HAWAIIAN REEF SAFE SUNSCREEN SKIN

It will be illegal in the state to sell sunscreen products that carry oxybenzone and octinoxate, prompting consumers to choose natural and mineral-based sunscreens. state to ban sunscreens that contain coral-damaging chemicals, though the ban won’t come fully into effect until 2021, according to a 2018 Slate report. Just recently, Hawaii has become the first U.S. The state of Hawaii is well aware of the environmental impact on Kauai and the other Hawaiian Islands that is caused by sunscreen and is taking steps to fight reef damage. Being more aware of the relationship between coral reef damage and sun protection are good first steps.

HAWAIIAN REEF SAFE SUNSCREEN SKIN

No one is advocating to leave skin exposed to the sun, but they are asking us to protect ourselves more responsibly. Kauaiian vacationers can opt to wear long sleeves and hats to reduce the need for sunscreen while also remaining protected. Trade-in products containing oxybenzone and octinoxate for mineral-based, non-chemical sunscreens that both keep both you and the reefs safe while snorkeling on Kauai. As far as skin protection goes, zinc oxide is an effective form of waterproof protection, preferred by surfers and those who spend hours at a time in the water. You can contribute to the healthy growth of coral reefs in Hawaii.ĭo your best to use only mineral-based sunscreens, such as zinc oxide or titanium oxide, which have no known effects on coral reefs.

Dead coral looks bleached, and more of the reef system is dying.

Kauai has a variety of coral including one that is only found around Kauai’s shores called, Black Coral.

From an economic standpoint, reefs bring in an annual $30 billion for their value as a tourist attraction and natural wonder. Thus, reducing human impact on Kauai coral reefs has the potential to both reduce global warming, prevent the destruction of vital habitat for many species, and, in fact, increase tourism – hopefully, the responsible kind. As do trees and other plants, the algae living inside coral absorbs CO2 in the process of photosynthesis. Apart from playing host to marine life, coral reefs may also help reduce global warming. And this is only the sunscreen having a direct impact in the local reefs – certainly, the amount entering the oceans as a whole is much, much higher.Ībout 25 percent of animal species in the ocean live in coral reefs, making them a vital habitat for marine life, and part of an important ecosystem. These may seem like relatively minor effects, but let’s look at it in scale: It is estimated that about 4,000 to 6,000 tons of sunscreen enter coral reefs every year. If you love snorkeling, fishing, or scuba diving then you are benefiting from the benefits of the reef. Healthy coral reef systems are the foundation of a healthy marine ecosystem. These chemicals are also known to inhibit normal growth, especially in younger and developing coral. It has been shown that oxybenzone contributes to coral bleaching, a process by which toxins cause the coral to lose its color, which causes a decline in reproductive capacity and species diversity. But what is actually happening?Ī common sunscreen chemical called oxybenzone is present in many sunscreen products.

We know there is a strong link between chemical sunscreen used by humans swimming and snorkeling on Kauai and reef damage – that much is clear. What do We Know About Sunscreens and Coral Reefs It is largely considered by marine scientists that coral reefs will be a thing of the past if we don’t take action.Before coral dies, it flashes a bright violet purple or lime green as a signal that it isn’t healthy.This, along with rising water temperatures (thanks to climate change), coral mining, pollution, and overfishing, are destroying reefs around the world. That’s right, the very sunscreen that protects us from skin cancer washes off with water, killing coral and thus impacting the health of the reef. The use of chemical sunscreens, such as oxybenzone, can cause severe damage to Kauai coral reefs. While these rules and methods of protection may seem obvious, others are not, such as the protection of what lives and breathes underwater. These are fundamental rules of respecting the natural world and are increasingly becoming norms as we learn more and more about the human-caused environmental impact on Kauai. In many areas where travelers meet nature on the lush, green island of Kauai, there are signs promoting conservation and protection: Stay on the trail. How Your Sunscreen Affects the Reefs On Kauai & Why It Is Important

Hawaiian reef safe sunscreen