Walk down the boardwalk to the beach, through sandy grasslands, roped off to protect wildlife habitats on either side. The seascape stretches in a crescent swoop as far as the eye can see, but the palette—warm sand, sea grass green, deep sea blue, sand-dollar white—is what inspires us the most.
ECO-SWIMSUIT
Made from recycled materials, this bikini is sexy and sustainable. Eco Swim by Aqua Green hires a full-time sustainability director and organizes ocean and beach cleanups. Eco Swim Eco Tropical Bikini, $122; ecoswim.com/stores
A WHALE TALE
This lightweight 100 percent linen shawl is inspired by whale-watching, a time-honored tradition in Maine. It measures 40” x 80” and is hand silk-screened using AZO-free dyes. Thomas Paul Baleen Wrap, $132; shopthomaspaul.com
SUPER-GREEN SHADES
These chic shades are also earth-friendly: made from material derived from castor-oil seeds, the case comes from repurposed leather scraps, and sales support The Nature Conservancy’s “Plant a Billion Trees” campaign, which helps protect the world’s rainforests. Marc by Marc Jacobs MMJ 261s Sunglasses, $139.95; go-optic.com
BEACH BAGS
Cart your gear to the water’s edge in this handmade bag crafted from recycled sails. This Portland-based company also sponsored the U.S. Women’s Olympic Sailing Team. $130; seabags.com
BEACH-READY BEADS
Layer up colorful glass bead bracelets handcrafted by Maasai tribal women and support economic opportunities for women in the Rift Valley in Kenya. Leakey Collection Zulugrass Single Strand Beads, $21.95; leakeycollection.com
STERLING SEA CREATURES
Jewelry designer Lynn Cobb created these recycled silver pendants, exact replicas of original skeletons she found while “cruising shell shops and tide pools.” The sea urchin has a garnet in the center. $185; etsy.com/shop/lynncobb
NAUTICAL STRIPES
Lush and luxurious, these organic cotton beach towels come in red, blue or yellow stripes. A 40” x 70” size makes them perfect for cozy laying out or wrapping up. Kassatex Spiaggia Organic Cabana Beach Towels; $45, available at Neiman Marcus.
CHAIN LINKS
Hand-crafted “vegetable ivory” Tagua nut earrings from the Ecuadorian rainforest support artists living in impoverished communities. Andean Collection Sunshine Tagua Link Earrings, $29; theandeancollection.com
SEA BLUE BEADS
The açaí seed beads in this wrap bracelet are hand-dyed and harvested from the Ecuadorian rainforest floor.
Andean Collection Açai Cuff Bracelet, $48; theandeancollection.com
ECO FLIP-FLOPS
Made in Brazil from rubber harvested sustainably in support of rainforest preservation, these flip-flops come in gold and silver. Planet Flops, $28; planetflops.com
FEET ON DECK
Navigate slippery decks, docks and rocks in easy on, easy off vegan summer shoes with velcro straps, memory-foam foot bed and non-slip recycled rubber outsole. Jambu Water Diva, $99; planetshoes.com, coupons available here
SURFER MOMENT
Based in Malibu, it’s no wonder these designs are surfer-inspired. This hoodie is made from 100% recycled cotton fleece, in blue, white and cream. SurfMonk cotton fleece hoodie, $125, surfmonk.com