Easy Ways to Keep Our Beaches Beautiful

Our 60 miles of shoreline is home to countless memories made over many, many decades. The sound of waves crashing and children playing and the feel of warm sand on our feet and sun on our faces is a wonderful human experience we want to protect for future generations. Protecting the natural beauty of our beach is a collective effort, and everyone can play a part. Here are some simple ways you can help keep Myrtle Beach beautiful:

Reduce Single-Use Waste at The Beach

Minimizing disposable waste is one of the most impactful ways to maintain our beaches' health and beauty. Instead of single-use plastics, bring refillable water bottles and reusable containers for snacks and meals. This helps prevent common litter items, like plastic bottle caps, from polluting our shoreline. While individual efforts might seem small, they contribute significantly to a cleaner and safer environment for all.

Leave the Beach Cleaner Than You Found It

Make a commitment to leave the beach better than you found it. Bring your own reusable litter bag, such as a mesh trash bag that easily attaches to your beach chair, and collect not only your own waste but also any additional litter you come across. This small act of kindness can have a big impact! Also, check out the Keep Myrtle Beach Beautiful campaign for volunteer events and dates, which you can find on their website and Facebook page. Embrace the trend of "voluntourism" by contributing positively to the community during your visit.

Respect the Wildlife

While enjoying your time at the beach, it’s important to remember that many marine and beach species are sensitive to human disturbances like loud noises, light pollution, close encounters, and feeding. Respect their space to reduce the risk of negative encounters and to avoid triggering defensive behaviors in animals. Feeding wildlife, even with good intentions, can cause them to develop an unhealthy dependence on human food, altering their natural foraging habits and harming their long-term health. Help support the wellbeing of coastal environments by maintaining a safe distance from wildlife at all times.

Stay Off the Dunes

“Keep Off Dunes” signs are more than just suggestions. Dunes act as natural barriers against hurricanes and erosion, protecting our shoreline from the impacts of strong waves and storms. Walking on dunes can compact sand, destroy vital plants that stabilize the dunes, and disturb wildlife habitats, such as those of nesting sea turtles. Remember, staying off the dunes is essential for preserving our beach and avoiding fines of up to $500. Use designated paths or walkways to access the beach.

Fill in Holes Before You Leave

Digging in the sand is fun, but leaving holes unfilled can pose dangers to beachgoers and wildlife, particularly sea turtles that come ashore to nest at night. Before leaving, make sure to fill in any holes you created and remove any equipment like chairs or umbrellas. These simple steps help protect wildlife and ensure the beach remains safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Choose Reef-Safe Sunscreen

One of the most important steps for an eco-friendly beach day is to wear reef-safe sunscreen. Traditional sunscreens often contain chemicals like oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octocrylene, which can cause coral bleaching and damage coral reefs by affecting their reproductive processes, causing DNA damage, and promoting the growth of harmful algae. Opt for mineral-based sunscreens with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which are effective in protecting your skin while being safe for marine life.

Extend Your Beach-Friendly Actions Beyond the Shore

Your environmental impact doesn’t end when you leave The Beach. Actions at home, such as reducing plastic consumption and minimizing harmful stormwater runoff, affect the health of our oceans and beaches. Be mindful of what you flush down drains or toilets, as these can end up in our waterways. Use eco-friendly products and reduce single-use plastics. Share your knowledge with others to promote ocean advocacy and environmental stewardship.

By making these mindful choices, we can all work together to preserve the beauty of Myrtle Beach for generations to come.