I’m a self-confessed Thalassophile, a person who just adores the beach and loves to be near the ocean.
Every break I get from work, I would spend it on the beach – just walking on the shore, lying on the sand and toasting my being for that sun-kissed glow, playing with the waves, and just sitting and drinking beer while taking the scenery in.
Standing at the shore, with sand between my toes, I would always feel peace and happiness enveloping me. With my hair dripping wet, my skin feeling warm from the sun, and my body soaked in salt, I’m one with nature and at peace with myself, like everything happening in my life would resolve on its own and things would be okay.
I often hear people go on and on about why we love the beach, and there’s a science behind this.
In an interview, marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols believes that human beings have a “blue mind” which is a mildly meditative state where we feel calm, at peace, and happy. This state is often triggered when we are in or near water.
“Our brains are hardwired to react positively to water. Being near it can calm and connect us, increase innovation and insight, and even heal what’s broken. We have a blue mind, and it’s perfectly tailored to make us happy in all sorts of ways that go way beyond relaxing in the surf, listening to the murmur of a stream, or floating quietly in a pool,” shared Nichols.
In a research on the types of noise that humans find pleasant and relaxing, and what types are considered noxious and stress-inducing, scientists found out that ocean sounds decrease stress hormone cortisol levels, while traffic and airplane noise prompts the body to release more stress hormones.
Jordan Grafman, Ph.D., director of brain-injury research at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, notes contemplating the ocean’s infinitude helps people reflect and can lead to calmness or excitement — things that we know improve our mood.
There are also studies explaining how ocean waves generate negative ions or charged air particles that have been linked to mental energy and emotional well-being.
“The ocean is where life on Earth originated. Marine phytoplankton provide half of all the oxygen we breathe. The earth is 71 percent ocean water, compared to 60-80 percent of the human body—a similar density that allows us (some of us, anyway) to float. The ocean contains sodium chloride and other minerals necessary for survival. It makes sense that we would feel at home in, on, and near the water,” said Catherine Schmitt, author of A Coastal Companion: A Year in the Gulf of Maine from Cape Cod to Canada.
If there’s something that disturbs my serene time on the beach, it would be seeing pieces of garbage floating on the water or lying on the sand. Most of the time, I would end up picking them up and stuffing the garbage in my bag.
I hope people will learn how to properly throw their garbage and not be trash. I’m pretty sure we’ve all learned proper disposal of garbage during our kindergarten days. But I don’t know why we forget.
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Speaking of cleaning the beach, Jemina Ty, a young Filipina entrepreneur behind the swimwear brand Blackbough, organized a beach cleanup campaign to protect Siargao Island and raise awareness among locals and tourists alike.
“By 2050, there’s a good chance that we’ll see more plastic in the ocean than fish. That’s why through this initiative, we hope to create a chain reaction and encourage people to be more mindful of their actions and to make choices that nurture the environment,” said Ty.
Knowing this, Ty embarked on a mission to do her part to protect and conserve our waters, starting in Siargao.
With its pristine islands, stunning white sand beaches, and sprawling coconut fields, Siargao Island has captivated beach-lovers and adventure-seekers from all over the world. However, this idyllic destination in the southeastern region of the Philippines is facing threats due to plastic pollution and environmental degradation.
Ty and her team recently organized a coastal cleanup activity in Siargao Island in collaboration with the local community as part of Blackbough’s Clean Beach Campaign. Additionally, they launched a global fundraiser campaign dedicated to ocean conservation, dubbed “Donate to Clean our Coasts,” in which Blackbough pledged to match the cumulative donations made.
The company is committed to reducing its environmental footprint by using recycled nylon, investing in ethical factories, repurposing scrap fabrics to accessories, and incorporating recyclable and reusable packaging options.
“At Blackbough, we believe that every journey towards sustainability begins with a single step. Leveraging Blackbough’s global presence, we aim to showcase the beauty of our Philippine islands and the importance of taking care of them.”
The beach cleanup event took place at Malinao Beach, General Luna drawing over a hundred volunteers from diverse backgrounds, including tourists, locals, and stakeholders. Their collective effort resulted in the removal of 100 sacks of plastic waste and debris, offering participants a firsthand perspective on the detrimental effects of pollution on the island.
“Siargao is not just a location for us; it’s also home to many of our amazing team members. I recognize that it’s my responsibility to contribute positively to the communities and societies where we operate,” said Ty.
Beyond cleaning up the beach, Blackbough’s campaign is a call to arms for travelers, environmental enthusiasts, and conscious consumers to begin their sustainability journey. Siargao Island is just the starting point for Blackbough’s beach cleanup initiatives, marking the launch of their Clean Beach Campaign, a series of beach cleanup activities in collaboration with various local communities across the Philippine islands as part of Blackbough’s advocacy for sustainability and environmental protection.
Ty believes in being proactive when it comes to addressing environmental issues. Ty emphasized, “I think that we should not wait for our beaches to reach a critical level of degradation before we act. We hope for everyone’s support as we pursue our mission to protect the country’s beaches. Together, we can make a lasting impact and inspire others to join us on this journey.”
To learn more about Blackbough’s fundraising initiative, please visit https://blackboughswim.com/pages/our-commitment.