Sustainable Sun Safety

Summer is almost here, and with it, SUN! ☀️ As we get ready to have outdoor cookouts and hit the beach, we wanted to talk about sustainable ways to be safe when you are outside catching the rays.

First, there are ways to avoid or limit exposure to the sun which create almost no waste. If you can, try to remain under shade while outdoors. You can also wear a hat with a brim to the beach to protect your face, sunglasses to protect your eyes, and even UPF clothing. If possible, you should also limit time outside from 10AM-4PM to avoid the strongest sun exposure.

Second, you can wear sunscreen. There are two main types of sunscreen, but only one is truly sustainable. Chemical sunscreen absorbs into the skin, and then it absorbs the sun’s UV rays and converts them to heat. Physical (also known as mineral) sunscreen sits on top of the skin to form a reflective barrier between the sun’s rays and the skin.

Chemical sunscreen is very popular, because it rubs in nicely. However, besides being absorbed into the body with still unknown effects, the chemicals used in those sunscreens are causing a BIG problem for coral reefs. Oxybenzone and octinoxate in particular are killing off ocean reefs as they run off into the water, among many other chemicals used in such sunblocks. Many places are beginning to ban these sunscreens to save the reefs.

A more sustainable alternative to chemical sunscreen is mineral sunscreen. While it may leave a white cast at first, mineral sunscreens use titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which are safe for coral reefs as well as humans. You will also want to look for non-nano zinc, which contains molecules too big to be absorbed by skin and thus will not enter the bloodstream.

Finally, as always, try to avoid plastic packaging. Since the banning of chemical sunscreens in many areas, more brands have committed to sustainability by removing chemicals AND plastic from their lines, selling sunscreen in compostable or tin containers instead of plastic tubes. It’s safer for the ocean and safer for us, so we can all enjoy our beautiful beaches together this summer!