How the Ocean Inspires EKOBO | Sustainable Beach Day Checklist

A Note from Our Founders: Where Our Story Meets the Sea

We’re a French-American family who traded two hometowns for a beautiful life by the sea in Barcelona. Here, city adventures and ocean escapes are never far apart. We chose Barcelona because it’s a place where our children could enjoy a real sense of space and freedom, yet still be part of the city’s vibrant life. Our family can stroll lively streets or run barefoot on the sand any time we wish. Being close to the water means family picnics, afternoon swims, and laughter that drifts on the breeze. The EKOBO beach toy collection was born from these memories. It is a tribute to all the sun-soaked days, simple joys, and wonder the ocean brings.

World Oceans Day just passed, reminding us of the waters that connect us all and how much the oceans give: climate balance, wildlife, and the best places to play and unwind with family. Even the smallest, sustainable choices can make a difference. Whether it’s what goes in your beach bag or what you bring for lunch, every day on the coast is full of simple ways to cut down on waste and use reusable products. While ocean conservation is a global effort, many of the most meaningful actions begin close to home, in our daily habits and the products we choose to use again and again.

This summer, we’re sharing a few easy ways to make your beach day gentle on the planet and full of small joys.

Did you know?

- 14 million tons of plastic end up in oceans each year

- Only 9% of plastic ever produced has been recycled. 

A single reusable bottle can keep hundreds of plastic bottles out of the ocean each year. Curious about the impact of ocean plastic? Read more from The Ocean Conservancy.

 

Sustainable Beach Day Checklist: What We Love Bringing Along

A sustainable beach day begins with thoughtful packing. Choosing durable, multifunctional essentials means less waste, less clutter, and a more relaxed experience overall. Here are some of our favorite ways to make every beach outing fun, easy, and gentle on the planet. 

 

1. Mesh Bag for Beachcombing: 

We always toss in a mesh bag for collecting shells, sea treasures, or even bits of litter we find along the way.

2. Reef-Safe Sunscreen: 

Protect your skin and the sea with mineral-based, reef-friendly sunscreen.

3. Reusable Water Bottles: A beach bag essential.

Staying hydrated is part of every successful beach outing, and carrying a reusable bottle helps eliminate the need for single-use beverage containers. Fill it before you leave home and enjoy cold refreshments throughout the day.

 EKOBO’s eco-friendly water bottles are made from safe, durable materials for a sustainable hydration solution that's as stylish as it is practical.

 

4. DIY Beach Games and Activities: 

Bring along painted rocks for tic-tac-toe in the sand, create a homemade scavenger hunt list for kids, or pack a frisbee made from recycled materials. Try a friendly sandcastle-building contest, driftwood limbo, or see who can find the smoothest pebble/most colorful shell. These playful moments bring everyone together and don’t create any extra waste. We also love our EKOBO non-plastic beach toys, made from safe and durable materials, perfect for digging, building, and exploring.

 

5. Beach Picnic Worth Lingering Over

There’s nothing better than sharing a simple meal by the sea. We always bring along reusable tableware and snack boxes from our Outdoor Collection, made for picnics and days outside. Favorite snacks and treats stay organized and easy to share in our containers, while sturdy cups and cutlery help keep waste to a minimum. Cleanup is simple, and everyone can relax and enjoy the moment.

Pro tip: Snap a photo of your plastic-free picnic and tag us @ekobo_official using #MyEKOBOBeachDay. We love to feature our favorite community moments!

 

 

7. Towels and Blankets:

We pack quick-drying towels, such as Turkish towels or those made from recycled materials, and a lightweight, packable blanket that shakes off sand easily and can be cleaned with minimal water.

8. Shade Solutions:

A pop-up tent or umbrella helps everyone stay cool and sun-safe.

9. Family Clean-Up Kit:

We always bring a reusable wet bag to pack out our own waste and any litter we find, plus a handy grabber tool for picking up small pieces of plastic or micro-debris. Before we leave, we turn collecting litter into a family game. Everyone who finds a certain amount gets a little prize at home. It’s a fun way to help keep the beach beautiful for everyone.

 

A few additional tips:

• Leave Only Footprints: We remind our kids to admire shells, rocks, and seaweed but leave them where they are, so wildlife and other families can enjoy them too.
  
  

• Support Local: If we buy a treat, we look for local vendors who use minimal packaging. It’s a fun way to enjoy a snack and support the community at the same time.

However you spend your time by the sea, small choices add up. Here’s to making memories, keeping beaches beautiful, and sharing what we love. 

We’d love to hear about the simple swaps or memories that make your beach days special. Share your favorite tip or memory in the comments below, or tag us on instagram so others can be inspired by your story!