It’s that time of the year: the weather is warmer, days are longer and sunnier and it’s finally time to spend some relaxing time in nature! Whether you are going for a swim, for a hike, or on a day trip to the countryside, be sure to respect the environment you’re in.

Here’s a few Skin of Nature’s tips and tricks to help you take care of mother nature while having your well-deserved good time.

We all know protecting ourselves from the sun is essential, but what we may not know is that, unfortunately, sunscreens can be very dangerous for our planet.

A lot of research shows that the chemicals contained in the traditional formulas (oxybenzone and octinoxate) are damaging to marine life. These substances contain nanoparticles that can unsettle coral's reproduction and growth cycles. They can also disrupt the endocrine system in the fish, reducing their growth and egg output. Scary, isn’t it? That’s why it is vital to choose sunscreen made with natural and eco-friendly ingredients.

If you choose to have a snack or a drink in nature, try to avoid disposable items like plastic straws, cutlery or cups.

There are so many eco-friendly and interesting options: from biodegradable alternatives to glass jars, coconut shells, or colorful water bottles. 

There’s no excuse to buy plastic, my friends.

You may have never thought about it, but most of the towels and mats we use for our summer getaways are made of plastic, and will likely end up among piles of textile waste or in a landfill.

Choose options that are made of recycled materials, organic cotton, hemp, or any other natural fabric made with respect for the environment.

The planet will be grateful.

Sadly, not everyone is kind to nature: sometimes, we can find natural landscapes that are left a mess by uncareful humans.

What we can do is bring a cotton or biodegradable bag with us and do our best to collect and help recycle the trash that was left where it doesn’t belong.

The results will help the environment, improve our mood, and make animals and other humans happy.

If you're a smoker, bring your portable ashtray!

A cigarette butt can stay around for up to 1000 years. Cigarettes left in nature stay in nature, causing serious damages to the flora and fauna. How?

Birds and marine life can mistake filters for food, resulting in digestive problems, and sometimes death. Cigarette butts have been found inside the stomachs of a variety of birds, turtles, and other marine animals.

Another risk comes from the fact that cigarette butts can contain chemicals like Lead and Cadmium, toxic heavy metals that, once in contact with the water, begin to leak causing harm to the nearby marine life.

If you’re away from home and want to try some local cuisine, support small local businesses, they need it more than ever.

If eating out is not your jam, you can always enjoy the farmers’ market and its fresh and glorious produce.

Either way, buying local and trying to limit the use of meat are always good choices.

Here we go, this was just our short selection of the many many things we can do to make our summer more respectful and enjoy our communion with nature fully.

Remember, we are not just guests on this planet, we are part of it. 

With Love and Respect,

The Skin of Nature Team