Eco-friendly beach essentials to enjoy summer in Hong Kong
Cover Planning a day at the beach? Don't leave home without these eco essentials (Photo: @thesoralife/Instagram)

If you're planning for a day at the beach, be sure to pack these essentials which are both luxe and environmentally-friendly

In Hong Kong, we're spoiled for choice when it comes to beautiful beaches and remote islands. There are few things better than a summer day spent at the beach, but to make the most of your day out, it's always best to be prepared with the essentials. 

Chic swimwear, bags and hats, luxe water bottles, beach towels, sunscreen and even solar-powered speakers: here are the environmentally friendly must-haves to see you through the Hong Kong summer.

See also: The Best Summer Family Activities In Hong Kong

Swimwear

When it comes to being sustainable at the beach, the swimwear you're wearing is a perfect place to start. More and more brands are opting to use eco-friendly fabrics and manufacturing practices when creating comfortable and stylish one-pieces and bikinis. 

Some of our favourite sustainable swimwear brands include Peony, which ensures all of the processes and chemicals used to produce its swimwear are ecologically safe, along with using recycled polyester and a specially developed eco lining; Casa Raki, which uses recycled materials in every one of its products; and Mara Hoffman, which crafts each collection in socially responsible conditions using ethically sourced and recycled fabrics.

See also: Get On Board The Latest Swimwear Trend With These 9 Brands

Beach towel

You don't want to forget your towel when heading out for a day at the beach. While there are plenty of stylish designer options out there, there are also some luxe and eco-friendly alternatives on the market.

As well as yoga mats made from recycled plastic bottles, Sora's towels are not only sustainable, but also compact, lightweight, quick-drying and sand-repellent: perfect for summer beach days. The towels also look great and come in a range of bold and colourful, patterned designs. 

See also: 10 Designer Beach Towels For The Most Luxurious Summer Ever

Sunscreen

Not just during the warmer months, but all year round, it pays to pay attention to what we put on our skin, and the impact it can have on the environment.

With the lure of Hong Kong’s waters drawing us in when temperatures soar, take a look at the ingredients list of your sunscreen to ensure that it’s not only protecting you from the sun, but also not depositing nasty chemicals into the ocean.

Brands such as Supergoop!, Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare, Drunk Elephant and Ren Clean Skincare all create SPFs that are eco-friendly.

See also: The Eco-Friendly And Ocean-Safe Sunscreens You Can Buy In Hong Kong

Water bottle

Stay hydrated and plastic-free for your beach day by carrying with you a reusable bottle. S'well's popular bottles promise to keep your drinks cold for up to 24 hours and are available in a range of colourful designs and sizes. 

For day trips to Hong Kong's outlying islands opt for a 40-ounce roamer, or go for the classic design in either a soft pastel or bold tropical pattern.

If you're looking for something truly luxe, Glacce's collection of water bottles feature natural crystals and hand-cut semi-precious stones and promise an unconventional water-drinking experience.

See also: 11 Eco-Essentials For A Plastic-Free Life

Tote bag

A beach bag is a must for carrying all of your essentials to the beach. Big enough to comfortably fit your eco essentials—along with a good book – we always reach for a chic tote when prepping for a beach day.

There are now many sustainable bag and accessory brands on the market, with labels such as Faithful The Brand, Hereu, Nannacay and Kayu all offering chic designs. With all of these brands using sustainable materials, along with producing ethically manufactured or locally made products,

See also: 7 Sustainable Bag And Accessory Brands To Buy Now

Sun hat

A statement hat will not only complete your beach look but also help protect you from the sun's rays.  A classic raffia or straw style is a timeless option to invest in. We love these styles from both Eliurpi and Gigi Burris.

For a bolder look, go for Faithfull The Brand's tiger-print sunhat, which is made from sustainable materials. 

See also: How To Protect Asian Skin From The Sun, According To Skincare Experts

Speakers

What's a beach day without a little music? These lightweight speakers are the perfect accompaniment to sun, sand and sea—with the bonus of being solar-powered, so you don't need to worry about your battery running low.

Reveal's eco-design is made from bamboo and even doubles as a portable charger for your smartphone.

See also: From Camp To Glamp: 10 Luxury Camping Essentials

This article was originally published on June 18, 2020 and was updated on June 3, 2021.

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