I learned to plant and save coral during a trip to Cozumel in September 2018. Saving and replanting coral is more important now than ever as our oceans warm, chemicals from sunscreens abound, and acidification continues to threaten our ecosystems. I now have a Coral Reef Conservation Specialty from PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), and I am ready to travel to help save our reefs! [Read more…] about How I Learned to Plant and Save Our Coral in Cozumel!
Is Your Sunscreen Contributing to the Death of our Coral Reefs?
Your sunscreen is contributing to the death of our coral reefs if you are using sunscreens with Benzophenone-3 AKA Oxybenzone. Almost all “name brand” sunscreens (the usual suspects) include this chemical. It is great at reducing UV exposure, but it is classified by the FDA to be an eye irritant and slightly hazardous for skin contact! Yep, your sunscreen is hazardous to your skin because of the chemicals in it. (www.spectrumchemical.com)
The US Center for Disease Control (CDC), says that 97 percent of Americans have this chemical circulating in their bodies. 97%! Benzophenone-3, or Oxybenzone, is also listed as a direct cause of coral bleaching. Do you really want that chemical on your skin and IN your body? Or on your child or baby? I hope the answer to that is a resounding NO. Check the labels, folks! Avobenzone is used in replace of Oxybenzone, but don’t be fooled, it is still a benzophenone. They often use different names and slightly different benzophenones to make you think the sunscreen doesn’t have it. Homosalate is another common sunscreen ingredient that, for health reasons, is limited to less than 10% in a formula by the FDA. Why? Because it bio-accumulates in the body faster than it can be eliminated and is considered a hormone disrupter. That’s what we all need, a hormone disrupter! Check the ingredients of your sunscreen. Stream2Sea has a card you can print out at https://stream2sea.com/ingredients-to-avoid. Almost all of the “name” sunscreens are filled with chemicals.
I have a couple of recommendations for safe, non toxic sunscreens for you to purchase, both well rated by the EWG. A super great source is the SkinStore, they have organic, chemical free, cruelty free and lots more! Safer for you and your children, and safer for the environment!
- KISS MY FACE organics. The EWG (Environmental Working Group) gives KISS MY FACE organics a high rating for sun protection and health. I have used KISS MY FACE quite often, and have found it to be an excellent product. It comes in sprays and lotions and is mineral based. I highly recommend it! You can find it at Amazon. https://amzn.to/2KC6G30
- STREAM2SEA products are also highly rated, and their website is full of great information. (https://stream2sea.com) They are chemical free and mineral based.
