Sunscreen is an important part of preventative healthcare. But, while we might not think of it when enjoying some time in the ocean, sunscreen can wash off of your skin and into the water where it can affect marine life. Several common ingredients in sunscreens like oxybenzone and octinoxate have been shown to disrupt and bleach coral reefs.
So if you’re planning on taking a dip, you might want to consider using a sunscreen that doesn’t contain ingredients that are harmful to the environment. We have plenty of sunscreens available that are specially formulated to be reef safe while still protecting you from the harmful rays of the sun.
What are the benefits?
If you’re someone who’s been using sunscreen without much thought about ingredients, you might be wondering why you should make an effort to find and use environmentally friendly brands.
Well, the biggest benefit is that you’re playing a small part in saving the delicate ecosystem that houses coral reefs. While the task of saving the oceans is far too big for any one person to tackle, a lot of people making small changes can make a serious impact.
Coral reefs around the world are dying at a rapid rate – studies have shown that about half of the coral in the Great Barrier Reef died over a two-year period between 2016 to 2018. And while there are many factors contributing to this, water pollution is one of the main causes.
Even if you don’t plan on swimming in the ocean, you should still consider picking out a reef safe sunscreen the next time you make a purchase. When you wash it off at the end of the day in a sink or in the shower, the residue can still make its way into the water and affect marine life there.