The sparkling blue ocean and the wildlife it contains represent a marvel of nature. At last count, there were almost 250,000 known marine species in existence, but sadly many of them are under threat. Overfishing, pollution and more are causing the sea’s animal population to drop alarmingly, with the coral reefs also being threatened by chemical sunscreens – something that’s causing more and more people to switch to reef safe sunscreen brands (a.k.a. Mineral sunscreens).
Many traditional sunscreen products contain chemicals that harm coral reefs and marine life, making the case for switching to reef-safe products more compelling than ever. Interested in learning more?
Understanding Why Reef Safe Sunscreen Brands Are More Eco-Friendly
Coral reefs are essential to marine biodiversity, as they provide habitats for countless species, as well as protect coastlines from erosion while supporting local economies through tourism and fishing. Unfortunately, coral reefs are highly sensitive to environmental changes, including exposure to chemicals found in many sunscreens and this is where reef safe sunscreen brands come in.
Ingredients such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, common in chemical sunscreens, are toxic to coral reefs. These chemicals can:
- Cause coral bleaching – a process where corals expel the algae that give them their color and energy, leading to weakened and dying reefs.
- Damage the DNA of coral larvae, hindering their growth and reproduction.
- Build up in marine environments, disrupting the ecosystem balance and harming fish, sea urchins, and other marine organisms.
Believe it or not, (According to the National Park Service), a staggering 6,000 tons of sunscreen wash into coral reef areas each year. With so many vacationers visiting tropical destinations annually, the cumulative impact of these chemicals is proving to be devastating.
So, What Makes a Sunscreen Reef-Safe?
The difference between chemical and mineral sunscreens is quite significant. Instead of using the aforementioned chemicals to filter out UV rays, mineral products use naturally occurring compounds like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that sit on the surface of the skin to create a UV barrier.
There are some chemical brands that you’ll see labeled as ‘reef-safe’ or ‘reef-friendly’, but if you opt for a mineral product, you’re pretty much guaranteed to be buying sunscreen that protects you at the same time as being kind to Mother Earth.
A Small Change Can Lead to a Big Impact With Reef Safe Sunscreen Brands
Switching to reef-safe sun protection might seem like a small step from a consumer point of view, but it’s a significant step toward protecting our oceans. While it might take a little time to get used to how mineral sunscreen is applied, the effort is certainly worth it when you consider that future generations get to see coral reefs as they should be – healthy and vibrant.
So, the next time you’re considering your sunscreen options, think about what we’ve spoken about here. The choice can help ensure that coral reefs continue to thrive, supporting marine life and the livelihoods of communities that depend on them.
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