{"id":33352,"date":"2025-08-06T14:23:01","date_gmt":"2025-08-06T12:23:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/?p=33352"},"modified":"2025-08-12T13:44:46","modified_gmt":"2025-08-12T11:44:46","slug":"how-to-be-eco-friendly-at-the-beach-here-are-6-tips-and-reusable-ideas-for-a-clean-adriatic-and-sustainable-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/news\/how-to-be-eco-friendly-at-the-beach-here-are-6-tips-and-reusable-ideas-for-a-clean-adriatic-and-sustainable-summer\/","title":{"rendered":"How to be eco-friendly at the beach? Here are 6 tips and reusable ideas for clean Adriatic and  sustainable summer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Single-use plastic is polluting our seas &#8211; it is time for a change!\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u00a0 and just like that, the magic fades.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/morski_otpad_sunce.jpg\" alt=\"morski-otpad\" class=\"wp-image-32246\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/morski_otpad_sunce.jpg 600w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/morski_otpad_sunce-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/morski_otpad_sunce-500x667.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately, plastic waste on beaches isn\u2019t rare anymore it has become an everyday sight. <strong>Over 80% of marine litter comes from land<\/strong>, and the summer season itself\u00a0 with more tourists and higher consumption, brings a big spike in plastic pollution. Most of this marine litter is single-use plastic\u00a0used 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, <strong>entering the food chain and harming both marine life and human health<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to be more sustainable at the beach?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Going plastic-free at the beach doesn\u2019t mean missing out<\/strong>,<strong> it just means making more thoughtful choices.<\/strong> Our everyday habits affect not only our lives but also the world around us. So this summer, choose wisely and enjoy the season responsibly.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Stay hydrated, the sustainable way<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of grabbing single-use bottles and cups, <strong>go for reusable ones<\/strong> made from stainless steel, glass, or durable plastic. Not only do they look nicer, they last longer and reduce waste.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many towns now offer public water fountains, or you can simply fill your bottle at home before heading out. <strong>That way, you avoid buying a new plastic bottle or cup each day<\/strong>. As for straws , do you really need them? If you do, choose reusable ones made from metal or silicone.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/visekratne_case_sunce-1.jpg\" alt=\"reusable-cups\n\" class=\"wp-image-33344\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/visekratne_case_sunce-1.jpg 600w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/visekratne_case_sunce-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/visekratne_case_sunce-1-500x667.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Reusable options for food<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s easy to get hungry at the beach, and let\u2019s be honest beach snacks and meals from beach bars can look pretty tempting, right? You don\u2019t have to skip the food<strong>, but for the sake of the environment, skip the single-use plastic that often comes with it<\/strong>!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And that&#8217;s why you should <strong>bring your own food container and reusable cutlery<\/strong>. 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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are lots of great options for outdoor cutlery, foldable or not, made of bamboo, metal, or durable plastic. They\u2019re lightweight, easy to carry, and fit into pretty much any bag.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/odrziv_odlazak_na_plazu_sunce.jpg\" alt=\"sustainable-beach\" class=\"wp-image-33346\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/odrziv_odlazak_na_plazu_sunce.jpg 600w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/odrziv_odlazak_na_plazu_sunce-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/odrziv_odlazak_na_plazu_sunce-500x667.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>And how do you carry it all?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Bring your beach essentials in a reusable bag whether it\u2019s a fabric tote, a backpack, or a waterproof bag. These options last longer, look better, and show that you care about the enviroment.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/platnena_torba_za_plazu_sunce.jpg\" alt=\"torba-za-plazu\" class=\"wp-image-33348\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/platnena_torba_za_plazu_sunce.jpg 600w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/platnena_torba_za_plazu_sunce-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/platnena_torba_za_plazu_sunce-500x667.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re a fan of fresh seasonal fruit, bring it to the beach in reusable mesh bags and definitely skip the single-use plastic ones.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Sustainable sun protection<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s 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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Find out <a href=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/news\/healthy-skin-and-a-clean-planet-the-best-sunscreen-choices\/\">here<\/a><strong> <\/strong>how to choose a cream for healthy skin and a clean planet.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Cut down on waste!<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The golden rule for sustainable beach days is simple: take out what you bring in. Don\u2019t leave behind plastic packaging, cigarette butts, or food scraps on the beach or in the sea. And if you spot trash that\u2019s not yours, pick it up. It might seem like a small gesture, but it makes a big difference.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/otpad_1_sakarun_wastereduce_sunce-1-1024x640.jpg\" alt=\"marine-litter\" class=\"wp-image-27774\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/otpad_1_sakarun_wastereduce_sunce-1-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/otpad_1_sakarun_wastereduce_sunce-1-480x300.jpg 480w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/otpad_1_sakarun_wastereduce_sunce-1-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/otpad_1_sakarun_wastereduce_sunce-1-500x313.jpg 500w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/otpad_1_sakarun_wastereduce_sunce-1.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Sustainable tourism for a healthier environment<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you\u2019re just enjoying a swim, working in hospitality, guiding tours, renting out accommodation, or playing any other role remember that you\u2019re a role model to tourists. <strong>And being a good example is often the most powerful way to inspire change<\/strong>. Lead by example with sustainable habits, and help visitors by giving them the information they need about eco-friendly practices in the area.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/sakarun_sunce_akcija_ciscenja-1024x640.jpg\" alt=\"akcija-ciscenja-sakarun-sunce\" class=\"wp-image-32238\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/sakarun_sunce_akcija_ciscenja-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/sakarun_sunce_akcija_ciscenja-480x300.jpg 480w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/sakarun_sunce_akcija_ciscenja-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/sakarun_sunce_akcija_ciscenja-500x313.jpg 500w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/sakarun_sunce_akcija_ciscenja.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Last summer, Sunce carried out <a href=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/news\/challenges-of-waste-management-on-dugi-otok-perspectives-of-concessionaires-and-visitors-to-telascica-and-sakarun\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">a survey among visitors to Sakarun beach<\/a><strong>\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0 as part of the <a href=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/projects\/integrated-waste-reduction-strategies-and-solutions-in-protected-and-natura-2000-areas-wastereduce\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wastereduce project<\/a> . The goal was to learn about tourists\u2019 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Reusable cups, created through the <a href=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/projects\/plastic-free-croatian-island\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Plastic-Free Croatian Island<\/a><strong> <\/strong>and Wastereduce projects are <a href=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/news\/good-news-for-dugi-otok-concessionaires-are-reducing-the-use-of-single-use-plastics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">now being used in tourism services across protected areas of Dugi Otok<\/a> . It\u2019s 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&#8217;re learning why environmental protection matters.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/sunce_visekratne_case_dugi_otok-1024x640.jpg\" alt=\"visekratne-case-dugi-otok\" class=\"wp-image-33227\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/sunce_visekratne_case_dugi_otok-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/sunce_visekratne_case_dugi_otok-480x300.jpg 480w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/sunce_visekratne_case_dugi_otok-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/sunce_visekratne_case_dugi_otok-500x313.jpg 500w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/sunce_visekratne_case_dugi_otok.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is Sunce doing to protect the environment?\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Our coast deserves more than just seasonal attention, it deserves lasting care and real action. That\u2019s why Sunce runs various projects aimed at keeping the Adriatic Sea clean and raising awareness among local communities.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Through the <a href=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/projects\/fishnowaste-waste-reduction-and-management-in-fishing-ports-of-the-adriatic-sea-to-promote-sustainable-fisheries\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">FishNoWaste project<\/a>, 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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sunce also conducts&nbsp; educational programs for both businesses and schools through the <a href=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/projects\/awaster-adopting-waste-as-resource\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AWASTER project<\/a>, which shares the same goal: reducing waste and preserving a clean Adriatic.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What can you do starting today?\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Take Sunce\u2019s advice for a more sustainable summer by the sea. Reduce waste wherever you can and follow us and our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DK1hEcbKT5V\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Together Without Plastic campaign<\/a> on social media.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Want to stay in the loop?\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/join-in\/become-a-member\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Become a member<\/a> and subscribe to our <a href=\"https:\/\/dashboard.mailerlite.com\/forms\/1004962\/131367652372252067\/share\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">newsletter<\/a><strong>\u00a0<\/strong> and be among the first to hear about our latest initiatives.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"341\" src=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/fishnowaste_slagalica_eng-1024x341.jpg\" alt=\"FishNoWaste-interreg-eu\" class=\"wp-image-27863\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/fishnowaste_slagalica_eng-1024x341.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/fishnowaste_slagalica_eng-760x253.jpg 760w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/fishnowaste_slagalica_eng-768x256.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/fishnowaste_slagalica_eng-500x167.jpg 500w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/fishnowaste_slagalica_eng.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"928\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/slagalica-za-ess_HRV-i-ENG.jpg\" alt=\"logo-eu-sunce-esc-\" class=\"wp-image-26589\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/slagalica-za-ess_HRV-i-ENG.jpg 928w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/slagalica-za-ess_HRV-i-ENG-696x300.jpg 696w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/slagalica-za-ess_HRV-i-ENG-768x331.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/slagalica-za-ess_HRV-i-ENG-500x216.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 928px) 100vw, 928px\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We\u2019ve prepared a small guide for a sustainable day at the beach. Bring only reusable items, and leave nothing behind. Spend the summer consciously.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":33342,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1179,473,5],"tags":[1052,639],"class_list":["post-33352","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fishnowaste-waste-reduction-and-management-in-fishing-ports-of-the-adriatic-sea-to-promote-sustainable-fisheries","category-live-green","category-news","tag-marine-litter","tag-together-without-plastic"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33352","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=33352"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33352\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":33425,"href":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33352\/revisions\/33425"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/33342"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33352"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=33352"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=33352"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}