GOING TO THE beach? Bring your bikini, sunblock, shades?and a garbage bag.

An environmental group has advised Boracay-bound vacationers to pack their own garbage, say no to plastic and walk more to save fuel.

In launching its ?Save the Climate, Save Boracay? campaign yesterday, Greenpeace batted for intensive tourist awareness to make the island, one of the country?s top tourist spots, a climate-friendly destination.

The group also called on other vacation-bound tourists to adopt environment-friendly practices.

These include saving energy by switching off and unplugging all electrical appliances when they leave their resort rooms; bringing their own trash bags to reduce waste; avoiding the use of plastic products like bags and straws; and walking more to lessen air pollution and save fuel.

According to a statement from Greenpeace, concerned local groups on the island, like the Boracay Foundation Inc. and the Boracay Yuppies, are supporting the campaign.

?Resorts as well as the local boat cooperative will be displaying project posters about what tourists can do to help reduce trash,? the environmental group said.

Manifesto

?Save the Climate, Save Boracay? was launched in June 2008.

The project was based on a manifesto signed by Boracay?s tourism industry stakeholders. The manifesto promised the adoption of energy efficiency measures and the promotion of renewable energy use as part of the environmental management plans for the island. These measures would be integrated into the construction or expansion of establishments.

The manifesto also provided for regular energy audits and workshops for owners and employees of the establishments to ensure the continuation and replication of successful practices in the areas of energy, water conservation, and ecological waste management.

?Since the project?s launch, Greenpeace has been conducting fora and dialogues with the island?s resorts and tourism groups,? the group said.

Stewards

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said the long vacation break would likely ?see an increase in the volume of garbage brought by the influx of vacationers especially in traditional summer destinations like Boracay and Mount Banahaw.?

Environment Secretary Lito Atienza called on the public to reflect on becoming ?better stewards? of the environment this Holy Week and to join activities like river and beach clean-ups.