspire and spread awareness about the importance of reducing plastic pollution and protecting the environment for future generations.
Can you say obsessed? Not only is this collection absolutely stunning, it is championing a cause close to our hearts and that is cleaning up our oceans. By using found materials, recycled sterling silver and responsibly sourced 18k gold, this line of jewelry checks all of our boxes!
Catherine's journey into jewelry began with a love for craftsmanship and classical metalsmithing, which deepened during a five-year global adventure with her husband. This experience, where she apprenticed with artisans around the world, led her to launch Catherine Weitzman Jewelry in San Francisco in 2000. She later moved to Hawaii in 2004, where every piece is still handcrafted. Her designs are a reflection of her travels, urban upbringing, and love of nature, each piece telling a story that connects the maker, the designer, and the wearer.
To see the complete collection or other collections from Catherine, please visit: https://www.catherineweitzman.com/
PHOTO CREDIT: Matter
Who doesn’t love a day at the beach with fun, sun and friends, but we want to make sure when the day is over, we are taking out trash with us, and single use plastics are one of the most culprits of ocean pollution. Not only does Matter products solve this issue, with high performance products that are actually good for the planet, they are also made from plants and, if composted properly, return natural, plant-based nutrients back into the earth as they compost in 12 months or less, producing nutrient-rich soil. So if you happen to have a cup blow away, we can feel safe knowing that it is not going to break down into micro plastics and end up in a turtle’s tummy.
From cups to cutlery, Matter provides compostable, Earth-friendly solutions for a day at the beach or anywhere else. However, one of our favorite finds from Matter are their storage bags. Matter storage bags feature a strong seal, to ensure your food stays fresh, and will fully compost within 12 months. Just like all of their other products, Matter bags are made from plants, so they are not completely transparent – but they are freezer and refrigerator safe!
The Matter Compostable Kitchen Assorted Food Storage Bags Variety Pack is the perfect set for every occasion that comes with four sizes and 230 bags.
To check ou all Matter has to offer, visit: https://shop.makeitmatter.com/
PHOTO CREDIT: phade®
Speaking of plastics, we all know that straws are bad for our oceans and our planet, just like any single use plastics. Plastic straws pose a significant threat to the ocean because they are lightweight, easily blown or washed into waterways, and are among the top ten items found during beach cleanups. Once in the ocean, straws can take hundreds of years to decompose, all the while breaking down into microplastics that pollute the water and harm marine life. Sea creatures, such as turtles, fish, and seabirds, can mistake straws for food, leading to choking, internal injuries, or starvation. Additionally, straws contribute to the growing problem of plastic pollution, which damages marine ecosystems and threatens ocean health.
Approximately 500 million plastic straws are used every day in the United States alone, which translates to about 182.5 billion straws annually. Globally, the number is much higher, with estimates suggesting that hundreds of billions to over a trillion plastic straws are used each year. This staggering amount contributes significantly to plastic pollution, especially in oceans and waterways.
phade® is helping to solve the plastic problem one straw at a time. phade® believes that products used for minutes shouldn’t be made to last 200 years or more—and now they aren’t. phade® marine biodegradable, compostable straws are the latest breakthrough in sustainable product innovation and they go away in just a matter of months. phade® straws breakdown in a controlled marine environment in just 58 days (vs. 73,049 days for a traditional plastic straw). You can watch a really cool time lapse video HERE.
The key to phade® is PHA (short for polyhydroxyalkanoate). It’s a substrate derived from the fermentation of canola oil that maintains the feel and user experience of traditional plastic, but that’s where the similarities end. Unlike petroleum-based plastics that take 200+ years to go away, PHA is plant-based. PHA products are created from nature and designed to return to nature. So, while nearly every piece of traditional plastic ever made still sits somewhere spoiling our planet, phade® offers a bio-based replacement with an honest, end-of-life solution that effectively combats the global plastics crisis.
To learn more about phade® straws and cup, visit: https://www.phadeproducts.com/
Ohelo
If we are going to talk about straw, we really have to touch on plastic water bottles. How this trend of taking water and bottling it in single use plastics and marketing to all of use as a healthier and more convenient option that the water we get at home is baffling? It is certainly not healthier for our planet, our oceans or you. BPA (Bisphenol A) in plastic water bottles is harmful because it can leach into the water, especially when exposed to heat or sunlight…like let’s say…when you are at the beach? BPA is an endocrine disruptor, meaning it can interfere with hormone functions, potentially leading to health issues such as reproductive problems, developmental disorders, and an increased risk of certain cancers.
At Ohelo, preventing unnecessary single use plastic is the first great thing their reusable bottles and tumblers do. But that was not enough. They have built sustainability into the core of their business. From ethical manufacturing practices that look after their makers, to safer materials to protect them and the environment, to giving back to sustainable charities, all are at the core of Ohelo and everything they do.
The beautiful designs of these leak-proof, lead free steel bottles and tumblers are fantastic. We love both, but we love a good tumbler. For coffee, juice, water or your favorite margarita (shhhh!), you can go from sip-mode to leak-proof with a simple twist. Drinks stay perfect, for hours: Their innovative triple layer vacuum insulation keeps drinks hot for 6 hours, or icy cold for 12 hours. And unlike most other insulated travel cups, Ohelo tumblers are dishwasher safe. Their versatile mesh attachment can be used as a tea strainer, protein shaker or fruit infuser. The 360° laser etched designs won't fade. Made safer with lead free solder and BPA, BPS and BPF free. These definitely check all our boxes!
To find out more and to see all of Ohelo’s beautiful designs, visit: https://ohelobottle.com/
PHOTO CREDIT: Melii
We first heard the term “snacklebox” used last year and absolutely loved the concept. The ideas swirling around social media were creative and inspiring, from curate containers of snackable goodness to using actual tackle boxes for a day out. So when we got the opportunity to check out the company that makes the actual Snackle Box, we were all about it!
Melii is the brain child of two moms, determined to offer only the best products to their kids. After doing a ton of research, they quickly realized that there was a void in the market – there weren’t enough companies offering safe, cute products for kids that were actually affordable to parents. So, they did the only thing they could do…they decided to start a baby, toddler and kids accessories company. Melii is committed to providing quality, practical, yet whimsical products, that kids and parents alike will love.
They say that the Snackle Box is the perfect companion for busy parents and adventurous kids who love snacks on the go. However, we think this little genius container is perfect for anyone on the go, looking to bring some fresh fruit, nuts and other snacks with them for a day at the beach or anywhere else.
PHOTO CREDIT: Melii
Inspired by the design of a tackle box, this innovative snack container features 12 individual compartments, each with removable dividers, creating a customizable storage space for an array of delicious treats. Designed with convenience in mind, the Snackle Box ensures that your favorite snacks are neatly organized and easily accessible. The individual compartments keep snacks separated, preventing any unwanted mixing or crushing. Plus, the removable dividers allow for versatile storage options, accommodating both small and large snacks.
We love the Snackle Box because it is ideal for travel, family outings, lunches, and road trips, and especially, a day at the beach.
And aside from other multi-use containers, the also have a convenient Sunscreen Applicator Brush. Their reusable sunscreen applicator brush is the perfect mess-free, hygienic & easy way to apply sunscreen. Whether for kids on the go,that spot you can’t reach or simply don’t want it all over you hands, this brush is a convenient way to make sure you are protected for a day in the sun. Not only will it keep your hands clean but the super soft bristles make sunscreen application a comfortable and relaxing process for you and your kids. This multi-purpose brush can also be used for lotions & makeup.
For more information on all of the Melii products, visit: https://meliibaby.com/
Okay, some may find it weird to take about a foam roller for a day at the beach, but a lot of people these days are working out, doing yoga and going for runs on the beach. And after a good workout, you need a good stretch for those worked muscles. And we love these rollers!
Oceanfoam is more than a brand. It's an active and sustainable lifestyle. Not only do the Oceanfoam Rollers look stunning, come in a convenient travel size, as well as regular, they are also the first foam rollers made with algae.
Oceanfoam, is on a mission to clean the water and air on our planet. They are creating innovative products using algae and recycled materials, which not only enhance your daily life, but make it more beautiful and sustainable. Oceanfoam products seamlessly blend beauty and function into one. From sleek foam rollers to functional accessories, each piece reflects their commitment to a more sustainable future. Their products look good while encouraging you to be active, take care of your body, and help save our planet. They are uniting eco-conscious individuals to reduce waste, limit our carbon footprint, and feel good about the products we purchase and use.
Our favorite find is the Oceanfoam Travel Size Ripple Roller. Do not let the size of this baby fool you! This roller is small, but mighty. We had our doubts that a travel size roller could really produce the results of a full-size one, but boy were we wrong. If fact, I think I love this more.
While the full size roller is more suitable for use on the ground to massage all the muscles in your body properly, the travel roller works fantastic for standing up (for the bottoms of your feet) or seated in a chair (providing lumbar support for your back and neck) or on a counter or raised surface (massaging your arms and legs). With the outer layer made with 15% bloom algae foam and the core made with 80% recycled materials, not only do our muscles feel good, but so does our conscious knowing we are doing good for the planet as well.
To see all the amazing products and array of colors, visit: https://oceanfoam.com/
BBB - Boho Blue Best
4Ocean
By now, pretty much everyone’s caught wind of 4Ocean. If you haven’t...well, where have you been? This company is one of our top picks for keeping our oceans clean and raising awareness—not just for the eco-conscious crowd, but for anyone wanting to make a difference in their own way.
4Ocean was founds by two surfer friends sick of ocean pollution and wanting to do something about it.
For every bracelet purchased, it pulls 5 lbs of trash from the ocean, rivers and coastlines and also helps support local artisans in Bali and Guatemala by providing the reliable source of income.
4ocean exists for one reason: to protect and preserve our oceans. Our ocean-first philosophy is at the heart of every decision we make as individuals and as a company.
“When my friend and I first started this company, we were just two surfers trying to clean the ocean. We never imagined that our scrappy little startup would become a global cleanup operation that recovers millions of pounds of trash from the world’s oceans, rivers, and coastlines every year. But we did it like we’ve always done it… one pound of trash at a time.” - Alex Schulze, Co-Founder + CEO
For more information and to support this amazing cause, please visit: https://www.4ocean.com/
