Sunscreen: Protect yourself and the earth
Though New Zealand is going through chilly days of winter, wearing suncream is always a thing you need to do even when staying inside. It is to block harmful UV and smart devices blue lights. A sad fact that NZ is one of the countries that have the highest rate of skin cancer, and the ozone hole is one of the main factors contributing to the increases of the amount of UV radiation. No matter how much you like to be out under the sun, getting your skin protected is always a must.
However, there is another problem that sunscreen might help us protect our skin from the negative impact of UV but at the same time, it is hazardous to the coral reef, which I am sure that a lot of you have known of. Plus, coming in plastic packaging is another minus when using sunscreen.
First, we should understand the importance of the coral reef. Coral reefs are one of the most valuable factors to Earth and humans. It is a place where many marine animals are called home, and it brings a lot of economic benefits to humans through tourism and food. But the impacts of sunscreen are not limited to only marine life.
According to National Ocean Service, here is a list of chemical substances that can harm marine life: Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Octocrylene, Benzophenone-1, -2, -3, -8, OD-PABA, 4 – Methyl benzylidene camphor, nano-Zinc oxide, etc. In which Benzophenone -2 and -3 are the primary factor causing the death of young coral reefs.
For instance: Sun cream chemical substances can cause defects in marine animals like mussels, dolphins, Sea Urchins that are passed on to their next generations.
What can we do to change this?
Switching to reef-safe sunscreen could be an all-time solution as they are eco-consciously produced with organic ingredients to replace those nasty chemicals. Not to mention, since being made with the environment in mind, these products tend to come in recyclable packagings like tin or canister. It allows you to minimise the waste you add to the environment.
You can find those eco-friendly sunscreens with Store Eco Friendly, where we have options suitable for both adults and children. Sharing is caring! Help yourself and others to become eco-friendly consumers by spreading these useful and info. Eco mind, eco life.