Your sun protection could be damaging coral reefs. Here’s what you can do about it.
ADVERTISING
Sun protection is essential to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, both on vacation and at home. But while he protects you,harms the environment around you?
If you’ve ever soaped up and then gone into the sea, the answer is probably “yes.”
Many of the chemical substances that sunscreens contain are especially harmful to coral reefs and ocean life. According to the US National Park Service, it is estimated that more than 5,000 tons of sunscreen are washed away by bathers to the oceans around the world.
If this figure is expanded to all waterways, including rivers and lakes, is close to 13,000 tons, according to estimates by the American Chemical Society. This amount comes from both beachgoers and wastewater, underscoring the importance of avoiding chemical-laden sunscreens even when you’re not at the beach.
The “reef-friendly” sunscreens They promise to help solve this problem. What are they and do they really work?
How can sunscreen damage coral reefs?
Certain chemical substances present in sunscreens, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, have been discovered in the waters surrounding delicate coral reefs, popular for swimming and diving.
Research shows that these contaminants are toxic to coral, with the potential to harm their health and reproduction and contribute to coral bleaching. This threatens the resilience of coral reefs, which are already endangered due to climate change-induced marine heatwaves.
Why is a problem?
The Coral reefs They are vital to the underwater ecosystem, providing food and shelter to around a quarter of all marine life.
They also provide natural protection of coastal areas by cushioning the waves that hit the shore, and are an important source of income for many communities that depend on them for food and recreation.
The chemicals in sunscreens also can prevent algae growth and impair the immunity and reproduction of fish and other marine animals.
What is a “reef friendly” sunscreen?
The term “reef friendly” is used for sunscreens that omit certain chemical substances harmful. But since the term is not regulated, its application varies.
What is widely accepted is that certain molecules in sunscreen are harmful to reefs. Proof of this are destinations with delicate marine ecosystems – such as Hawaii and Thailand – that prohibit or restrict products containing certain ingredients.
Therefore, when purchasing a reef-safe sunscreenyou have to look for products that do not include the following:
- Oxybenzone
- Octinoxate
- Octocrylene
- 4-methylbenzylidene camphor
- OD-PABA
- Parabens
- Triclosan
Sunscreens that contain small minerals known as nanoparticles -normally used in spray products- can also be toxic. Therefore, you should opt for “micro-sized” or “non-nano” mineral sunscreens. Products with exfoliating beads should also be avoided, as they contain microplastics that can crawl into the ocean.
Instead, look for mineral products that use zinc oxide either titanium dioxide non-nano as active ingredients, which are considered less harmful to marine life. Sometimes these products can leave a white color on the skin when applied, but it is a small price to pay for Protect the environment.
To reduce your dependence on sun protection altogether, spend time in the shade or cover yourself with light clothing that protects you from UV rays. And to contribute less to climate change, choose a vacation destination that you can reach by sustainable means of transportation, such as the train.
Read our reviews on Sunscreens natural if you want to find recommended brands.
How to Find the Best Reef-Friendly Sunscreen
The non-profit scientific organization Haereticus Environmental Laboratory issues its own certification for biodegradable and reef-friendly sunscreens, called ‘Protect Land + Sea’.
ADVERTISINGIn its website Eligible products are listed, such as Badger, Odacité, Tropic and Stream2Sea.
Other brands available in Europe are Green People, Pai and UpCircle, although this list is not exhaustive.
