Galina Barskaya/istockphoto
READ MORE ABOUT:
I'm living at the beach this summer. It's sort of amazing, every night my husband and I run on the beach, then we'll make a little picnic, maybe go for a swim. I've always wanted to live at the beach and though I know it's not permanent, just for the summer, I feel this burst of happiness just walking around.
The beach is the ultimate gift from Mother Nature and that's not just because it's so stunningly beautiful, it's also like an all in one salon, spa, and gym. And it's FREE. Use the beach to cut your consumption of beauty products and services. Here's how:
- Smooth Feet
Instead of getting a pedicure, why not run on the beach? I run barefoot on the beach every evening and as a result would never even think about getting a pedicure, my tootsies are in the best shape ever. The sand on the beach is a nature's answer to a pumice. Running on the beach is also a great foot massage if you run on the part of the beach that is just a little wet but not rock hard yet. My pet peeve is when people run with sneakers on the beach. I mean what?s the point?
- Ageless Beauty
The salt water is fantastic for the skin so don't hesitate to take a dip. The skin is strengthened and freed from any accumulation of impurities. Saltwater has adequate salt content that has proven anti-bacterial qualities. Other than that, the warm temperature in the sea helps thoroughly cleanse the skin.
- Nature's Highlights
Why go and get your hair fried with deadly die that is terrible for the planet as well when you can depend on the sun to do it for you? If your blond hair gets a little dark in the winter, step outside and before long your hair will lighten up naturally. If you want to be aggressive about it, spray a little lemon juice in your hair.
- Tight Abs, Bum, and Ripped Arms
If you're looking to get fit in short order, taking up surfing could be the way to go. If you're headed to the beach for a week you won't be ripped by the end of it or anything, but I can think of no better workout than surfing. Paddling in and out for a few hours is likely the best way to get in shape. It also works with balance, stamina, and cardio health. Give it a try.
- Golden Glow
I've said it before and I'll say it again, pile on the sunscreen. Really there is no better way to add wrinkles (not to mention the threat of skin cancer) to your skin than by not wearing enough sunscreen. In order to acquire that warm summer glow that you'll pay tons of money for in the form of pricey bronzers, get a gradual tan. Roasting just ain't pretty. Wear organic sunscreens with really high SPF (I wear 30 and 40 most of the time).
More on Beaches:
How to Go Green: Outdoor Sports
How to Go Green: Workouts
What's Your Oceans IQ?
Chill Out on Dubious Dubai's First Refrigerated Beach
Great Ideas: Beach Cleanup
Leaky Sewage Pipe Shuts Down Tel Aviv's Beaches for a Month
Got a tip or a post idea for us to write about on Planet Green? Email pgtips (at) treehugger (dot) com.
