Summary
Recently, we had the opportunity to visit a region of the UK we had yet to explore—the historic city of Newcastle. The thought of traveling to Newcastle evokes various associations—celebrated nightlife (thanks to Geordie Shore), a remarkable city to discover, the iconic Angel of the North, and a landscape dotted with numerous bridges. However, the idea of visiting a beach in Newcastle is not the first notion that typically comes to mind. In the British context, beaches are more commonly linked with southern locations such as Cornwall and Brighton, or even more secluded areas like the Isles of Scilly.
Nonetheless, we made our way north from London for a trip to the beach. This was not merely an ordinary day at the beach; sure, we enjoyed some relaxing moments (enhanced by a bit of wine), but our visit was primarily to partake in World Beach Rescue Day, an initiative organized by Barefoot Wine & Bubbly.
The fundamental purpose of this initiative is straightforward: to maintain our beaches as ‘Barefoot-friendly’ and to ‘leave only footprints.’ This philosophy underscores the essence of enjoying a beach, in my perspective. Over the past nine years, this project has been actively promoting beach cleanliness across the UK, in collaboration with Surfers Against Sewage, and internationally for a decade in partnership with the Surfrider Foundation.
To commemorate this milestone, this year marks the inaugural official World Beach Rescue Day, with participation from over 11 countries worldwide—Australia, South Korea, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and the United States, to name a few.
In Newcastle, we explored Whitley Bay, a long stretch of sandy beaches framed by the city’s backdrop, a charming lighthouse, and moss-covered rocks. Upon arrival, I thought, “This is a remarkably clean beach; there cannot be much that needs cleaning here, unless you consider seaweed as trash.” Surprisingly, our collective efforts (involving not just two of us) yielded over 150 kg of waste that required removal from the beach, including a tyre, a rusty iron rod (likely an old railway sleeper), and even an old lobster cage, all gathered within a mere two hours.
We had an enjoyable experience (more enjoyable than one might assume while engaging in beach cleanup), made several new acquaintances, and concluded the day’s activities with refreshing servings of Barefoot wine (in plastic cups, which we responsibly took along to recycle). As a personal preference, I tend to favor white and rosé wines, so naturally I had to sample a few to finalize my choice, strictly for investigative purposes. Ultimately, the combination of wine and a day spent at the beach proved to be a delightful pairing!
To summarize, here are 10 effective ways to contribute positively during your travels:
1.) Be conscious of your resource usage. This includes resources such as electricity, water, and heating. While traveling, being mindful of these resources and switching them off when not needed is essential—waste is unwarranted and benefits no one.
2.) Offer your time as a volunteer—especially engaging in activities you enjoy. Participating in enjoyable volunteer work benefits both you and the community.
3.) When you encounter litter in places it shouldn’t be, take action to dispose of it properly—in the bin or in recycling. Although it’s not personally your fault or direct responsibility, such minor actions performed collectively can lead to significant change.
4.) Adhere to the principle of ‘leave only footprints, take only memories.’ This may sound somewhat clichéd, yet it is highly pertinent when it comes to travel. The goal is to relish in your visit while leaving locations in a condition equal to, or better than, how you found them.
5.) Whenever possible, support local businesses. This does not imply purchasing perishables left in the sun, as standard travel sense applies. However, patronizing local enterprises actively boosts the economies of destinations, thereby fostering stronger communities.
6.) Display respect. It may be simple, yet many negative impacts tourists have stem from a lack of respect—whether for the environment, local customs, or the community. Recognizing that you are visiting someone else’s home generally leads to more favorable outcomes.
7.) Stay informed. Knowledge is vital to help avoid tourism traps harmful to destinations. For example, one should never disturb wildlife simply for a photograph; pre-research can help ensure your activities have a positive effect on the places you visit.
8.) Immerse yourself in local culture. This symbiotic relationship benefits both the traveler, who enjoys a richer experience, and the communities, which benefit from cultural appreciation.
9.) Disseminate knowledge. This complements traditional immersion. Seek knowledge when traveling and be eager to share what you learn, which often stimulates interest and encourages the influx of conscientious travelers.
10.) Contribute financial support when possible. This can be a direct and impactful means to assist the places you visit that may require it more urgently, enhancing the overall experience.
