One of the best ways to beat the heat and enjoy the sunshine is to go swimming. If getting to a beach with enough time to spare is a tall order, head to your nearest pool!
Both beaches and pools are great for anyone no matter how you choose to enjoy yourself. There’s the water, of course, but many people just want the opportunity to hang out in the sun, catch some rays, and relax with friends.
So, no matter how you kick back by the water this summer, here are the best sustainable accessories for a sunny summer day at the beach or pool!
Sunscreen
No one that’s ever gotten a serious sunburn before needs this piece of advice, but we at Wholesome Culture still want to say it: bring a lot of sunscreen!
You don’t want to have a fun day at the pool, only to ruin the rest of your week with a sunburn. The only downside to sunscreen, however, is that many of them are filled with chemicals that won’t harm your skin, but will harm the ocean and your local sewage system.
We’ve written a guide to help you choose the right sustainable sunscreen for your skin, but our top pick is Farmacy’s Green Defense. It’s SPF 30 (which is high enough for any skin tone) and from a company we trust, so you can rest easy in the sunshine.
Tank top
Sleeves are for cold weather.
Pack those fall threads away for a few months and enjoy the heat and summer breeze. You’re either going to get wet from the pool or the sweat that comes with the heat, so be sure to pick a fabric that will let you breathe and dry quickly.
We recommend our Grow Positive Thoughts tank, which is cute and breathable, but also ethically sourced and patterned with some of our favorite flowers!
Smoothies
Smoothies can be as sweet or fresh as you like, depending on your preference, and easily customized to accommodate everyone in your group. They’re also a perfect addition to the cooler because they can be made at home and stored in reusable cups so there isn’t any waste.
And if you’re vegan (or planning to be for the day), we’ve assembled a long list of smoothie recipes you can circle around your friend group chat in advance.
If you do bring smoothies, make sure you still balance your beverage intake with water!
Pool speaker
What’s a day at the pool without some tunes?
A hot day at a pool can quickly turn dull with bad vibes. That’s why it’s an absolute must to have an ace in the hole when it comes to entertainment. Pool speakers can be pricey and full of unwanted plastic, however, so you need to be careful where you buy.
We recommend the JBL Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker made from recycled plastic to solve both these concerns! It’s made from 90% recycled materials, sports a 12-hour battery life, and a powerful bass to keep the party bumping.
A cute swimsuit
The perfect suit is the last component to your perfect day at the pool no matter if you plan on getting in the water or not. Even if you just go to tan (or drink) you’ll want something cute to flash some skin and catch some rays!
Wholesome Culture has you covered with our list of 10 sustainable swimsuits where you can get started. There are countless ethically-sourced suits on the market, but one of our favorites is the first on that list from Summersalt.
No matter which accessories you choose, the most important part is that you and your friends have a great time! And with these sustainable options, you can feel good about doing your part to keep our planet happy, too.
