It's the summer season again! We all know what this means! Sand, sun, sea and surf! Locals will again groan in annoyance as tourists fill their beaches. More people will make travel plans to the world's best shores. Expect more Americans relaxing in the Caribbean. Yep, just another summer for all of us.

This summer, however, I've decided to make a little different. I've decided to take my friends on an eco-friendly beach trip. It's kind of like a normal beach trip, but more environment-friendly like. But I would need guidelines. These are the tips I came up with so that this summer, you won't be like those people who litter on the beach without a care.

1. Don't take anything! I know the urge to keep that beautiful shell is overwhelming, but maybe it's better if you leave it there as it is. I confess that I'm guilty of this. This has the added benefit of avoiding anything stinging or pinching you! I remember the last time I tried to catch a crab in a beach. I can barely remember it, but there was pain and screaming, and at the end, no crab. Just really sore fingers, and other parts I won't mention. Sea urchins? I never want to touch one. If you absolutely have to take something, make do with a photo.

2. Don't leave anything! It's easy to forget cleaning up your mess when you're having such a good time, but remember, this isn't a house party. This is nature. Trash drifts off to sea and can endanger wildlife. Pick up after yourself like your mother always told you! Or have the woman herself along. My mother just loves to tell me to pick up after myself. I learned that at five, thank you mom.

3. Watch the pets. Some of my friends bring their dog to the beach and the furry things always poop all over the place! This, if you're not aware, is a bad thing. Feces can house many forms of bacteria that can be washed out to sea and straight in your mouth. Take a moment to consider (and purge from your mind) that mental image. If you're bringing an animal, look out for their droppings and clean them. Plus, spreading poop around ruins the view. Try to keep them away from the water, too. If they pee in it, it won't be good for you or any of the people around you.

4. Sail slow. Motorboats are fast, but eat fuel and release harmful gases into the air. If you want to go out to sea, why not use a sailboat? Try not to use that backup motor and just use the ocean breeze to get you where you want to go. To me, drifting along the waves is very relaxing instead of speeding along it.

Whew! I know it will be a pain to get them to follow, but I'll do my best. What eco-friendly tips are you practicing this summertime? Tell me so I can have one more over their heads. Hehehe.