Vacation Nation: Take a Break -- and Save Your Planet, Too

Summer's here and the time is right for, well, lots of things. But work is not one of them. So, check out our collection of earth-friendly vacation gear. Each of these products is made from recycled or all-natural materials. All the better for being good while you're being lazy.

Credit: Mark Wagoner

What's worse than a sunburn? A sunburn with mosquito bites. SPF 30 SmartShield sunscreen (eighteen towelettes: $10; 4 oz. tube: $8; FaceStick: $3), with DEET-free natural citrus oils, has you covered. www.smartshield.com [1]

The titanium dioxide in this new SPF 25 sunscreen ($19) blocks both UVA and UVB rays. And no need to drape yourself with seaweed: Out Smart, from Origins, is made with moisturizing seaweed extract. www.origins.com [2]

Lazy Boy flip-flops ($38/$42; black or natural), from the environmentally minded San Diego surfer dudes at Splaff Flopps, are literally road tested -- they're handmade from used bicycle inner tubes and recycled race-car tires. www.splaff.com [3]

These leather flip-flops for women feature natural-rubber treads and recycled-cork cushioning. The Ikebana N114 sandals ($100; beige, blue, brown, olive, orange, red, or white) are made by El Naturalista, in La Rioja, Spain. www.elnaturalista.com [4]

Credit: Mark Wagoner

Going where hot and dry summer can turn chilly and rainy? Start off with Patagonia's comfy hemp shorts ($48; blue, green, or natural), and build up to its fleece pullover ($76; black, light or navy blue, khaki, natural, red, or yellow) and superlight rain jacket ($249; blue, green, or red). www.patagonia.com [5]

Don this lightweight straw Lifeguard Hat($10) from Columbia Sportswear to keep the sun out of your eyes and guard against UV rays -- without becoming a hothead. www.columbia.com [6]