When you are traveling to a beach in an exotic location it is very tempting to collect some of the seashells. Afterall, who doesn’t want a free souvenir to take home. However, there is an ecofriendly way to do so. Here’s the right way to collect seashells.
Don’t Take Shells With Anything In Them
Many animals use shells as their habitat. Before taking a shell home, thoroughly check it to make sure that there’s nothing alive in it. Taking a shell that has an animal in it is actually illegal in some states. It’s very easy to spot a live animal in a shell. You may need to dip it in the saltwater first to remove any sand in order to get a good look at it. If you spot anything moving around inside of the shell it’s best to leave it and choose a different one that isn’t occupied.
Limit What You Take
It’s not uncommon for a tourist to want to take shells home with them. If you must do so, limit the amount of shells you take to just 1 or 2. You don’t need to bring a whole handful of shells home. Chances are you will just misplace them and they would have been better off being left on the beach. Instead, just pick 1-2 of your favorites to take home with you as a souvenir.
Consider Shells Other Than Spiral Ones
Sure, spiral shells are beautiful, but they are actually the home to hermit crabs. While you may see a shell that’s so unique that you really want to take it home, reconsider doing so. Leave these shells for the hermit crabs and pick another shell to keep as a souvenir.
Take Pictures Instead
If you are looking for a better alternative to taking shells home, consider taking photos of them. Once you go home you can blow these pictures up and use them as beautiful artwork. If you’re feeling creative, spell out words with some of the shells you find. Not sure what words to spell out? Consider the words “love”, “hope” or even someone’s name.
In conclusion, taking home shells from your vacation isn’t a bad thing. However, you should do so responsibly. By following the above tips you can rest assured that you will leave your destination just as it was when you first visited it.
