Headed to the Beach?

by Sara Grunberg

March 3

Sunscreen may seem like a simple beach-day essential, but the ingredients in some sunscreens have been linked to significant environmental damage. A few common chemicals used in sunscreens, particularly oxybenzone and octinoxate, are known to cause harm to coral reefs and marine life. These chemicals can wash off your skin and enter the water, where they contribute to coral bleaching, disrupt the development of marine organisms, and even poison sea creatures. In fact, it’s estimated that over 14,000 tons of sunscreen end up in the world’s oceans every year—enough to cause significant harm to delicate ecosystems.

Coral bleaching occurs when coral polyps expel the algae (zooxanthellae) that live inside them. These algae are crucial because they provide corals with food and their vibrant color. Stressors like elevated water temperatures and harmful chemicals can trigger this bleaching process, which can lead to coral death if the stress is prolonged.

But hold on! Not all sunscreens are bad for the environment. Let’s dive into the good stuff and talk about how you can protect your skin without compromising the health of our oceans. Protect your skin AND the ocean with environmentally acceptable sunscreen.

So, what makes a sunscreen reef-safe? It’s all about the ingredients. Reef-safe sunscreens are those that avoid using harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate. Instead, they often use natural, mineral-based ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which act as physical blockers by sitting on top of your skin and reflecting UV rays.

Mineral sunscreens are considered safer for coral reefs because they don’t dissolve in the water like chemical sunscreens do. Instead of being absorbed into the water and impacting marine life, they stay on your skin, providing you with a protective shield against harmful UV rays without harming the ocean. While mineral sunscreens are considered much safer for the environment, it’s important to note that even these should be used sparingly and responsibly.

                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Eco-Friendly Sunbathing Tips

While sunscreen is an essential part of sun protection, you can go a step further in minimizing your environmental impact by following a few more eco-friendly tips:

You might be thinking, “Dilution is the solution! How much damage can my little bottle really cause?” Plenty. Sunscreens are banned in coral-reef protected areas precisely because the ingredients in them are so toxic to the ocean life.

It’s not just about being eco-conscious for the sake of it; it’s about protecting the very environment we love to enjoy. Coral reefs are some of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet, providing habitat for thousands of species and protecting coastlines from storm surges and erosion. By choosing a sunscreen that won’t harm them, you’re playing a part in preserving these critical habitats.