June 8 is World Day of the Oceans. For more than ten years, the United Nations has been celebrating World Ocean Day every year. The goal behind it: To create even greater awareness of the problems caused by humans in the world's oceans. Holidaymakers in particular like to spend a relaxing time at the beach, but they also leave behind an ecological footprint. However, this can be reduced with small tricks and without much effort.

Here are ten tips on how every holidaymaker can do something good for the oceans.

1. read books about the sea

Right now, many travel enthusiasts are looking forward to their next vacation more than ever: The right time to think about sustainability on holiday. With books about the sea and its importance as a habitat, bookworms increase their knowledge as well as their anticipation. Through reading, beachgoers realize how exciting and fascinating the marine ecosystem is. The changed perspective makes it all the easier afterwards to show consideration and share newly acquired information. In this way, readers live, travel and consume more consciously.

2. choose sunscreen wisely

When buying sunscreen, it's worth taking a look at the ingredients. Many sunscreens contain chemicals that belong neither on the body nor in the sea. Every year, tons of washed up sunscreen residues destroy coral reefs worldwide. Thus, the entire sensitive ecosystem of the ocean suffers little by little. Meanwhile, there are eco-friendly alternatives that have no negative effects and are biodegradable. Sunscreen shoppers should keep an eye out for the "reef-save" label and steer clear of products containing octinoxate or oxybenzone.

3. photographs as evidence

Especially those who arrive at the beach early in the morning or after a strong wind often experience a garbage shock. Cigarette butts, washed up sandals or plastic bags adorn the water's edge. Before industrious hands tackle here, it is advisable to pull out the camera. The photo serves to post on social media and proves how it actually often looks on beaches. Because many people have no idea how big the garbage problem on the coasts really is. The better people understand where their garbage ends up, the more likely they are to rethink this issue.

4. beach games without plastic

As beautiful as sunbathing is, exercise is also part of a successful day at the beach. Many sports like jogging or swimming can be done without any equipment. There are also numerous games for young and old that can be played without equipment, such as darts in the sand. Simply draw circles in the sand with your fingers and form a small hollow in the middle. As an extension, it is possible to write numbers in the circles to represent scores. The other players collect stones or shells on the beach, which serve as a ball. This way, no plastic toys or other game utensils end up in the water unintentionally and float away.

5. pay attention to flora and fauna

Even when doing underwater sports, holidaymakers bear a certain responsibility towards nature. As beautiful as animals and corals look, touching them is taboo. Instead of disturbing the animals in their realm, it is important to behave respectfully in their habitat. Diving fins in particular are a nuisance if handled carelessly or hit coral reefs - often unintentionally. Animal selfies with underwater cameras are also not well received by fish and other marine animals. For the sake of the environment, those who take part in organised underwater tours should choose an organiser who attaches importance to sustainability.

6. picnic on the beach - without plastic

Fast food and "to go" dishes are ideal for the beach because of the convenience. Therefore, they are very popular with holidaymakers. But the packaging usually causes a lot of waste. With a little more time before going to the beach, hungry holidaymakers can prepare a delicious picnic themselves. Wraps or sliced fruit can be conveniently packed in reusable food boxes. Those who get in a bad mood without coffee can also make it at home and fill it into reusable mugs. This trick not only helps nature, but also your wallet.

7. by public transport or by bike to the beach

Holidaymakers can get around comfortably by car, but there are more environmentally friendly alternatives to get to the beach. Many seaside resorts now have good public transport links to the sea. Those who prefer to be out in the fresh air can discover the holiday destination on a walk to the beach. If you want to go further afield, we recommend cycling. This is not only good for the environment, but also for your fitness and your holiday tan. All three alternatives also solve the parking problem, save money and reduce personal CO2 emissions.

8. dine locally

Even those who do not like to stand in the kitchen to prepare a picnic, have alternatives to the growling stomach at the sea. On many beaches, cafés, bars or beach stalls offer delicious small snacks but also extensive dishes. Every holidaymaker supports the local owners by visiting these restaurants. At the same time, guests enjoy local specialities and an authentic holiday experience. When looking at the menu, there is only one thing to keep in mind - endangered species do not belong on the menu. In that case, as a holidaymaker, it's better to stand up, clearly point out the mistake to the owner and choose another restaurant.

9. take away your own and other people's rubbish after every visit to the beach

Unfortunately, where there are a lot of people, there is also a lot of rubbish. The litter problem on beaches has already caused quite a stir in recent years. Because the garbage costs the lives of about one million seabirds and about 135,000 marine mammals every year. One approach to solving the problem is to produce as little waste as possible and to dispose of it correctly. But even foreign garbage does not belong in the sea. In order to reduce the large mountain of rubbish, so-called "clean-up groups" meet regularly. But cleaning up is also possible without a planned campaign - for example, if every holidaymaker takes five pieces of foreign rubbish with them after their visit to the beach.

10. use aloe vera ice cubes as after-sun lotion

Anyone who lies in the sun for too long knows the consequences - tightness of the skin or even a real sunburn. Nature itself provides the perfect first aid in the form of aloe vera. Simply fill aloe vera gel from the drugstore or directly from the plant into ice cube molds and freeze. The juice of the cactus-like plant accelerates the skin's own healing process and promotes natural wound healing. In addition, the extract has a pleasant cooling effect and soothes irritated skin. Additional plus: Even the day after application, no chemicals that conventional lotions often contain get into the sea.