When planning your next adventure-filled holiday, one essential item in your backpack is likely to be sunscreen. It protects our skin from harmful UV rays and reduces the risk of sunburn and skin cancer. However, not all sunscreens are created equal – especially when it comes to our ocean ecosystems. Today, we’ll explore the importance of using reef-friendly sunscreen, highlighting how this simple switch can make a big difference.
“What’s wrong with regular sunscreen?” you may ask. Many traditional sunscreens contain harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate. When swimmers wearing sunscreen go into the ocean, these chemicals get washed off and contribute to the bleaching of coral reefs, a process that can lead to their death.
Coral reefs are more than just beautiful underwater scenes for divers; they are vibrant ecosystems that support a vast biodiversity. These reefs protect coastlines from storms and erosion, provide jobs for local communities, and are sources of new medicines. However, coral reefs across the globe are at risk, and chemicals from sunscreens are among the numerous threats they face.
By choosing reef-friendly sunscreen, you’re selecting a product that lacks these harmful constituents. These sunscreens derive their UV-blocking power from non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which have been shown to be much less harmful to reefs.
Making the switch to reef-friendly sunscreen not only shields you from the sun’s harmful rays but also ensures that your adventures don’t contribute to the degradation of the very places we yearn to explore and enjoy. It’s a small step with a big impact, encompassing the spirit of sustainable tourism.
Wherever your adventures take you with The Bucket List Company, from diving in the crystal clear waters of the Maldives to surfing in Bali, or hiking along the coastal routes of Peru, remember that your choices can contribute to the preservation of these stunning destinations for future generations.
We understand that for our travellers, every item in the backpack counts. This is why we emphasise the significance of a simultaneously protective and earth-friendly option – reef-friendly sunscreens. With this, you’re not just packing for your journey, but you are also playing a part in preserving the world’s precious ecosystems.
By using reef-friendly sunscreens, we can protect ourselves, the places we love, and the vibrant ecosystems that depend on us. So before you embark on your next aquatic adventure, remember to pack your spirit of adventure, your thirst to explore, and your reef-friendly sunscreen.
Safe travels, and let’s keep taking small steps to protect our beautiful planet!
Suggestions of Reef Friendly Sunscreens
- Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen: This moisturising sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection and is oxybenzone free, making it a great reef-friendly choice. Sun Bum’s sunscreen is also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
- Green People Scent Free Sun Lotion SPF30: Suitable even for sensitive skin, this sunscreen contains 84% certified organic ingredients and is free from oxybenzone and octinoxate.
- Tropic Skincare Sun Care Discovery Kit: Plant-derived and packed with natural antioxidants, this sunscreen safeguards your skin and respects marine life.
- REN Clean Skincare Clean Screen Mineral SPF30: This mattifying face sunscreen is made with naturally derived ingredients and is free from chemical sunscreens for skin protection that doesn’t harm the ocean.
- Aethic Sôvée Triple-Filter Ecocompatible Sunscreen: The first sunscreen to be certified Marine Positive, this brand uses patented eco-compatible ingredients for reliable sun protection that doesn’t endanger marine life.
Remember, always look for the “reef-friendly” or “reef-safe” labels and avoid products containing oxybenzone and octinoxate. Opt for mineral-based products using non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to ensure you’re making the best choice for our marine ecosystems.
