New research about sunscreen's damaging effects on coral reefs suggests that you might want to think twice before slathering it on.
Reports about the harmful environmental effects of certain chemicals in the water have been circulated for years, but according to the authors of a new study released Tuesday, the chemicals in even one drop of sunscreen are enough to damage fragile coral reef systems. Some 14,000 tons of sunscreen lotions wind up in coral reefs around the world each year.
The ingredient oxybenzone leaches the coral of its nutrients and bleaches it white. It can also disrupt the development of fish and other wildlife.
http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/10/20/450276158/chemicals-in-sunscreen-are-harming-coral-reefs-says-new-study
Dear Hawaii Tourism Authority,
I am petitioning you to help protect our beautiful and fragile coral reefs here in Hawaii.
The ocean is one of the main draws that attracts tourists to our special home. Protecting the coral reefs and the life that depends on this ecosystem is a moral imperative and sound economic policy.
We are requesting that you include in your publications a Tourist Tips type brochure with different bits of useful info on Hawaii for all incoming visitors via airplane and also on cruise lines. In this brochure will you please include recommendations on eco friendly sunscreen? This can make a huge difference towards protecting our coral reefs.
Mahalo!
