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Q: What is biodegradable sunscreen?
A: Biodegradable sunblock is environmentally
friendly sunscreen that lacks the harmful ingredients that
are destroying the world's coral reefs. These
sunscreens are biodegradable, meaning they break down
naturally in the environment, and eco-friendly, meaning that
they minimize damage to the environment. We strongly
encourage using only biodegradable sunscreen anytime you are
going to be in the water.
Q: What kind of damage does sunscreen
do to the marine ecosystem?
A: One of the most harmful things to the
natural underwater environment of Mexico and elsewhere is
the sunscreens, oils, and sunblocks worn by tourists.
We don't think of it, but when we swim in the water, these
oils come off and settle on the coral reefs and other marine
life, and in volume can almost act like an oil slick in the
water, creating damage to the delicate ecosystems. The
reefs are suffocated, and sunscreens are one of the biggest
causes of bleaching to our reefs, and the death of much of
the world's coral.
Q: Why does coral get bleached?
Is coral bleaching really a problem?
A: The ingredients in normal sunscreens promote
viral infection in the coral, as well as covering it with
oils and goo. Between 4,000 and 6,000 tons of
sunscreen wash off swimmers every year on their vacations.
As much as 25% of the world's coral reefs are in imminent
danger of collapse due to human pressures, and another 25%
is in longer term danger.
Q: I've never heard of this before.
Are you making this stuff up?
A: See the links below for the latest information.
National Geographic:
Swimmer's Suncreen Killing Off Corals
E-Turbo News:
Tourist Sunscreen Killing Off Coral Reefs
Indian Ocean Sea Turtles:
Sunscreen May Be Killing Corals
Environmental Science & Tech:
Sunscreens go Viral on Coral
Discover Magazine:
The Biology of Sunscreens
Q: Where can I buy
Biodegradable Suncreen?
A: We've provided some resources for you in the
right hand column. Just click on the images to read
more about the products. Q: Are there
certain ingredients to watch out for?
A: Some of the most harmful
ingredients that many sunscreens contain, including some
that are actually biodegradable such as those made by
Nature's Gate, are PABA, octinoxate, oxybenzone,
4-methylbenzylidene camphor and the preservative
butylparaben. If your sunscreen has any of these
ingredients, it is not safe for use on the reefs.
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