April is the month that we collectively celebrate Earth Day, but here in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, we try to practice eco-friendliness each and every day in order to preserve and protect the beautiful place we get to call home. As a visitor or vacationer, we know you want to help us in that effort, too. Here are a few small things you can do that make a big impact on our coastal environment. Thank you for being part of our community and pitching in to help keep OIB the best it can be now and in the years to come.

1. Leave nothing behind

Simply make sure that everything you bring to the beach leaves with you. Every plastic bag, bottle cap, soda can, or plastic shovel that gets left behind contributes to pollution and can harm the animals. You know the old saying: Leave nothing but your footprints!

2. Use reusable containers

Pack your beach lunch in reusable containers to avoid having bags blown all over the beach and into the ocean. A reusable water bottle that you can refill when needed is another eco-friendly choice that eliminates the waste that comes from one-use water bottles.

3. Opt for eco-friendly sunscreen

Many sunscreens and sunblocks contain chemicals that are not biodegradable and are harmful to ocean life and reefs. There are plenty of alternatives on the market that use minerals instead of chemicals. A quick Amazon search brings up a plethora of options for you and your family. Click here to check them out.

4. Recycle, recycle, recycle

Whenever you are able, choose to recycle—even when you’re away on vacation. You can find information on what the Town of Ocean Isle Beach recycles and what should not go in the recycling on their website. Do your best to locate recycle bins near you at your OIB rental and around town. Every little bit helps.

5. Don’t feed or disturb the local wildlife

The wildlife in Ocean Isle Beach are just that: wild. They’re best left undisturbed. Whether it’s a sea turtle nest in the sand or a seagull approaching your beach towel, observing and appreciating them is absolutely encouraged. Feeding them or otherwise disturbing them in their natural habitat is discouraged.

6. Read & follow the Ocean Isle Beach rules

It’s always good practice to read up on the rules and regulations of any place you’re traveling to or visiting. That will give you a better idea of how to prepare and plan for your time there. Going to the beach is no different, but every beach locale has its own set of do’s and don’ts. You can find the Ocean Isle Beach rules for your information here.