Summer is here: the behaviors of an eco-bather

Themarine environment is, of all ecosystems, the one that is suffering the most from climate change and high levels of man-made pollution. Seas cover three-quarters of the Earth’s surface and absorb all poisons produced on Earth. This is causing theextinction of many marine species and increasing levels of alteration in the aquatic environment.

With the arrival of summer and vacations, on average, more than half of Italians choose the sea as a tourist destination. The coasts of Abruzzo and Lazio are populated with thousands of bathers who flock to the beaches, dive into the water, organize boat trips and diving. While it is true that it is very difficult, almost impossible, to give up a beach vacation, it is also true that there are rules and behaviors that can limit our impact on the marine environment. We need to remember to be “guests” and care for the environment in which we live and to focus on everyone’s responsible behavior to become a true eco-bather. An eco-bather is a person who, during his or her days at the beach or by a lake, adopts responsible behaviors to protect the environment and preserve the surrounding nature; he or she cares about sustainability and is committed to reducing the environmental impact of his or her actions while respecting the ecosystem and other people.

Here is a practical decalogue of ten simple rules and behaviors to help our “sea planet” and respect the environment

1. The beach is not a dumping ground. Every scrap and waste must be collected and thrown into the appropriate containers. The environment cannot dispose of items that are abandoned on the ground or in the sea, and their impact on the ecosystem is very harmful. Decomposition times are extremely long, here are some examples:
   – An aluminum soda can 500 years
   – The core of an apple 3-6 months
   – Matches or matches 6 months
   – Newspapers and magazines 2 months
   – A glass bottle 1000 years
   – A plastic bottle or bag 1000 years
   – Plastic lighter 100-1000 years
   – A disposable diaper about 200 years
   – Paper handkerchiefs and napkins 3 months
2. Pay attention to plastic bags. All it takes is a gust of wind to blow them away, and ending up in the water they pose a real deadly threat to animals: dolphins, turtles and many other species can in fact mistake them for jellyfish and, by ingesting them, risk suffocating.
3. Try not to walk on sand dunes. These dunes in fact protect the beach from erosion; they represent a shield. It is therefore good to avoid walking on them.
4. Smoking on the beach is becoming increasingly difficult since many Italian regions and municipalities are introducing ordinances and regulations to limit cigarette butt pollution and smoking, especially in some common areas. In particular, in Abruzzo it is prohibited in the free zone adjacent to the shoreline, in the stretch of water dedicated to bathing and near children’s play areas. On the Latium coast, the municipalities of Anzio, Ladispoli, Fiumicino, Ponza, Sperlonga and Gaeta have introduced the ban. The ban applies to both bathing establishments and free beaches. Fines for violators of the ban can be steep, up to 500 euros. Before entering the beach, we recommend checking if it is among those to which the smoking ban applies. Where it is still allowed, you should smoke responsibly. Once the cigarette is finished, it is good to store the butts in ashtrays. Portable ones exist on the market; many umbrellas are equipped with them. Remember that a cigarette butt takes 2 to 5 years to decompose; a small gesture can make all the difference.
5. If you want to indulge in swimming in the sea, remember to use environmentally friendly, mineral-based sunscreens. In fact, traditional creams contain a substance that, when dissolved in water, damages the marine ecosystem and corals in particular.
6. Shower at the beach and on the boat using only shampoos and bubble baths made with 100 percent natural ingredients-some substances used by traditional soaps are highly polluting to the sea and its inhabitants.
7. While swimming, avoid disturbing marine flora and fauna: do not collect shells, corals and shells; what are too often considered marine “souvenirs” are actually natural assets and vital parts of the ecosystem.
8. For those who go boating, it is good to carefully observe the limits imposed by the harbormaster’s office, both for safety issues and for respect of the environment. It is essential to check that the boat has no leaks and that no fuel is leaking, which has extremely negative effects on the entire environment.
9. Limit noise pollution, caused by long running engines, cackling, and loud stereos and radios: in addition to annoying beach umbrella neighbors, they will disturb birds in the vicinity of shorelines.
10. Education is contagious: if you spot behavior in another bather that may be damaging to the environment, it is good to point it out to them, at least to limit the damage and make them more aware.

Adopting these behaviors means contributing to the preservation of natural environments, allowing everyone to enjoy a clean sea and pristine landscapes in the future as well.

ENVIRONMENT