Single-use plastic is polluting our seas – it is time for a change!
Picture a perfect summer day on the Adriatic coast: the sun is shining, the sea is sparkling, the scent of pine trees fills the air, and the sound of waves soothes your soul. But then, you spot a crushed plastic cup, a bottle tossed behind a bush, or a half-buried straw and just like that, the magic fades.
Unfortunately, plastic waste on beaches isn’t rare anymore it has become an everyday sight. Over 80% of marine litter comes from land, and the summer season itself with more tourists and higher consumption, brings a big spike in plastic pollution. Most of this marine litter is single-use plastic used for just a few minutes but polluting environment for years, even decades. As it breaks down, it turns into microplastics that end up in the sea, entering the food chain and harming both marine life and human health.
How to be more sustainable at the beach?
Going plastic-free at the beach doesn’t mean missing out, it just means making more thoughtful choices. Our everyday habits affect not only our lives but also the world around us. So this summer, choose wisely and enjoy the season responsibly.
Stay hydrated, the sustainable way
Instead of grabbing single-use bottles and cups, go for reusable ones made from stainless steel, glass, or durable plastic. Not only do they look nicer, they last longer and reduce waste.
Many towns now offer public water fountains, or you can simply fill your bottle at home before heading out. That way, you avoid buying a new plastic bottle or cup each day. As for straws , do you really need them? If you do, choose reusable ones made from metal or silicone.
Reusable options for food
It’s easy to get hungry at the beach, and let’s be honest beach snacks and meals from beach bars can look pretty tempting, right? You don’t have to skip the food, but for the sake of the environment, skip the single-use plastic that often comes with it!
And that’s why you should bring your own food container and reusable cutlery. You can ask the beach bar or restaurant to serve your meal in your container or just pack food from home and enjoy it without creating unnecessary waste.
There are lots of great options for outdoor cutlery, foldable or not, made of bamboo, metal, or durable plastic. They’re lightweight, easy to carry, and fit into pretty much any bag.
And how do you carry it all?
Bring your beach essentials in a reusable bag whether it’s a fabric tote, a backpack, or a waterproof bag. These options last longer, look better, and show that you care about the enviroment.
If you’re a fan of fresh seasonal fruit, bring it to the beach in reusable mesh bags and definitely skip the single-use plastic ones.
Sustainable sun protection
It’s also important to think about what you put on your skin. Many commercial sunscreens contain microplastics and harmful chemicals that damage marine ecosystems. Look for reef-safe options,those without oxybenzone and parabens which are better for the ocean and your health.
Find out here how to choose a cream for healthy skin and a clean planet.
Cut down on waste!
The golden rule for sustainable beach days is simple: take out what you bring in. Don’t leave behind plastic packaging, cigarette butts, or food scraps on the beach or in the sea. And if you spot trash that’s not yours, pick it up. It might seem like a small gesture, but it makes a big difference.
Sustainable tourism for a healthier environment
Whether you’re just enjoying a swim, working in hospitality, guiding tours, renting out accommodation, or playing any other role remember that you’re a role model to tourists. And being a good example is often the most powerful way to inspire change. Lead by example with sustainable habits, and help visitors by giving them the information they need about eco-friendly practices in the area.
Last summer, Sunce carried out a survey among visitors to Sakarun beach as part of the Wastereduce project . The goal was to learn about tourists’ waste-related habits. The feedback varied, but one thing was clear tourists need guidance and information about how to properly dispose of or reduce their waste while traveling.
Reusable cups, created through the Plastic-Free Croatian Island and Wastereduce projects are now being used in tourism services across protected areas of Dugi Otok . It’s a great example of how small, positive steps can influence large groups of people. Tourists are now avoiding excess waste by skipping single-use cups and they’re learning why environmental protection matters.
What is Sunce doing to protect the environment?
Our coast deserves more than just seasonal attention, it deserves lasting care and real action. That’s why Sunce runs various projects aimed at keeping the Adriatic Sea clean and raising awareness among local communities.
Through the FishNoWaste project, Sunce collaborates with the fishing sector, the people who know the sea best and see firsthand how much waste ends up in the sea . Training sessions are organized for everyone involved in the operation of fishing ports.
Sunce also conducts educational programs for both businesses and schools through the AWASTER project, which shares the same goal: reducing waste and preserving a clean Adriatic.
What can you do starting today?
Take Sunce’s advice for a more sustainable summer by the sea. Reduce waste wherever you can and follow us and our Together Without Plastic campaign on social media.
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