Conventional sunscreens and sea ecosystems

In a previous article, we discussed the topic of the harmful effects of cosmetics, especially conventional sunscreens, on human health. Let's now look at the environmental impact of using these sunscreens.

Without sunscreens, we would have to spend much less time in the sun. They protect us from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation and reduce the risk of skin cancer. But, their impact on the environment, particularly on coral reefs, is increasingly a concern for scientists, environmentalists and politicians.

Harmful chemicals in sunscreens

The main problem is chemical ingredients in conventional sunscreens such as oxybenzone and octinoxate. These chemicals are effective in protecting the skin from UV rays, but when washed into the ocean can have devastating effects on marine ecosystems. What's the worst that can happen? Oxybenzone and octinoxate can cause disturbances in the growth or bleaching of marine corals.

Bleaching corals

Coral reefs are home to thousands of species of marine animals. They provide food for thousands of other animals.

If larger amounts of oxybenzone and octinoxate enter the seas and oceans, they will disrupt the balance of marine organisms, coral growth and cause coral bleaching. Bleaching is the process by which corals lose their symbiotic algae that provide them with colour and nutrients. Bleached corals are then more susceptible to disease or may die. In areas with high numbers of visitors and tourists, there is also a high concentration of these chemicals and therefore many times more chance of damage to these important micro-organisms.

Coral bleaching and disruption of coral growth have significant and far-reaching impacts on marine ecosystems. Coral reefs are one of the richest and most important ecosystems on the planet, and their degradation has negative consequences for many species and human communities that depend on these ecosystems.

Why is coral bleaching bad?

Loss of biodiversity

• Coral reefs provide shelter and food for thousands of species of fish, invertebrates, sea turtles and other organisms. Coral bleaching leads to coral damage and subsequent death, causing the collapse of these complex ecosystems and loss of biodiversity.

Disruption of the food chain

• Many marine species depend directly or indirectly on healthy coral reefs for food and protection. Coral death disrupts the food chain, which can lead to declines in fish and other marine animal populations.

What happens next?

The impacts of coral bleaching on nature are numerous. Let us briefly summarise them:

Ecological impacts include coastal erosion, where coral reefs cease to function as natural barriers that protect the coastline from erosion caused by waves and storms. The loss of these reefs can lead to increased soil erosion and loss of coastal areas.

Without living corals, reefs will become uninhabitable for marine animals, leading to a reduction in biodiversity and loss of fishing grounds.

Among the economic impacts, we can mention (in direct relation to the ecological ones) the reduction or, in the worst case, the end of fishing, which is a key sector for a large number of countries and the main source of livelihood for the majority of the population living near coral reefs. Coral disturbance will also have a negative impact on tourism. Coral reefs attract millions of tourists a year. Degradation of reefs reduces the attractiveness of these destinations, which may have negative impacts on local economies dependent on ecotourism.

Of course, there are also social and cultural impacts. For many coastal and oceanic states, corals also have historical and cultural value. Their loss can cause the loss of traditional ways of life and an entire cultural history.

The loss of livelihoods in the form of fisheries naturally has social and societal impacts on communities living near coral reefs. It can lead to social discontent and instability.

How to save natural resources?

More and more countries are taking action to regulate and protect marine ecosystems and natural resources. Already, several countries around the world have banned or restricted the use of conventional sunscreens while on their territories. Bans and restrictions are one way to make tourism more sustainable and protect natural resources. Which are they?

Among the first we find the Pacific island nation of Palau, Aruba, the Panama Islands, and in the USA, for example, Hawaii. Others are Bonaire, Thailand, some protected areas in Mexico (specifically Riviera Maya and Conzumel), Key West in Florida, French Polynesia (Bora Bora, Tahiti) or the Marshall Islands, restrictions apply in some protected areas in the Seychelles.

Other island and coastal states are considering banning conventional sunscreens or at least appealing to tourists through advertising campaigns to use natural sunscreens. Maldives, Belize and Australia, to name a few.

Everyone can help

Coral bleaching and coral growth disruption have widespread negative impacts on marine ecosystems, biodiversity, economies and cultures dependent on coral reefs. Protecting these fragile ecosystems is crucial to maintaining biodiversity, ensuring food security and preserving the economic and cultural heritage of many coastal communities. We can help protect nature too. It's not an easy choice, but every small step counts.

So read labels, choose natural, eco-friendly sunscreens and travel sustainably.

Natural sunscreens are another way to protect marine ecosystems. They contain mineral filters - zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These provide a physical barrier against UV rays (as we explained in our previous article Why use natural sunscreens) and are more environmentally friendly.

You can also find a certification on natural sunscreens that lets you know the sunscreen is environmentally friendly.

We at Beautiful Every Day have also taken the sustainable route, which is why you will find natural sunscreens that do not harm marine corals. Yet they still provide just as good, if not better, protection from the sun's rays. As an alternative to conventional sunscreens, we recommend the Swedish brand Suntribe, which was essentially created to protect nature and contribute to change in the cosmetics industry. Suntribe sunscreens are suitable for absolutely everyone - active sportsmen, young children and relaxed holidaymakers.

Choosing eco-friendly sunscreens is a small step that can have a big impact on protecting our planet. Let's protect it together.

 

Vaše holky ❤️

 

Zdroje:

https://www.suntribesunscreen.com

EWG Skin Deep® | What is Zinc Oxide(Sunscreen Grade)

Toxicopathological Effects of the Sunscreen UV Filter, Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3), on Coral Planulae and Cultured Primary Cells and Its Environmental Contamination in Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands | Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology (springer.com)

Danovaro, R., Bongiorni, L., Corinaldesi, C., et al. (2008). Sunscreens Cause Coral Bleaching by Promoting Viral Infections. Environmental Health Perspectives, 116(4), 441-447.

Tashiro, Y., & Kameda, Y. (2013). Concentration of Organic Sunscreen Compounds in Coastal Waters of Okinawa Island and Detection of Sunscreens from Tourists. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 77(1-2), 333-340.

 

12.6.2024