Few moments are as breathtaking as walking over the rise of a sand dune to catch that first glimpse of the ocean and that first taste of salty air. It makes a truly amazing beach memory and one we hope will last for generations to come.
The love of this natural island setting is a big reason Hilton Head Island is committed to being green. In fact, the island became a town because of its desire to protect the local environment.
According to the town Web site, the town incorporated in 1983 because citizens didn’t like the way Beaufort County government was allowing development on such an “environmentally sensitive barrier island.”
In addition, development of Hilton Head Island back in the 1970s can be traced to the environment and a desire to create Planned Unit Developments that protect the natural surroundings, such as trees, wildlife and wetlands.
So, the island has been practicing green living for quite some time. Most recently, the town created a “Green Initiatives in Town Operations” report to further commit to being a green community.
Even though you may be visiting Hilton Head Island for just a week or two, you still can help – and go home with a little green tint to your suntan.
Tips for a green beach vacation:
- Look for recycled beach products, such as beach towels made with bamboo.
- Don’t litter. It’s a simple way to protect the beach, so be sure to toss your trash.
- Recycle. The town has a recycling center open seven days a week to accept such items as glass, paper, plastics and appliances.
- Avoid Styrofoam plates and cups. It’s tempting to have a picnic or cookout with items that make cleanup easy, but using biodegradable products or reusable items is a much better alternative. Styrofoam simply sits in landfills.
- Don’t forget the (biodegradable) sunscreen. Scientists have discovered some of the ingredients in sunscreens can kill coral reefs. Just to put that into perspective, scientists found more than 4,000 tons of sunscreen washes off ocean swimmers each year. Select a biodegradable sunscreen that won’t harm marine life.
- Hit the road – with your feet. Walk or bike to as many places as you can while on vacation. You get to experience more of the island, get some exercise and help the planet.
