So, recently Hawaii signed a bill that bans different sunscreens. But, why? Isn't sunscreen supposed to protect us? Well, it does protect us. But they banned the selling of sunscreens because most of them are actually extremely damaging to the environment. In particular, our coral reef systems.
Most commercial sunscreens contain a chemical called oxybenzone and they use it as their active ingredient. It's a chemical filter that protects our skin from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. So when you go to the beach, lather up on sunscreen (because nobody wants to get a blistering sunburn) that sunscreen washes off our body and into the ocean. And then we re-apply and the cycle continues. Unfortunately, oxybenzone is also the chemical that is extremely toxic to coral. A recent 2015 study deduced that oxybenzone poses a hazard to the conservation of coral reefs and increases the rate of coral bleaching.
Coral bleaching is caused by a change in living condition, they become stressed and expel their symbiotic algae, which then causes them to turn white. They are then left vulnerable and unprotected.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/national/2017/04/2...
So, why should you care? Well, coral are extremely important to the marine ecosystem. Not only are they absolutely beautiful to look at, but they help protect coastlines from wave action and are a source of nutrients for marine food chains. Who knows what could happen if we didn't have coral reefs in the ocean.
Humans are the most intelligent beings on the planet, but we don't deserve that title if we can't even treat the world the way it deserves to be treated. This is our home, and our home deserves to be treated with respect.
And this isn't to say sunscreen is the sole cause of coral bleaching, because global warming has an even larger impact. However, a little change goes a long way and this change is an easy one. We as individuals can change our actions and use sunscreen that is safer for our reef systems, as there are plenty of alternatives that can be used.
For example, the brand Thinksport Sunscreen contains ingredients that protect you from the sun and are biodegradable and safe for the environment. Reef safe sunscreen is on the rise, and hopefully, in the future, toxic chemicals will be completely replaced with environmentally friendly options.
We need to understand that the more conscientious we are, the more positive our influence is on the world. Pay attention to the ingredients we are putting on and in our body, as well as the ingredients we are putting out into the world. It will be better for everyone in the end.
