Protect Hawaii's Pristine Waters with Reef Safe Sunscreen

Hawaii's vibrant coral reefs are a natural treasure that we must protect. One way to do so is by using reef safe sunscreen. Oxybenzone and octinoxate, two common sunscreen ingredients, have been found to damage coral reefs and contribute to coral bleaching. To safeguard these fragile ecosystems, here's a comprehensive guide to reef safe sunscreen in Hawaii.

Ingredients to Avoid:

Oxybenzone: This chemical penetrates coral tissues and inhibits their growth and reproduction.

Octinoxate: Similar to oxybenzone, octinoxate disrupts coral development and can lead to coral bleaching.

Tinosorb M: A newer sunscreen ingredient, tinosorb M has also been shown to harm coral reefs.

Ingredients to Look For:

Non-nano Zinc Oxide: This mineral ingredient physically blocks UV rays without penetrating the skin or harming marine life.

Non-nano Titanium Dioxide: Like zinc oxide, non-nano titanium dioxide provides broad-spectrum sun protection without the environmental risks.

Avobenzone: A chemical sunscreen that is still considered reef safe but may cause skin irritation in some individuals.

Recommended Reef Safe Sunscreens:

Here's a table of recommended reef safe sunscreens available in Hawaii:

Stories and Lessons:

Story 1: In 2018, Hawaii became the first state in the US to ban the sale and distribution of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate. This bold step set an example for other states and countries to follow.

Lesson: Governments can play a crucial role in protecting coral reefs by regulating harmful sunscreen ingredients.

Story 2: In 2020, a study published in the journal "Science" found that even low concentrations of oxybenzone and octinoxate can damage coral reefs.

Lesson: It's essential to use reef safe sunscreen, even if you're not swimming or snorkeling. Sunscreen can enter the water from rinsing off or sweating.

Story 3: According to the National Park Service, Hawaii's coral reefs generate over $500 million annually from tourism.

Lesson: Protecting coral reefs not only benefits the environment but also the local economy.

Effective Strategies:

• Choose reef safe sunscreen with non-nano zinc oxide or non-nano titanium dioxide.
• Apply sunscreen liberally and reapply often, especially after swimming or sweating.
• Avoid using sunscreens containing oxybenzone, octinoxate, or tinosorb M.
• Wear protective clothing, such as hats, sunglasses, and long-sleeved shirts.
• Seek shade during peak UV hours (10 am to 4 pm).

Tips and Tricks:

• Read sunscreen labels carefully to ensure they are reef safe.
• Look for the "reef friendly" logo on sunscreen products.
• Consider using reef safe sunscreen sticks or powders.
• Remember that sunscreen is not the only way to protect coral reefs. Other strategies, such as reducing plastic pollution and limiting boat traffic, are also important.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Using sunscreen with oxybenzone or octinoxate.
• Applying sunscreen too infrequently.
• Not reapplying sunscreen after swimming or sweating.
• Thinking that all sunscreens are reef safe.
• Overusing sunscreen and not using other protective measures.

Call to Action:

Join the movement to protect Hawaii's coral reefs by using reef safe sunscreen. Choose products without harmful ingredients, apply sunscreen correctly, and spread the word about the importance of reef conservation. Together, we can ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the beauty and wonder of Hawaii's underwater world.

Additional Information:

Statistics:

• According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coral reefs cover less than 1% of the ocean floor but support over 25% of marine life.
• In Hawaii, over 70% of the coral population has been lost since the 1950s due to various factors, including sunscreen pollution.
• The sunscreen industry is estimated to be worth over $14 billion globally.

Tables:

Table 1: Health Effects of Sunscreen Ingredients

Table 2: Environmental Impact of Sunscreen Ingredients

Table 3: Sunscreen Types and Their Suitability for Coral Reefs