Think Outside the Bottle: A Reef-Conscious Guide to Sunscreen
How to protect our kids— and the earth— as summer approaches.
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For such a simple concept— blocking the harmful rays from the sun— sunscreen sure can get confusing.
For many of us, it used to be just one more thing we threw into our beach bag, along with the smash ball paddles, boogie boards, and everything Body Glove (are we dating ourselves?). Hopefully we got some SPF on our skin before hitting the water, or some of that neon green zinc on our noses. Maybe we even reapplied one more time before the end of the day— who cared? Sun-kissed was sun-blessed.
But as public awareness around sun and sunscreen has grown over the last few decades and we’ve begun to have children of our own, keeping all of those little arms, cheeks, and every other square inch of exposed skin covered has become an entirely new MC Escher-level challenge of sunscreen slathering. Preventing severe sunburns in childhood improves their odds of avoiding skin cancer later on, and ensures more hours of building sand castles and collecting seashells. Plus, it’s one less thing for parents to worry about— always a win!
The latest revelation in sunscreen has less to do with us and our families, though, and more to do with the other creatures on earth. It turns out that some of the powerful chemicals that protect our human skin actually have a negative effect on the environment, specifically the planet’s coral reefs that provide habitat to so much marine life, protect our shorelines from erosion and severe weather, and support coastal economies.
“Studies show that more than 14,000 tons of sunscreen end up in the ocean each year, putting coral under significant stress and causes bleaching, in turn affecting sea life and the ocean’s overall health.”
A handful of earth-conscious brands have worked for years to create products that don’t damage delicate underwater ecosystems. But it seems like only now, with climate change reaching an increasingly critical mass that this awareness is seeping into the general lexicon. Hawaii and the Republic of Palau have even gone so far as to ban sunscreens containing the most harmful ingredients, and others are working to follow suit.
And yet, even with all the data at our finger tips, does the onus lie on the consumer to change up their sunscreen, or to confront the damage caused on a massive scale by irresponsible industrial and agricultural practices? In a Washington Post article, marine biologist and educator Nicole Crane mentioned:
“There are so many things about coral reefs that are a problem, and not many of them are easily tackled, whereas the sunscreen is easily tackled I think we should be grabbing at anything we can in getting the public involved in trying to protect these habitats.”
It may only make a small difference, but it does make a difference. Plus, getting our kids involved in small actions like this from the beginning will encourage them to take greater ecological responsibility as they grow older.
Buying reef-friendly sunscreen is a great way to start, but when it comes to spending time in the sun, there are so many other ways to minimize our impact while staying protected. So whether you’re planning a coastal road trip, hitting the local pool, or just going about your daily adventures, here are a few tips on how to block those rays responsibly:
Shopping for Sunscreen
It’s tempting to grab the first bottle claiming to protect the reefs, but here’s a checklist of what to really look for:
Avoid oxybenzone and octinoxate: the two most detrimental chemicals to coral reefs found in sunscreens today are these two. Make sure they’re not included in the ingredients.
Go mineral. An even better way to avoid these chemicals is to opt for sunscreens based on physical blockers such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide instead of toxic substances. Just make sure to check for microparticles rather than nanoparticles, as the latter can infiltrate and damage ocean flora and fauna.
Consider the packaging: Check that the product you buy doesn’t contain microplastics, which wreak their own havoc on the oceans. Look for a container made from recycled, recyclable or, better yet, biodegradable materials. For a more in-depth tool for navigating reef friendly sunscreen, visit this great Reef Safe Sunscreen Guide from Save the Reef.
Animal testing: Last but not least, make sure the sunscreen you choose hasn’t been tested on (land) animals!
Sunscreens we dig:
Other Ways to Stay Sun Safe
There’s no denying sun protection is important. But SPF lotion isn’t the only way. Before reaching for the sunscreen to reapply, try adding these tools to your UV escape plan.
Cover up.
Nowadays, it’s easy to find UPF clothing at sporting goods stores, and even many major brands have jumped on the trend. These garments offer a great way to stay safe under the sun, but you might find that you already have some UPF clothes in your closet. With a little research you can learn what materials make the cut, but for starters think tight-weave cotton or compression clothing. Broad-brimmed hats and sunglasses are also fun! When all else fails, there’s nothing wrong with using an old t-shirt for coverage.
Find some shade.
Counting seashells, learning to surf, frolicking in the waves— these moments are precious for your family, but so is your skin, especially when small babies make up part of your brood. Build your home base under an umbrella or a tree to minimize everyone’s time in the sun.
Get off the beaten path.
Nobody likes a crowded beach anyway, but overpopulated areas can cause greater stress on and contamination of the local ecology. Empty beaches often mean they are protected areas or private property, but ask a staff member at your lodgings or a trusted local for a recommendation on where to enjoy a beach with fewer people. This together helps spread your tourist dollars and avoid over-tourism.
Activate.
Beach days are great, but exploring different aspects of your aquatic destination while picking up a new skill can provide added thrills and teach the whole family how to respect the natural world. Whether it’s surfing lessons, responsibly led diving trips or any other non-invasive water sport, it’s a great way for kids to expend energy, and the rash guards or wet suits involved often cut down drastically on the UV rays touching their skin.
