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Free Materials Available to Help Educate Public About Sunscreen Choices

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KIHEI, HI – Want to help get the word out about switching to sunscreens that are free of reef-harming oxybenzone and octinoxate? Looking for ways to explain “reef safe” sunscreen choices to guests and customers?

The nonprofit Maui Nui Marine Resource Council, with support from the County of Maui Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, has materials to help.

Maui Nui Marine Resource Council recently printed wallet-sized sunscreen information cards that provide a friendly, simple explanation about avoiding sunscreens with reef-harming oxybenzone and octinoxate. The cards are being offered free to Maui businesses and concierge, for distribution to visitors and residents.

“The cards require very little space on a counter or desk, yet provide all of the information needed to help a guest or customer avoid reef-harming oxybenzone and octinoxate, two chemicals that have been proven to harm or kill corals,” says Anne Rillero, Communications, Community Outreach and Development Manager at Maui Nui Marine Resource Council.

For those with more space, Maui Nui Marine Resource Council is offering free 8 1/2” x 11” color posters, with the message, “Get a Jump on Protecting Maui’s Coral Reefs: Make the Sunscreen Switch Today.”

Rillero notes that Hawaii’s sunscreen ban of these two reef-harming ingredients doesn’t go into effect until January 1, 2021, but our local coral reefs need help – which is why Maui Nui Marine Resource Council is urging all ocean users to make the sunscreen switch now. Maui Nui Marine Resource Council is partnering with Maui Visitors Bureau and the County of Maui Mayor’s Office of Economic Development on a campaign to raise awareness about sunscreen choices.

“The sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate will be banned under Hawaii’s sunscreen law in 2021, but why wait until then?,” said Robin Newbold, co-founder and chair of Maui Nui Marine Resource Council. “Coral reefs in Hawaii and around the world are under stress due to warming ocean waters, sediment runoff, pollution and other human-related causes. While it’s important that we tackle those issues, switching to a more environmentally friendly sunscreen now is an easy way for individuals and families to help protect the reefs.”

Newbold noted that new sunscreen products made without oxybenzone and octinoxate are readily available and easy to use.

Maui Nui Marine Resource Council has also produced a short video about sunscreen choices which can be viewed at https://youtu.be/szB9xNZV85A .

The organization provides a website page that offers details on safer-for-the-reef sunscreens at https://www.mauireefs.org/sunscreens/.

Maui Nui Marine Resource Council has also printed bumperstickers, with the message, “Show some love for Maui’s corals. Choose reef-safe sunscreen” that are offered free to the public.

To arrange for any of these free materials, please email [email protected]. Please include the name of your business, resort or vacation rental, along with your name and contact information, and the items requested.


A Maui-based nonprofit organization founded in 2007, Maui Nui Marine Resource Council is working for healthy coral reefs, clean ocean water and abundant native fish for the islands of Maui County. Current projects include ocean water quality testing in South and West Maui, work to improve ocean water quality in Ma’alaea Bay, ongoing studies of corals in Olowalu and Ma’alaea, and outreach programs to educate visitors about protecting Maui’s coral reefs.

10 Ways to Become More Sunscreen Smart

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Hawaiʻi recently became the first state in the nation to pass a law banning the sale of sunscreen products containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, two common ingredients known to harm coral reefs.

The law goes into effect in January of 2021, to give manufacturers and retailers time to transition to reef-safer sunscreen options.

But you certainly shouldnʻt wait to make the change. Worldwide, coral reefs are in danger, and switching to a reef-friendly sunscreen option is one way you can help.

Here are 10 practical tips to help you make the switch away from sunscreens that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate.

1. Read the fine print
Read the ingredients on your current sunscreen stash and toss any that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate. Check out your skin care collection, too. Moisturizers, face creams, lip balms and even some shampoos offering “SPF protection” probably contain oxybenzone and octinoxate.

2. Skip the sprays
Spray-on sunscreens often rely on chemicals like oxybenzone or octinoxate — strike one against them. When you use spray-on sunscreen at the beach, the chemicals land in the sand and eventually get washed into the ocean.  Spray on products pose an inhalation risk for you and nearby beach-goers, especially children.

3. Go for zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide
Seek out products that feature zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as the primary ingredient. Both are mineral sunscreens, which sit on top of your skin (rather than get absorbed into your skin and bloodstream). Added bonus: both are water resistant! Zinc oxide is the only single active ingredient that protects against UVA and UVB rays.

4. Shop smart
At this time, many sunscreens on most store shelves contain oxybenzone or octinoxate. Some diligent label reading will help you avoid these chemicals. You may have more luck by looking for brands for babies; some are free of oxybenzone and octinoxate, but again, itʻs essential that you read the ingredient panel.

You can also check out the selection at your nearby dive shop or natural foods stores — but even there, review the ingredient labels. Or shop online, using the list of recommended products from Environmental Working Group to help guide you.

5. Considerations for babies and kids
Doctors generally advise avoiding sunscreen in favor of physical barriers like clothing and umbrellas for babies under 6 months. For older kids, visit Environmental Working Group for their list of recommended sunscreen products.

6, Donʻt like the white?
Because zinc oxide/titanium dioxide based sunscreens sit upon your skin, they can create a whitish cast, especially when wet. Wear it proudly, knowing youʻre doing your part for your skin and the coral reefs. Some manufacturers (Raw Elements and Badger) offer zinc oxide-based options with a light skin-colored tint.

7. Choose clever cover ups
Use less sunscreen with reusable clothing cover ups. Invest in a packable wide brimmed hat for all outdoor adventures. Add a rash guard (a lightweight top made of spandex or polyester) when youʻre heading into the water to protect your back, shoulders and arms. Swim tights (similar to stretchy yoga pants) can be found online in fun colors and styles — and as an added bonus, will help protect you from jellyfish stings.

8. Nano or not?
According to the Environmental Working Group, some sunscreen makers are using zinc oxide nano particles to create products that have less white tint. If youʻre concerned about nano particles and want to avoid them, look for brands advertising “non nano” zinc oxide. Learn more. 

9. Chemicals to avoid
In addition to oxybenzone and oxtinoxate, avoid other chemicals like avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene and homosalate. Environmental Working Group also recommends that you also avoid products containing retinyl palmitate (vitamin A) because “studies by federal government scientists indicate that it may trigger development of skin tumors and lesions when used on skin in the presence of sunlight. “ Read more about these chemicals here:

10. Keep corals in mind, even when far from the ocean
Even if you live away for the ocean, keep in mind that the chemicals you wash off your body eventually find their way into the water table and ultimately into the ocean.

Sunscreen chemicals can also be found in your urine within 20 minutes of application, which is why sewage is a leading carrier of these chemicals. So be sunscreen smart wherever you live, to do your part to protect your skin and coral reefs.

Read more about Maui Nui Marine Resource Councilʻs work to prevent sunscreen pollution. 

Reef-Safe Sunscreen

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Did you know that two ingredients found in many popular sunscreen producta — oxybenzone and octinoxate — are known to harm or kill corals?

When you apply sunscreen with these chemicals and then swim or snorkel, sunscreen washes off your body and contaminates the reef ecosystem. Sunscreen pollution is especially problematic in popular snorkeling locations, where sunscreen is washing off dozens or possibly hundreds of people each and every day.

Why oxybenzone and octinoxate are bad for reefs
Scientific testing shows that oxybenzone and octinoxate may stunt the growth of baby corals, reports Dr. Craig Downs, executive director of the Haereticus Environmental Laboratory in Clifford, Virginia.

Oxybenzone can also cause coral bleaching. An oxybenzone concentration of around 400 ppt over several days is enough to induce coral bleaching in warm waters. Downs’ team tested ocean water off popular beaches on Maui and detected oxybenzone contamination of up to 4,000 parts per trillion (ppt).

Oxybenzone is toxic to seven coral species, according to Dr. Downs’ team, who tested the impact of the sunscreen chemical on corals in the lab.

Oxybenzone may be an endocrine disruptor among marine animals such as shrimps and clams.

Where to buy safer sunscreen alternatives on Maui
Here are some locations on Maui that carry sunscreens that are free of oxybenzone and octinoxate:

• Down to Earth Natural Foods, Kahului
• Hawaiian Moons Natural Foods, Kihei
• Whole Foods Market, Kahului
• Alive and Well, Kahului
• Mana Foods, Paia
• Pacific Whale Foundation’s Ocean Store, Ma’alaea
• Maui Dive Shop

Ask for zinc oxide or titanium dioxide based sunscreens that are free of oxybenzone and octinoxate wherever you shop for body care products. Encourage stores to carry these safer alternatives.

Click here to find brands of sunscreen that met the Environmental Working Group’s criteria.

We’re working to prevent sunscreen pollution
Outreach
Maui Nui Marine Resource Council reaches out to Maui County visitors and residents at events (such as the Aloha Classic and West Maui Ridge 2 Reef Rendezvous) and via social media to educate everyone about sunscreen pollution.

Working with local snorkel cruise operators
Many snorkel cruise companies on Maui now provide their guests with sunscreens that are free of oxybenzone and octinoxate — thanks to members of our team who worked with others in the local community to source affordable alternative products in bulk.

Testifying for legislation to protect reefs from these chemicals
Maui Nui Marine Resource Council has testified repeatedly in support of a proposed Maui County ban on the sale of sunscreen products containing oxybenzone and octinoxate. R

What you can do
1. Avoid sunscreens and body care products that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate. Read the labels carefully.

2. Skip spray-on products that disperse sunscreen everywhere around you (including on sand, where it washes into the ocean).

2. Choose zinc oxide or titanium dioxide based sunscreens.

3. Avoid all sunscreen products made with nano particles and other possible reef-harming ingredients, including avobenzone, octocrylene and homosalate.

4. Minimize your need for sunscreen by covering up with a hat and rash guard. Swim tights or athletic tights (like you would wear to the gym) also provide effective sun protection.

5. Choose snorkel cruise companies that require passengers to use sunscreens that are free of oxybenzone and octinoxate.

6. Remember that even if you are miles away from the ocean, chemicals washed off your body in your shower or bath will eventually find their way to the sea. When you’re home, do a good turn for coral reefs everywhere by avoiding all body care products with oxybenzone and octinoxate.