By Jessica Ferrigno

The official start of summer is right around the corner and that means beach trips, long hikes and picnicking under the sun. But before you go outdoors, make sure you have all cruelty-free hot weather essentials.

1. Bathing Suits
Cheap fashion hits the stores quickly nowadays and while that may be a convenience, it’s also a problem for the environment – the fashion industry has become the second most polluting industry in the world. Every year about 70 million barrels of crude oil are used to make clothing fiber, including spandex and nylon bathing suits. Manakai Swimwear, a Hawaii-based sustainable swimwear company, uses nylon scraps from other companies and nylon found in the sea from fishnets to make 100 percent regenerated nylon swimsuits.

2. Sunglasses
Sunglasses are too often made with animal byproducts or products that hurt the Earth. Velo Sunglasses is an ethical, vegan brand that creates handmade sunglasses without leather or animal glue. The company also donates to animal shelters for each pair sold.

3. Sunscreen
Finding completely sustainable and vegan sunscreen products can be tough, but it is doable. Dirty Hippie Cosmetics is an Etsy brand that produces handmade, organic, sustainable, cruelty-free, palm oil-free vegan friendly cosmetics that are packaged in recycled paper, tins and glass bottles.

4. Flip-flops/Sandals
A lot of companies have vegan shoes lines like Sanuk, but it is best to support entirely vegan brands. Vegan Chic is 100 percent vegan company that markets boots, dress shoes, flats, heels, pumps, sandals, sneakers and wedges for both men and women. You can also find handbags, wallets and belts on its website.

5. Beach bags/ Totes
Beach bags are not typically made using animal products so vegan beach bags and totes can be found in many stores. Friends of Animals has its own line of fashionable totes and lunch bags. Take a look here and show your support for Friends of Animals.

Jessica Ferrigno, a journalism major at Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, is a Friends of Animals summer intern.