LuckyKid
SBH Insider
I saw an article in this week's Le Journal re. the dangers common sunscreen ingredients (paraben, oxybenzone and octinoxate) pose to coral reefs. In the article it stated that some places like Hawaii have mandated that only reef-safe sunscreens be sold locally. I've got a few questions for the forum folks.
Does anyone have experience with any of these reef-safe sunscreen products? Has anyone tried them--what are the good ones you recommend? Where do you buy them? Do we need to use them differently, meaning apply more often, etc.?
It seems like a good idea to to switch over to using these safer products when at the beach in St Barth. Coral reefs have been in steep decline in recent years. The health of coral reefs are critical to the island's environment and ecology. Thanks for any suggestions on this topic. -Peter
<Google translate, English version of article>
https://www.journaldesaintbarth.com...en-choisir-sa-creme-solaire-201903141215.html
THEY PROTECT US BUT ATTACK THE CORALS: CHOOSE YOUR SUNSCREEN
by VA 03/14/2019
If individual action against ocean acidification or global warming is difficult, each consumer can limit attacks on coral reefs by buying the right sunscreens.
It is a new battleground of the Environment Agency, led by his two recruits Heike and Flora. "Sunscreens protect us, but their ingredients are bad for coral reefs. Three of them in particular: paraben, oxybenzone and octinoxate. These are chemicals that are, by the way, also bad for the skin, "explains the second. These substances cause deformations and discolorations of the coral, and kill it little by little, by modifying its DNA.
"A bit like oil"
"We are just starting to realize the impact of sunscreens on the natural environment," admits Flora. "It is difficult to quantify, and it must be emphasized that the primary cause of coral degradation is the change in ocean temperature. "But what's interesting about sunscreen is that everyone can easily act," says Heike. "The ideal solution, of course, is the use of hats, lycra, parasols ..."
Most pharmacies on the island sell creams that are effective against UV, but without these products that attack corals. They are not that easy to find. "There is a whole range of creams that are not more expensive than others, and also protective. They generally include an acronym. Otherwise, just read the list of components. In general, all those that are organic are without chemicals, "says Flora. "In Saba, they sell only those," adds Heike.
The two agents of the ATE intend to spread the word to other distributors of sunscreens on the island, including supermarkets and hotel shops. As for monoi or oils supposed to perfect the tan, they are not better for the environment. "It's a bit like oil in the water. They leave a film that prevents fish and corals from breathing. "
A regulation?
The archipelago of Hawaii will completely prohibit, in 2021, the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate. "When they announced it, the whole world spoke about it. To include it in the regulation is also a way of communicating positively on the image of the territory. We say "well, they take care of their environment," argues Flora. From there to include a regulation in the future environmental code, the discussion is not at this stage. "But it could be a great spotlight for the island." In addition to relieving the reefs surrounding St. Barth. Legislation or not, a joint mobilization of distributors and consumers could already have its small effect.
Does anyone have experience with any of these reef-safe sunscreen products? Has anyone tried them--what are the good ones you recommend? Where do you buy them? Do we need to use them differently, meaning apply more often, etc.?
It seems like a good idea to to switch over to using these safer products when at the beach in St Barth. Coral reefs have been in steep decline in recent years. The health of coral reefs are critical to the island's environment and ecology. Thanks for any suggestions on this topic. -Peter
<Google translate, English version of article>
https://www.journaldesaintbarth.com...en-choisir-sa-creme-solaire-201903141215.html
THEY PROTECT US BUT ATTACK THE CORALS: CHOOSE YOUR SUNSCREEN
by VA 03/14/2019
If individual action against ocean acidification or global warming is difficult, each consumer can limit attacks on coral reefs by buying the right sunscreens.
It is a new battleground of the Environment Agency, led by his two recruits Heike and Flora. "Sunscreens protect us, but their ingredients are bad for coral reefs. Three of them in particular: paraben, oxybenzone and octinoxate. These are chemicals that are, by the way, also bad for the skin, "explains the second. These substances cause deformations and discolorations of the coral, and kill it little by little, by modifying its DNA.
"A bit like oil"
"We are just starting to realize the impact of sunscreens on the natural environment," admits Flora. "It is difficult to quantify, and it must be emphasized that the primary cause of coral degradation is the change in ocean temperature. "But what's interesting about sunscreen is that everyone can easily act," says Heike. "The ideal solution, of course, is the use of hats, lycra, parasols ..."
Most pharmacies on the island sell creams that are effective against UV, but without these products that attack corals. They are not that easy to find. "There is a whole range of creams that are not more expensive than others, and also protective. They generally include an acronym. Otherwise, just read the list of components. In general, all those that are organic are without chemicals, "says Flora. "In Saba, they sell only those," adds Heike.
The two agents of the ATE intend to spread the word to other distributors of sunscreens on the island, including supermarkets and hotel shops. As for monoi or oils supposed to perfect the tan, they are not better for the environment. "It's a bit like oil in the water. They leave a film that prevents fish and corals from breathing. "
A regulation?
The archipelago of Hawaii will completely prohibit, in 2021, the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate. "When they announced it, the whole world spoke about it. To include it in the regulation is also a way of communicating positively on the image of the territory. We say "well, they take care of their environment," argues Flora. From there to include a regulation in the future environmental code, the discussion is not at this stage. "But it could be a great spotlight for the island." In addition to relieving the reefs surrounding St. Barth. Legislation or not, a joint mobilization of distributors and consumers could already have its small effect.
