Blue Seas and Green Practices: A Guide to Plastic-Free Beach Fun
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Time to Read: 8 min
My family and I love going to the beach. The warm sun on your skin, the rhythmic crash of waves in your ears, and the joyous squeals of tiny humans building sandcastles make for the perfect day. It gives us a chance to unwind, reconnect with nature, and create memories together.
But packing for a beach trip with little ones can sometimes feel like a battle, especially if you are trying to stay eco-conscious. We've all been there – the frantic search for forgotten sunscreen, the inevitable fight over who gets the last juice box (inevitable loser: you), and the mountain of plastic bags overflowing with beach essentials. It’s so easy to give in and reach for the plastic, single-use option.
But here's the good news: a plastic-free beach adventure is totally achievable, and it can be even more rewarding than you imagine.
Not only will you be protecting our precious blue seas, but you'll also be creating a fun-filled day for the whole family and setting a fantastic example about eco-friendly practices. So, ditch the plastic bags and inflatable toys, and get ready to dive into a world of sun, sand, and endless fun – the plastic-free way.
About Ahimsa
Founded by a pediatrician and mom of three
Stainless steel is the only kid-friendly material recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics
We are guided by a Scientific Advisory Council comprised of environmental and medical experts, guiding us in creating the safest products, following the latest science and promoting policy to protect human health and our planet
Want to know more? Check out our story and our products.
More Than Just a Pretty Beach
Every year, millions of tons of plastic end up in our oceans, harming marine life, disrupting ecosystems, and even entering the food chain. And it's estimated that by 2025, there could be one ton of plastic for every three tons of fish in the ocean.
This plastic pollution isn't just an eyesore. It's a serious threat to the health of our oceans and the creatures that call it home. Sea turtles mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, leading to gut blockages and starvation. Microplastics, tiny fragments of plastic debris, get ingested by fish and shellfish, potentially ending up on our plates and posing health risks for us too.
The dangers of plastic pollution can be even greater for children, who are more susceptible to environmental toxins. Plastic can leach harmful chemicals like Bisphenol A (BPA) into the water, which can be absorbed through the skin or accidentally ingested while playing. One study found that exposure to certain chemicals found in plastics can disrupt children's hormonal development.
Taking a stand against plastic pollution starts with small but impactful changes. By choosing plastic-free alternatives for your beach trip, you're not just protecting the environment, you're also setting a positive example for your children about the importance of sustainability.
Mealtime Essentials
Packing for Paradise: Plastic-Free Essentials for a Beach Blast
Sun, sand, and endless fun – that's the beach daydream, right? But between the sunscreen battles and the inevitable meltdowns, packing for the beach can feel like a logistical nightmare, especially when you're trying to avoid a mountain of single-use plastic.
Here's how to pack a beach bag that's kind to the environment and keeps everyone happy:
- Sunscreen is a beach essential, but those plastic bottles can add up. Look for reef-safe, mineral-based sunscreens packaged in recyclable materials. And don't forget eco-friendly lip balms and insect repellents – your skin and the environment will thank you.
- Pack reusable containers for your favorite snacks and lunch. Think chopped veggies with a creamy hummus dip, fresh fruit salad bursting with color, or even leftover pasta salad from last night's dinner. Not only is it eco-friendly, but it also saves you money on overpriced beachside snacks.
- Invest in reusable water bottles for the whole crew. Staying hydrated is key on a hot beach day, and reusable bottles are a breeze to refill and keep everyone cool. Plus, ditching juice boxes means fewer sugary drinks and more smiles (and maybe a little less beach-blanket stickiness).
- An insulated lunch bag is your new BFF. Pack pre-cut veggies, sandwiches, or yogurt parfaits, and they'll stay cool and refreshing all day long. No more soggy snacks or lukewarm drinks – just pure beachside bliss.
- Skip the flimsy plastic grocery bags and opt for a reusable beach tote bag instead. Look for one made from natural fibers like organic cotton or jute – they're sturdy, stylish, and better for the planet. Plus, a reusable tote allows you to easily carry everything you need for a fun-filled day at the beach.
- Choose beach toys made of natural materials like bamboo instead of the plastic ones. When your child outgrows it, pass it down! Reuse, especially when it comes to toys, is a great way to limit waste generation for our planet.
Remember, packing healthy and delicious food in reusables is a win-win. You're nourishing your little adventurers for a day of fun in the sun, all while keeping plastic waste out of our oceans. Now that's a recipe for a perfect beach day.
Mission: Beach Cleanup! Leaving No Trace Behind
After a day full of sandcastles, waves, and seashells, we have a responsibility of leaving the beach as pristine as we found it. That's where the magic of Leave No Trace comes in. Leave No Trace is a set of principles all about minimizing our impact on the environment. Packing a cool, reusable bag for all your trash is a great first step.
One thing that I like to do with my kids is to turn cleanup into a game. I challenge them to collect any stray plastic bits (like renegade bottle caps or forgotten flip-flops) they find on their beach adventures throughout the day. Not only will they feel like superheroes cleaning up the shoreline, but you'll also be instilling a sense of environmental responsibility that will stay with them long after the beach day is over.
Remember, every piece of plastic they pick up is one less piece that could harm a sea turtle or pollute the ocean. Pretty cool, right? So, pack your reusable bag, unleash your inner "Leave No Trace Defender," and get ready to create beach memories that are kind to the environment!
Making Waves with a Plastic-Free Beach Day
A day at the beach is more than just fun in the sun; it's an opportunity to connect with nature and teach our children the importance of protecting our planet. By embracing plastic-free beach tips, we not only enjoy a cleaner, healthier environment but also set a powerful example for the next generation.
As we play in the sand and splash in the waves, let's also remember the impact that our actions have. By simply making conscious decisions, we can make sure that our beautiful beaches remain pristine and vibrant for years to come. So, gather your loved ones, pack your sustainable essentials, and head out for a day of plastic-free beach fun. Together, we can make a splash in protecting our blue seas and embracing green practices.
Dr. Manasa Mantravadi
Dr. Manasa Mantravadi is a board-certified pediatrician whose dedication to children’s health drove her to launch Ahimsa, the world's first colorful stainless steel dishes for kids. She was motivated by the American Academy of Pediatrics’ findings on harmful chemicals in plastic affecting children's well-being. Ahimsa has gained widespread recognition and been featured in media outlets such as Parents Magazine, the Today Show, The Oprah Magazine, and more.
Dr. Mantravadi received the esteemed “Physician Mentor of the Year” award at Indiana University School of Medicine in 2019. She was also named a Forbes Next 1000 Entrepreneur in 2021, with her inspiring story showcased on Good Morning America. She serves on the Council for Environmental Health and Climate Change and the Council for School Health at The American Academy of Pediatrics. She represents Ahimsa as a U.S. industry stakeholder on the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) for the Global Plastics Treaty, led by the United Nations Environment Program. Dr. Mantravadi leads Ahimsa's social impact program, The Conscious Cafeteria Project, to reduce carbon emissions and safeguard student health as part of a national pilot of the Clinton Global Initiative.
She is dedicated to educating and empowering people to make healthier, more environmentally friendly choices at mealtime. Her mission remains to advocate for the health of all children and the one planet we will leave behind for them through real policy change within our food system.
More Mealtime Essentials
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I use stainless steel instead of plastic? Is stainless steel better for health?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a report in July 2018 suggesting ways that families can limit exposure to certain chemicals at mealtime, including “the use of alternatives to plastic, such as glass or stainless steel, when possible.” The report explained that “…some additives are put directly in foods, while “indirect” additives may include chemicals from plastic, glues, dyes, paper, cardboard”. Further, “Children are more sensitive to chemical exposures because they eat and drink more, relative to body weight, than adults do, and are still growing and developing.” While stainless steel items meet the recommendation to avoid plastic products in children, Ahimsa® products have the obvious advantage of not breaking like glass.
Is stainless steel better for the environment than plastic?
According to the Steel Recycling Institute, steel can be recycled over and over and over again without losing its integrity and requires less energy to recycle than to make anew. Most plastic unfortunately ends up in landfills and it is estimated to take 700 years to decompose. Our special coloring process that allows Ahimsa® products to be fully metal is environmentally friendly, so it does not produce toxic run-off into the ecosystem.
Will Ahimsa products break or peel?
No. Our steel is durable, so it won’t break or shatter with everyday use, like glass. And it won’t peel, like other colored stainless steel products you’ve seen. We use a special process that allows the colors to naturally occur in the metal.
Which Ahimsa products are best for my little one(s)?
Our products are meant to last, you can use Ahimsa at ages 1, 8 and 18! We thoughtfully design our products to be safe for little ones and our planet while reducing consumption. Once your child outgrows the Starting Solids Set and can use regular cups and utensils, the training cup is the perfect size rinse cup in the bathroom, the infant spoon doubles as a tea stirrer and the bowl is great for snacks or as an additional compartment to our modular divided plate. Our plates are great for any age as they encourage choosing a variety of healthy foods at each meal and help visualize portion sizes easily. It’s the lasting beauty of stainless steel - grows with your child and reduces waste.
