Reef Safe Sunscreen: Protecting Our Oceans One Application at a Time
Choosing reef safe sunscreen should be simple. Understanding why it matters and what to look for can be tricky. Did you know your sunscreen could harm coral reefs? Many people, including scuba divers and snorkelers, are unaware that chemicals in conventional sunscreens can devastate marine ecosystems. Coral reefs, which provide essential habitat for marine life and protect coastlines, are under significant threat from these chemicals. In this blog, we’ll explain what makes a sunscreen reef safe, why it matters, and how you can choose the right one to help protect our oceans.
We hope you find this information useful and enlightening.
Why is it important to use reef safe sunscreen when doing water sports?
Coral reefs are vital to marine biodiversity and the health of our oceans. They are not only beautiful but also provide numerous ecological and economic benefits. Unfortunately, coral reefs are sensitive to various stressors, including harmful chemicals in many traditional sunscreens.
Ecological Importance of Coral Reefs
Coral reefs provide habitat for a wide range of marine species and act as natural barriers protecting shorelines from storms and erosion.
What are the harmful ingredients in conventional sunscreen?
The problem lies in chemicals like oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octocrylene, commonly found in sunscreens. These chemicals cause coral bleaching, damage coral DNA, and impair marine life development. They wash off your skin when you swim, dive, or snorkel, and end up in the ocean, contributing to the decline of coral reefs.
What makes sunscreen reef safe?
Reef safe sunscreens are formulated with mineral-based ingredients like non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These ingredients do not penetrate coral cells and are less likely to harm marine ecosystems. Additionally, it’s important to avoid sunscreens that contain microplastics. These tiny plastic particles can be ingested by marine life, causing physical and chemical harm. Always read the ingredient list to ensure the product does not contain harmful chemicals or microplastics. Be cautious of greenwashing—a marketing tactic where companies falsely claim environmental benefits.
What are the top eco-friendly sunscreens by BRAND and by REGION?
Our dive center in Pemuteran, Bali, welcomes customers from all over the world. To ensure everyone can protect the reefs while enjoying their vacation, we’ve compiled a list of reef safe sunscreen recommendations available in different regions:
1. Asia:
We recommend Beach Street sunscreen, available at our dive center. Beach Street is a reef safe brand made in Indonesia. This aligns with our sustainability goals by supporting local businesses and reducing our carbon footprint. Beach Street sunscreens contain non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, offering excellent protection without harming marine life.
2. America (North and South):
We recommend Stream2Sea. This brand uses biodegradable packaging and natural ingredients, ensuring both effective sun protection and minimal environmental impact. Stream2Sea is widely available across the Americas.
3. Europe:
We recommend Badger. Known for its organic ingredients and commitment to environmental sustainability, Badger sunscreens are a great choice for eco-conscious consumers. Badger products are available in many European countries.
4. Australia/New Zealand:
We recommend Blue Lizard. Recommended by dermatologists, Blue Lizard offers mineral-based sunscreens that are effective and safe for the reef. Blue Lizard products can be found in Australia and New Zealand.
5. Africa:
We recommend Sunumbra. Sunumbra offers a range of mineral-based, reef-friendly sunscreens that are effective and eco-friendly. Sunumbra products are available in several African countries.
Green Fins and our Abyss Ocean World commitment to sustainability
As a proud member of Green Fins, our dive center is committed to promoting sustainable diving practices and protecting marine ecosystems. Green Fins establishes environmental standards for the diving and snorkeling industry to protect coral reefs.
One key recommendation is using reef-friendly sunscreen. By choosing and promoting sunscreens that don’t harm marine life, we help conserve coral reefs. We inform our staff and guests about our non-toxic sunscreen policy and encourage adherence. To enforce this policy, staff can confiscate toxic sunscreen or require its removal before activities. Green Fins provides guidelines to help dive centers and tourists make eco-friendly choices, including using reef-friendly sunscreens.
Go Blue with us
We are dedicated to our conservation efforts through our Go Blue initiative. This program embodies our commitment to preserving the marine environment and promoting sustainable practices. Learn more about our initiatives and how you can get involved on our Go Blue page.
Using reef safe sunscreen is a simple yet impactful way to protect our oceans while enjoying the sun. By choosing products that are kind to coral reefs, we can help ensure these vital ecosystems thrive for generations to come. As a Green Fins member, our dive center in Pemuteran, Bali, is dedicated to promoting sustainable practices and educating our guests about the importance of reef-safe sunscreen.
If you’re passionate about marine conservation and want to learn more about eco-friendly diving practices, consider joining our Open Water Course. This course provides comprehensive training on diving skills, safety, and environmental awareness, ensuring you become a responsible diver from the start.
Please contact our team to discuss how we can help you select the best reef safe sunscreen for your needs and answer any additional questions you may have. Together, we can make a difference—one sunscreen application at a time!
“`
