The Travel Etiquette, part 1

Just a heads-up: our goal isn't to poke fun or single out any particular group of tourists. After all, we've all probably had a moment or two of what could be called "tourist arrogance." Instead, we've come up with a rough definition and a set of articles on responsible travel. We're quietly hoping that by throwing out some cool examples (and maybe some not-so-cool ones), we can all steer clear of any cringeworthy behavior and give a warm welcome to mindful, well-mannered travelers.

So, in this series, we'll chat about hanging out in three different landscapes: beach, forest, countryside, and city. Let's kick things off with the beach!

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1. Let's take our trash with us.

It might sound like a no-brainer, but still, carpets made of PET bottles, candy wrappers, and beer caps are still an integral part of seaside landscapes (at least in Poland). There's no shortage of folks who believe that cigarette butts, toothpicks, or banana peels will quickly decompose in the sand, so burying them is harmless. If we were as long-lived as elves, maybe those 2 years for a banana peel or 5-10 years for a cigarette filter would be forgettable seconds, but for us mere mortals, they're just more waste that prevents us from fully enjoying the beauty of the sea.

To avoid the "Tourist Muggle" badge:

• let's not bury trash in the sand, especially glass, which can break and leave the beach in someone's foot.
• let's not toss cigarette butts wherever. Don't be fooled by the paper wrapping - cigarette filters are long-lasting cellulose acetate (on average 5-10 years, sometimes even decades), releasing carcinogenic substances into the environment, including arsenic, lead, and nicotine. Moreover, they are the most common waste - they even pierce through plastic bags and straws.

What can we do?

• When going to the beach, pack a bag or a larger shopping bag to carry all the packaging and food scraps, so you can easily dispose of them in the appropriate place. It would be great if you used a reusable bag and sorted the collected waste.
• Ideally, if we manage to buy products with minimal packaging or into our own container, but you know how it is - not always possible and not with all products. That's why it's worth always carrying a spare waste bag in your backpack, and using it whenever necessary.

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2. Let's drink tap water.

Here we'll keep it short and simple. Let's not add more plastic bottles to landfills - let's take our own water in a bottle/thermos or buy it in returnable glass bottles. It's also worth using refill stations or water fountains, where you can refill your drinking water for free (e.g., at the airport in Wrocław, at many points in the center of Vienna, etc.).

The money saved (yes, buying water is not a small expense - take a look at these calculations) can be spent on some pleasures. Don't like the taste of your tap water? No problem. Try making homemade flavored water.

3. Let's use reef-friendly cosmetics – even when chilling at Polish beaches.

Dreaming of snorkeling and taking pics against the backdrop of mesmerizing coral reefs? Then it's time to give your cosmetics bag a thorough scan and exclude not only sunscreen but also all other cosmetics (such as perfumes, shampoos, conditioners, creams, mascaras, and even repellents or dishwashing liquid) containing:

• Oxybenzone (INCI: BP-3; benzophenone-3; 2-hydroxy-4-methoxphenyl phenylmethanone)
• Octinoxate (INCI: Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate)
• Octocrylene (INCI: Octocrylene)
• Homosalate (INCI: Homosalate)

The most harmful filter – oxybenzone – is even used in clothing equipped with sun protection. Unfortunately, turning a blind eye to "just this one trip" won't do much, as even a droplet of oxybenzone dissolved in a water tank the size of 6.5 Olympic swimming pools is toxic to corals.

Are you keen on coral reefs? Then maybe you'll be convinced by the fact that further studies indicate the harmfulness of oxybenzone for humans (especially in reaction to, for example, swimming pool chlorine), ranging from allergic reactions to endocrinological complications. Thyroid damage? Better take those few minutes to check if your cosmetics contain oxybenzone, octinoxate, nanoparticles (e.g., nano-zinc oxide), or other substances from this list.

Let's also avoid spray products, as they spread not only in water but also in the air, thereby increasing the range of negative impacts. There are sources indicating that even cosmetics with mineral filter titanium dioxide in spray or powder form can be carcinogenic.

If you'd like to delve deeper into the topic, the EWG organization has released a full-length sunscreen guide, which covers the detailed effects of using the mentioned harmful sunscreens.

To avoid the "Tourist Muggle" badge:

• let's not be fooled by manufacturers' claims and some certificates. Unfortunately, the designation that a product is safe for humans does not simultaneously mean that it is safe for the environment and aquatic organisms. The best way to verify is to read the product composition and check if it contains substances from this list, or try the Cosmetic Ingredient Reader.

What can we do?

• Let's use cosmetics that are not sprays and contain mineral filters without nanoparticles (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide).
• Let's check if the purchased cosmetics contain oxybenzone, which is quite a popular ingredient in cosmetics and household chemicals, or other substances from this list.
• Let's talk to family and friends. Send them a list of toxic substances and suggest alternative solutions, or try our Cosmetic Ingredient Reader. You can pool money to buy a shared sunscreen and exchange it between trips – after all, we often can't use up a whole package on our own during one season.

4. Let's not collect all the shells from the beach.

We share the passion for shell collecting and hunting for seaside treasures, but let's not clean the beach of every last shell or pebble. While once known as a pleasant and seemingly innocent activity, shell collecting has far more serious consequences given the current scale of travelers, each of whom usually tries to take a handful of such treasures with them.

Surely you can understand that aesthetic needs can be satisfied, for example, by taking photos of finds, and the need for collecting can be redirected to collecting trash (for which both nature and other beachgoers will be grateful!). You may be surprised to learn that even empty and broken shells play an important role in the coastal ecosystem. Some of them will provide shelter for smaller creatures, others will help anchor seaweed and stabilize the beach, some will become building material for bird nests, and others will disintegrate into fine powder, replenishing the beach or providing nutrients to tiny creatures inhabiting the sand.

Many exotic locations have already introduced an official ban on taking anything from the beach – from shells to sand. We recommend a great article on how cleaning beaches of shells can have huge consequences for the ecosystem.

To avoid the "Tourist Muggle" badge:

• let's not collect shells, starfish, or other beach treasures. Take a photo of them and let them serve you as an "e-souvenir".
• let's not buy souvenirs containing shells. Why? Agrafka Geografka explains: "Unfortunately, very often collected shells contain live inhabitants, so by buying souvenirs made from beautiful shells, we automatically support the killing of marine organisms. Necklaces and other decorative elements are most often made from beautiful specimens of shells, while on the beach you will most often find shells that are damaged and broken. As you can probably guess, these pretty and perfect shells were collected along with living inhabitants. The process of removing the mollusk and cleaning the shell is quite radical. First, the shells are dried in the sun, then cleaned with acid and oil, and then sold to local craft workshops. This is just one of many reasons why shells should remain on the beaches and not in our homes."

What can we do?

• Explain to our children, as well as adult friends, why leaving shells on the beach is so important.
• If you have such a strong collecting instinct that your fingers itch, instead of shells, look for pieces of glass polished by the sea, which can be taken home without any harm and used, for example, for decorative purposes.
• You can also do something good and collect beach trash (involve children and make it a scavenger hunt). This way, you will support the local nature and uncover some of its beauty.

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5. Let's not feed seagulls or other wild animals.

Feeding wild animals can confidently be added to the "To don't" list under the "unchangeable and constantly applicable" column. Whether it's parrots, crabs, and turtles on exotic beaches or seagulls, wild boars, and seals on Polish beaches.

Why? There is no shortage of videos online showing seagulls launching an aerial attack on unsuspecting beachgoers. And it's not the birds' fault, but rather the fault of individuals who, season after season, increasingly spoil these coastal birds for a few lousy internet videos and a shot at fame. Therefore, we recommend: if you don't want to visit the beach in armor, anxiously flinching at every sound of bird wings, spare yourself such dubious altruism.

To avoid the "Tourist Muggle" badge:

• let's not feed animals. It's simple. Except for harsh winters, they really don't need our help, and we suspect that the vast majority of us visit the sea mainly in the summer. Therefore, we can confidently feel exempt from this "duty."
• feeding doesn't have to be direct – just leaving food scraps on the beach will still associate mealtime with humans, disrupting animals' natural behavior and making them dependent on us. Thus, let's take all leftovers with us, and if we want to dispose of them along the way, it's best to leave them in a sealed container – otherwise, seagulls or rats with the help of the wind will scatter trash around the area.

What can we do?

• Explain to children (and perhaps accompanying adults) why feeding wild animals is harmful not only to humans but primarily to the animals themselves. Remind them how bread served to birds affects their health, and even decides their death.

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6. Let's leave quad biking to military training grounds.

The topic of quad biking in natural areas or places that theoretically serve peaceful recreation never ceases to amaze us. It would be best to leave alone those individual natural enclaves like beaches, meadows, or forests, where one can cut off the influx of stimuli for a moment and relax. We won't even start discussing the consequences of trampling nature.

What can we do?

• If you're tempted to rent quads and ride on the beach, please rein in your automotive enthusiasm and let it loose when there's an opportunity to ride on a military training ground, in the city, or other areas designated for such activities.

Arguments for this solution: better roads, no one getting under the wheels, and you can play "Need 4 Speed." And nobody will curse you afterward for spoiling someone's relaxation and disturbing their zen. Win-win.

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And that's a wrap! 

So, let's all make sure we soak up the sun on our favorite beaches, lakeshores, or riverbanks with joy by remembering these simple tips. They'll not only make our outdoor adventures more enjoyable but also ensure we leave a positive impact. Wishing you all relaxation and rejuvenation during your downtime, and don't forget to join us for the next journey: exploring the forest and countryside responsibly.