Why We Should Care About Our Sunscreens- What does "reef safe" Mean?

Our ocean playgrounds are under attack. We know that it was beautifully and painfully shown in the documentary Chasing Coral. As divers, we might feel frustrated or hopeless about what actions we can take to save our oceans.

Maybe you have given up the plastic bags, or now carry a reusable straw or utensil set, but did you know that your sunscreen plays a role as well?  

Sunscreens are drugs. The pretty marketing on the front does not tell the whole story.  And just because it says "reef safe," does not necessarily mean it is really safe for our reefs.  You need to become an educated consumer, read the back of the label, and ensure the products you use are not harming our fragile ocean ecosystem.

Here is a list of the chemicals to avoid:

• Oxybenzone (benzophenone-3)
• Ethyl paraben
• Octinoxate (octyl methoxycinnamate)
• Butyl paraben
• Octocrylene
• 4-methyl-benzylidene camphor
• Benzyl paraben
• Triclosan
• Methyl paraben
• Phenoxyethanol

Here is the even scarier piece, the chemicals in sunscreens are not only harmful to our marine ecosystem they are also bad for us.  

We do not know exactly how harmful these chemicals are to humans but the FDA is currently calling for additional research into the impact of these chemicals on humans. They are known or suspected endocrine disrupters, estrogen mimickers, and obesogenic. And we know that we absorb them in high amounts after only one use.

The answer is NOT to skip sunscreens but to use a healthier alternative. 

The Environmental Working Group is leading the cause of the education of the harmful chemicals in our fertilizers, cosmetics, and sunscreen.  They are offering a sample pack of cosmetic products for you to try, here is the link to check them out. 

Seek out healthier alternatives like a mineral-based sunscreen like Stream2Sea. 

Stream2Sea is the only Sunscreen that is Protect Land & Sea Certified, and they had to work hard to obtain that certification. As a consumer, you should read the back of the packaging and look for products that back up their claims with good science and certified testing.

Never tried mineral sunscreen? Go to their website and use code "ReefBox" for 10% off your order. Note: the application of mineral-based sunscreens is different. A little, very little, goes a long way. Click here for a video on how to apply.

At ReefBox we care about our ocean playgrounds. Each month we donate a portion of our proceeds to a marine conservation partner. We also work hard to ensure that the products we purchase use minimal packaging and are safe for humans and marine animals.

We are asking you to take a Pledge to use Safe Sunscreen using the links below.  This pledge was adapted from the Inland Ocean Coalition.

I Agree to take the Safe Sunscreen Pledge. I am taking the Safe Sunscreen Pledge on Fort Myers Beach, FL FMB Safe Sunscreen Pledge,  Happy Diving from the ReefBox Team