Summer Blues, Sunset Brews

Yesterday, J and took a walk along Ocean Beach and through the Sutro ruins, and eventually ended up at Sunset Reservoir Brewing Company for an afternoon pint. Along the way, we spotted a herd of humpback whales – close to shore, spouting and splashing, and nothing short of magical. It may still be too cold to swim, but I'm dreaming of summer and salty air, and maybe a surf lesson or two.

Naturally, this requires a roundup of ethical beach essentials:

1. Mountain Ocean soap/ Vegetable-based and coconut-scented; I live by this stuff / Available online at Individual Medley (although I've found it for much cheaper at my local health foods store)

2. Etnia Barcelona sunglasses / Eco-friendly frames made from from pulverized cotton / Ethica

3. Peace towel / 100% cotton, made in the USA / Mollusk Surf Shop

4. Faye Racerback one-piece / Made from recycled plastic bottles (PET) / by Naja, an underwear and swim line that's all about empowering women

5.  Jao lip balm / "Specially formulated for lip balm snobs" / Of course.

6. The Palatines Terra Cotta Slide sandal / Handmade in Los Angeles / Of a Kind

7. Aloha to Zen "Locals Only" pillow / A hand-embroidered dose of regional pride / Mollusk Surf Shop