IMPACT OF SUNSCREEN ON ECOSYSTEMS

WHAT IMPACT DOES THE SUNSCREENS HAVE ON ECOSYSTEMS?

We are going through one of the most critical and worrying moments in terms of the environment and it is a fact that we urgently need a change in habits.

The sea is life, so today’s blog will talk about the importance of taking care of it.

Did you know that one of the biggest pollutants is sunscreen?

In this blog you will be able to read why it pollutes. How it affects and what advice and ingredients it should contain so that it affects our reefs as little as possible.

The greatest impact generated by sun cream on the environment takes place in our oceans. Most conventional sunscreens contain oxybenzone and octylmethoxycinnamate. Both chemicals harm marine ecosystems and coral reefs.

According to an article published in the Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. Each year up to 14,000 tons of sunscreen penetrate coral reefs around the world every year. Also, according to the UN about 80% of the corals in the Caribbean have disappeared in the last 50 years. Because of these substances are harmful to these life forms and can slow down their growth, even causing their death. What upsetting is this?

In the 2000’s in Mexico they started to forbid the use of sunscreens at the cenotes before entering to the clear water. And they start to notice that the ecosystems were better without them. Because of this scientists and biologists starts to research and observe the behavior around the world with the use of several products. Even in low concentrations the coral starts bleaching with this chemicals.

Any coastal area, especially in summer when beaches are crowded, is at risk, particularly in shallow waters where sunscreen concentrations can reach relatively high levels.

ECO FRIENDLY PRODUCTS

Eco friendly products are those in which 80% of their ingredients are biodegradable. By biodegradable I mean products that can decompose naturally in the environment by more than 60% in less than 28 days.

Biodegradable sunscreens can be found but they must meet certain characteristics:

1. Make Sure It’s Oxybenzone- and Octinoxate-Free

2. Avoid Other Chemicals, Parabens and Nano-Particles

3. Try Mineral Sunblocks

For me the best solution to this problem is to use long sleeves and buy just 1 sunblock with the characteristics I mention above. Of course we have to take care of our health so we need to protect our skin and absolutely our planet.

So please if you planned to go to vacations and visit beautiful beach places such as Cozumel. That has the best reefs to dive and snorkel. Remember the information I provide you and help the world.

I’m positive that small changes in our products and habits in each other, will make a BIG DIFFERENCE and we’ll be very helpful for the planet and even for life.

Also, I highly recommend for you to enjoy a great experience in Cozumel. By taking a private boat at Deluxe Private Boats. Premium food and beverages included. Snorkel in the best reefs of the Mexican Caribbean.