Reminder; Hawaii Legislature Passes Ban on Sunscreens With Ingredients That Kill Corals. Others Follow Suit

Hawaii legislators approved a bill  last year that would ban the sunscreen containing the ingredients oxybenzone and octinoxate, an ingredient in 3,500+ of the world’s most popular brands that has been linked to the death of coral reefs.

“Amazingly, this is a first-in-the-world law,” said Gabbard in an e-mail. “So, Hawaii is definitely on the cutting edge by banning these dangerous chemicals in sunscreens. When you think about it, our island paradise, surrounded by coral reefs, is the perfect place to set the gold standard for the world to follow. This will make a huge difference in protecting our coral reefs, marine life, and human health.”

Read more here: https://gizmodo.com/hawaii-legislature-passes-first-of-its-kind-ban-on-suns-1825733432

Key West voted late to ban the sale of sunscreens containing certain chemicals linked to coral reef bleaching. The ban is set to go into effect Jan. 1, 2021.

The Key West City Commission voted 6-1 to ban the sale, within city limits, of sunscreens that contain oxybenzone or octinoxate, the Miami Herald reports. Some studies have linked the chemicals to cellular damage in coral reefs. But industry officials challenged the ban, saying the link between the chemicals and coral bleaching isn't proven.

Only one living coral reef exists in North America, and it lives about 6 miles off the Keys. "We have one reef, and we have to do one small thing to protect that," said Mayor Teri Johnston. "It's our obligation."

Read more here: https://www.npr.org/2019/02/06/691913378/key-west-votes-to-ban-popular-sunscreen-ingredients-to-protect-coral-reef

A Friendly Reminder; Read your labels.