**This blog post was updated on June 20, 2022.**
Topsail Island currently has some of the cleanest beaches and waters in the world. We think it's really important to keep it that way. And guess what? It can actually be easy and fun. You already know some of the more obvious ways to take care of our beaches (and world in general, even when you are back home) ... like doing your best to recycle, reduce the use of plastic, avoid single-use plastics, refrain from releasing balloons into the atmosphere, and consolidate your errands to reduce gas consumption.
Taking care of our environment is a priority for us at Ward Realty. Here we would like to highlight a few beach-specific ideas to reduce your carbon footprint while having a blast on your vacation.
Participate in a beach cleanup - Every Monday!
Want to hang out with a bunch of fun surfers, go for a beautiful walk and do some good? Join up with an awesome local group, The Topsail Island Longboarder Association, for a weekly beach cleanup stroll. This would be especially perfect if you have some energetic little ones who like to rise with the sun. Not only do you get them out of the house for some early morning exercise, but you are setting a GREAT example. Every kid loves a treasure hunt ... bring a second bag for the first seashell haul of the morning.
The group starts their Monday beach cleanups in April. They normally walk about a mile north and south of the Surf City pier which takes about an hour. Anyone that would like to participate can just show up!
When: Every Monday morning at 7:00 am
Where: Meet at the Roland Ave beach access in Surf City (right beside the welcome center).
What to bring: There are normally enough buckets and scoopers for all, but you're welcome to bring your own buckets or bags.
Try "Plogging"
Invented by a Swedish-American runner in 2016, "plogging" combines your daily jog with some earth-friendly activity in the form of trash cleanup!
All you need is a garbage bag (and maybe some plastic gloves) and you are off. As you go about your run, jog, or walk, pick up any trash you see. Another bonus: you will get some added oomph to your workout because of the extra bending and grabbing.
Grab some friends and give it a try.
Beach + Exercise + Good Deed = FUN
Buy locally caught fish
I mean... yum, right? This is a total win-win! By purchasing locally caught fish and seafood, you get the freshest and most delicious product, often caught that morning. The commercial fishing industry is rife with complaints about huge nets and lines being left in our oceans which, in turn, hurt our marine life, By buying local, it’s more likely that you are supporting a fishing industry that operates on a smaller scale without the huge environmental impact.
Support Ocean-Friendly Establishments
Straws don't seem like a big deal in the grand scheme of things, do they? Straws are small, and some news outlets have even suggested that cutting them out of our dining experience won't even make a difference. But think about how many straws are used every day across our nation. They really add up!
Small changes matter, and that is why The Plastic Ocean Project has designated several local restaurants as "Ocean Friendly". These restaurants have chosen to only serve straws upon request in an effort to cut down on plastic waste. This small step is just part of what makes an establishment "Ocean Friendly". There are a ton of Ocean Friendly Establishments in Eastern North Carolina, including the Shuckin' Shack in Surf City.
The "Ocean Friendly Establishment" (OFE) is a community-based certification earned by businesses that reduce their plastic waste and seek out sustainable options in serving their community. Ward Realty is currently undergoing the certification for the OFE program! This initiative, started locally on the east coast of North Carolina, has spread all over NC, throughout the east coast, and as far west as Oregon. Be sure to check out the "Businesses" tab on their website to see a list of businesses that are currently OFE certified. Scroll down to view their "Topsail Area" list.
Stay off the dunes
Did you know that sea turtles and birds often use our delicate dunes as nesting areas?
In order to restore our shoreline after Hurricane Florence, some areas of Topsail Island are undergoing Beach Nourishment and Dune Repair. These are a part of our newly repaired dune system, and as tempting as it might be to climb and play on the new dunes, please stay off.
It is also important to remember that Sea Oats and other dune vegetation helps to hold the sand in place and prevent sand erosion. Walking on or over the dune can damage this vegetation and its root system.
Only using the public or private stairs and walkways to cross onto the beach strand is important not only because these dunes are our only line of protection for our island, there is also an ordinance against dune destruction in Surf City, Topsail Beach and North Topsail Beach. The fine is $500 per incident, if cited, and who wants that?
Rent a bike
Love to grab a coffee at the local shop but it's on the other side of the island from your vacation rental? Want to take the family out for ice cream after dinner but it's just a little too far to walk? Try renting some bikes!
Rather than piling into the SUV over and over for quick little island trips, you can ride a bike and get much more out of the experience. A bike is the zero-emission choice for fun, exercise and transportation. And, Topsail Island is a great place to ride, with fairly flat terrain and plenty of bike-friendly roads (even USA Today thinks so).
We have several rental companies here on Topsail Island that can hook you up with everything you need:
Herring's Outdoor Sports - Beach Cruisers and 3-Speed bikes available
50 South - Bike rentals starting at $5.00 an hour!
Topsail Island Beach Service - Adult and kid bikes galore
On Shore Surf Shop - Bikes, surfboards, kayaks and more
Make Plans for Ocean Fest
October 7-8, 2022
Ocean Fest in an annual event to share a love for the ocean, to celebrate the pure joy of surfing, and to give something back to the movement to product our oceans. This ocean-friendly event strives to educate the community about ecological threats that exist for our precious marine environments and teach ways we all can better protect those environments.
Mark your calendar for Ocean Fest, happing October 7-8, 2022. You can look forward to adaptive surf experiences, a 5K, educational opportunities, volunteer opportunities, a beer garden, a music festival, and various vendors.
Why do you choose the beach for your vacation? Study after study has shown that a coastal view has some amazing restorative possibilities. Being near the water gives us a sense of perspective, hope, and calm. But studies have also shown that we become distressed if we see trash and litter in this pristine, natural environment. That's a big reason it's so important to keep it clean and pristine. We take this very seriously. As stated in this article by the Washington Post, tourism suffers when the environment does. We love our tourists, and we love our beaches.
Minimize your footprint at home, at the beach, in your Topsail Island vacation rental and teach your family to do the same. Every little bit makes a difference. And thank you!
