This goes beyond straws and plastic bottles. Think about everything you consume on the daily, how much trash are you contributing to the world? Whenever you decide to leave your home, make sure to bring your own cutlery, reusable bags, containers, and leave nothing but a footprint behind.

Not many people are aware that even sunscreen can be harmful to the environment. Oxybenzone and octinoxate, common ingredients that are found in sunscreen, can be extremely harmful to coral reef. Damage from these chemicals, on top of all the other culprits like water pollution and the rising water temperatures, could cause coral disease and prevent them from ever reproducing. So, when deciding to purchase a tube, don’t forget to check the label to find out if it’s safe!

Yes, starfish and shells are pretty and great for photos, but picking them up and taking them home is never a good idea. Studies have shown that picking up shells could contribute to erosion and could potentially harm animals that depend on them. Of course, this rule also applies to plants, and any live creature you find in the water.

Cleaning up after yourself should already be a given, but to make the world a little better, try collecting extra pieces of trash along the way. Think about it, if everyone else does the same thing, then we probably won’t even have a pollution problem to begin with.

Stay in a place that loves the world just as much as you do. Sleep well knowing that your hotel complies with environmental standards and goes the extra-mile by using green products.

While building small time kiddie sandcastles are harmless enough, massive diggings and changes to the sand could disturb the nesting sites of various animals like crabs and turtles. So, if you decide to build a castle during your trip to the beach, don’t forget to knock it down and fill in all the holes.

We all know that taking the “road less traveled” is more tempting, but when it comes to the environment, it’s best to follow the signs and leave things untouched. Planning to visit the beach soon? Check out the Oath to a Better Boracay for more information about being a responsible traveler.]]>