Eco-friendly Sun Protection

Choosing / Using Eco-friendly Sun Protection methods to help protect Hawaii’s waters and reefs.

Proposed 2017 Hawaii Legislation To Ban Oxybenzone

Ban the sale of personal care products that contain oxybenzone
Require all advertisements or displays for sunscreens with oxybenzone to “conspicuously” display a warning that tells consumers the sunscreen “contains chemicals which may harm Hawaii’s coral reef.”

Hawaii Coral Reefs

“Coral reefs are a $10 billion resource for our local economy as well as the home of all the nearshore marine life that’s so important to local fishermen and all of us that grew up here.”
~ Rep. Chris Lee, Chair, 2017 Hawaii State House Energy and Environmental Protection Committee

Oxybenzone

– A chemical that absorbs UV light
– Found in 80% of commercial sunscreens
– Also used as a photostabilizer in nail polish, fragrances, hair spray, and cosmetics
– Causes endocrine disruption, DNA damage and death of young coral

Alternative Active Ingredients

“Sunscreens that contain titanium (di)oxide or zinc oxide instead of oxybenzone are effective and less damaging to coral reefs.” ~ Mirella Von Lindenfels, http://MarineSafe.org

The Best Sun Protection

Wear long-sleeved clothing and rash guards.

For Hawaii focused information visit http://www.bereefsafe.com