Ocean (and human!) Safe SUNSCREEN

Did you know that our sunscreen is killing the coral reefs? Hawaii passed a law banning the toxic ingredients called oxybenzone and octinoxate in sunblock, because their reefs are dying at such an alarming rate. It is estimated that around 1400 tons of sunscreen go into our oceans every year.

It is not surprising that the ingredients that are most toxic to the coral reefs are also the ingredients that are most toxic to human health- oxybenzone goes directly into our blood stream and the EWG has given it a rating of 8 on their toxicity sale, which makes it one of the most toxic ingredients found in cosmetics. The CDC has shown its a hormone disrupter and has been linked to cell damage and increased allergies. Read here for more information.

A safer alternative is to use sunscreen with the active ingredient mineral, non-nano Zinc Oxide. It is safe for your skin and safe for the oceans as well.

There are so many ways in which the human species are killing the earth. Once we get informed about how to make realistic changes to help conserve the environment, I feel it is our responsibility to follow through and make these changes. In this case, it’s not much to ask us all to use the healthier sunblock to save the oceans- and better our own health at the same time!

Read this article to learn more.

After some research, I have gathered some sunblock brands that are highly recommended for you, your little ones, and our precious oceans. (There are many others as well, just read the ingredients when you buy them.)

Garden Goddess (the reef safe one)
Babo Botanicals
Thinkbaby (or Thinksport)
Badger

Try to stay away from aerosol cans if you want to be environmentally friendly.

One reason that people don’t like to use the Zinc sunblock is because of the white residue it leaves on your skin. While I can understand this, I also encourage you to think about what is more important to you: a bit of whiteness, or the oceans and your own health! It’s not like I love the white stuff, but I have learned to rub it in really well and also appreciate how easily I can tell where I’ve missed spots on myself and my boys.

Being an ocean lover who is an avid swimmer and beachgoer, the least I can do is protect the ocean in any small way I can, and teach my kids, who boogie board, swim and surf, to do the same.

Read here for more information on oxybenzone’s negative human health effects.

Read this article for more information on oxybenzone’s negative effects to the coral reefs.

xoxoxo katia