Sailing in the BVI’s - creating a green holiday

In preparing for an upcoming sailing trip to the BVI’s this spring (which I daydream most everyday), I mentally pack my backpack with all my sailing gear, bathing suits and snorkel gear. Really what else do you need? I visit my favorite forums detailing the minutia of traveling to and sailing in the beautiful waters of the British Virgin Islands. There is an amazing amount of advice on all things travel in these forums, but since my focus is creating a green sailing holiday I peruse forums with this intent. Although I am staying at eco-friendly lodging while traveling and paying for flight offsets, I am surprised to find no-one addressing healthy body care products.

At home I refrain from chemicals and fragrances in any cleaning and body care products. It’s a little more difficult when we travel because often what is available is unknown until we arrive. I know where to buy organic and natural products in my home town but carrying 3oz of shampoo for two weeks is woefully inadequate for my long locks and so I must consider checking in at least one bag to bring my own products. It would be easy to keep it simple and buy what is in stores in Tortola and support the local economy.

I might consider buying local traditional products but for the reef systems that I will be snorkeling in while covered in sunscreen, and the showers on deck every 3 days or so. The average shampoos, soap, sunscreen and moisturizer contain sulfates that damage the reef systems that I consider one of the most beautiful living things in the world. Most body care products also contain non-biodegradable ingredients that enter the water, the fish and plants and eventually my body. I don’t really want to eat chemical laden shampoo with my seafood.

So, walking the talk means buying reef friendly, organic sunscreens. Bringing organic soaps and lotions and paying the price at the baggage counter to have a green holiday seems the only choice. Enjoying our natural world inspires me to take responsibility for its health and longevity even at the expense of connivence and my pocketbook. It’s a new way to think. Not just the initial expense of a holiday, but the price to make it green. It’s just another way of loving the ocean.

I’ve created a section on my site GoGreenSailor.com with detailed information about healthy body care products.