The Green Guide: Tip NO.8 – Sustainable Sun Care 🌞

As the days get warmer and the sun comes out, now is the perfect time to remind and reset your sun protection routine, for both your own health and that of the planet.

For those people who need to hear it – sun care is so important! I was that kid that hated putting on sun cream, but after some somewhat scary education as a teenager, it is now a vital part of looking after my skin. If you want more health information, take a look here (Sunscreen and sun safety – NHS (www.nhs.uk)). No one is too ‘cool’ for serious skin disorders and health problems, so be like Baz and wear your sun cream!

Health preach over, its time for the sustainability part. While sun cream is crucial for us humans to wear, some can have a negative impact on our environment. Some products contain ingredients that have harmful effects on our already fragile coral reef ecosystems, and can be polluting once in the ocean. Lotions containing ingredients such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, Octocrylene and nano-particles should be avoided as these are the worst offenders for harming our oceans and reefs.

So here is what to look out for next time you buy a bottle…..

• Reef-friendly symbol – look out for packaging that complies with the Hawaiian Reef Bill, to ensure the product really is reef safe and not just using the symbol as part of greenwashing marketing. If unsure, check the ingredients list. These sun creams should not contain the harmful oxybenzone or octinoxate chemicals. Look out for BASF accreditation from EcoSun Pass (basf.com) which scores sun creams on how sustainable they are.
• Biodegradable formulas – these will break down quicker and prevent any chemicals floating around in the ocean or staying on land for a long time. Try Protect & Moisture Spray SPF30 200ml | Sun Care | NIVEA
• Water resistant formulas – if you are planning on swimming in the sea or other natural water sources, wearing extra water resistant formulas can help reduce the amount of product that ends up coming off your skin and polluting the water. Try Kids Swim & Play Sun Lotion SPF50+ | Sunscreen | NIVEA
• Recycled/plastic-free packaging – look out for bottles made from recycled materials, such as Hawiiaan Tropics 45% recycled bottles (Hawaiian Tropic Aloha Care Sun Protective Lotion SPF 30 | Superdrug) and that can be recycled, or opt for plastic-free solutions, like Sol De Ibiza Natural Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF50 – 40g – Peace With The Wild.

• Check out extra information at Nivea (The Facts About NIVEA Reef Safe Sunscreen | Sun Care | NIVEA), the Ethical Consumer (Ethical Sunscreens | Ethical Consumer) as well as these products: Sun Bum | Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion | Cult Beauty, https://www.boots.com/ambre-solaire-eco-designed-protection-lotion-spf50-200-ml-10291971p?cm_mmc=bmm-buk-google-ppc--PLAs_HeroCompare--Health+%26+Pharmacy-_-UK_Brand_Shopping_Health+and+Pharmacy+SSC&gclid=CjwKCAjwqvyFBhB7EiwAER786bwcVK-jMh324B0T5FRf74QYTz9jqgf_YYq_rJSzoweFaR3dg0i3PxoCne8QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds, Sun Protect Caring Lip Balm SPF30 | Lip Care | NIVEA , Ultrasun Family SPF30 – Ultrasun UK and Reef Safe Sunscreen UK | Eco & Reef Friendly Sun Cream | Green People

So this summer, stay safe, stay protected and also protect our environment by limiting harmful chemicals, keeping our oceans clean and minimising plastic waste in your sun care routine. If its important enough for Baz, its important enough for you to go and protect yourself right now. So cover up and enjoy the sun safely! ☀