As a clean and circular skincare brand each year we look forward to #PlasticFreeJuly. It’s a global movement to raise awareness of our plastic crisis and take actionable steps towards a more plastic-free lifestyle.

Tap Tap Organics celebrated by giving daily tips on Instagram during “Clean Beaches Week'' which we kicked off the first week of Plastic Free July.  

We’re a brand rooted in the tropics and beautiful Costa Rica and our commitment to reducing plastic waste in the skincare industry is a result of our love for all marine life, beaches and the ocean! Here are the 7 tips we shared during #CleanBeachesWeek!

Day 1: Take your trash with you ⠀

When visiting the beach make sure you bring a trash bag along with your essentials, and when done for the day place it in the correct bin. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Trash left behind at the beach is very easy to prevent by just being conscious and packing a trash bag. If you want to take a step further, pick up the trash when you see it, even if it is not yours! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Make sure you're leaving the beach as clean, if not cleaner, than you found it so we can keep beaches beautiful for years to come!⠀

Day 2: Watch what you flush⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Medicine and prescription drugs have been detected in marine life and thousands of wet wipes are found every day. These are just two examples of products that are often flushed without a second thought. Please, only flush toilet paper and dispose of the rest in the correct bins (even if wet wipe packages state they are safe to flush! They’re really not!). Contact your local pharmacy to learn more about take back programs for expired and unused medication.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Day 3: Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Some chemical ingredients in sunscreen, like oxybenzone and octinoxate, have an impact because they can harm marine life and coral reefs. Instead, use mineral sunscreen containing zinc or simply cover up to keep the coral reefs safe. Remember that our actions have a direct effect on the planet and our ecosystems surrounding us. ⠀⠀

Day 4: Happy EcoFriendly 4th July!⠀⠀

Everyone loves a good day at the beach, right? The 4th of July is the biggest beach visitation day in America – and the most littered. Please,  leave no trace of litter, only footprints, at the beach. Also, we encourage you to reduce your carbon footprint by carpooling, biking or walking. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Day 5: Volunteer to clean up!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

There are a variety of wonderful programs working to help keep our beaches and oceans clean everyday, many of whom organize beach clean up days that you can volunteer to be a part of. Or even you can organize your own cleanup in your community if you live near the ocean. One of our favorites is @5minutebeachcleanup, founded in Costa Rica! But they are a global movement inspiring people to clean up in 5 minute increments. How easy is that?!

Day 6 : Be mindful about bonfires⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

If you are allowed to have bonfires at the beach, do it consciously. Carbon monoxide, dioxins and particles are released into the atmosphere by bonfires. If you choose to do it, is it better to be part of a communal one rather than an individual one. And never burn trash! Best to dispose of it appropriately in its respective bin. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

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Day 7 : Refuse the use of single-use plastics. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

By 2050 it’s estimated there may be more plastic than fish in the sea.

The easiest and most direct way that we can prevent it is by refusing the use of single-use plastics (plastic bags, water bottles, straws, cups, utensils, take-out containers,...) and carrying with you, reusable versions of those products. This applies to beauty products too, especially single use items like sheet masks, samples, and those little hotel bottles for lotion, body wash, shampoo and conditioner. Carry your own favorite travel/mini size Tap Tap Organics product. Or, decant our large sized products in your own small receptacles. 

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