5 Things to Know About the Sunscreen and How to Protect the Coral Reef

September 14, 2019

Some of the pollutants slowly trickling into the oceans are the chemicals in many sunscreens. As swimmers jump into the sea, their sunscreen washes away and filters into the water. Scientists who have become aware of the dangerous effect these chemicals have on coral reefs have developed the best reef-safe sunscreen brands to protect you and the ever-important marine life that inhabits our oceans. Knowing coral reef safe sunscreen information will help keep the sea beautiful and alive.

“Eighty-five percent of the Caribbean coral reefs died before 1999 or 2000. That wasn’t global warming. It’s pollution,” says Dr. Craig A. Downs, Ph.D., executive director of Haereticus Environmental Laboratory.

Making an eco-savvy choice, therefore, and using reef-safe sunscreen matter. And not only for the corals.

Dr. Downs and his group began taking a gander at particular synthetic concoctions and found that oxybenzone and octinoxate are the principle guilty parties. The reason they are so generally utilized in sunscreen is that they assimilate the unsafe UV beams. For humans, oxybenzone and octinoxate are chemical sunscreen ingredients that keep harmful UV rays from penetrating the skin, killing cells, and causing a burn. However, they have the opposite effect on coral reefs. These reefs, which are generally bright colors, end up bleaching to bone white under the harsh rays of the sun when they come into contact with these chemicals.

Oxybenzone, for example, is toxic in four different ways: it causes damage to the DNA that may lead to cancer and developmental abnormalities, it is an endocrine disruptor, it causes deformations in juvenile corals, and, lastly, it leads to bleaching.

Dr. Downs points out that certain preservatives found in sunscreens are also toxic: parabens such as the commonly used methyl paraben and butyl paraben, or phenoxyethanol

Another safe alternative to oxybenzone and octinoxate is non-nano titanium dioxide. Before purchasing your next bottle of sunscreen, also check the list of for any of the toxic preservatives we mentioned.
Hawaii is planning on banning certain sunscreens in 2021 that contain harmful compounds.
In addition to oxybenzone and octinoxate, read the label on your sunscreen to see if it contains any of these other destructive chemicals: homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, avobenzone, dimethicone, parabens, BHT, nanoparticles, propylene glycol, and retinyl palmitate.

Here are five reasons why your choice of sunscreen matters.

1. Chemical Sunscreen Can Awaken Coral Viruses
2. Chemical Sunscreen Ingredients Can Bleach or Kill Corals
3. Chemical Sunscreen Can Harm More Than Corals
4. Sunscreen Pollution Threatens Local Economies
5. Chemical Sunscreens Affect Humans Too

1. Chemical Sunscreen Can Awaken Coral Viruses

Sunscreens washed off into the ocean each year change the chemical composition of the water and make it a thriving place for viruses and bacteria. Some of these viruses attack corals, causing them to expel their life-giving algae, a situation that causes coral bleaching and the viruses spread to the surrounding coral communities.

2. Chemical Sunscreen Ingredients Can Bleach or Kill Corals

Besides viruses, research has also shown that some ingredients in chemical sunscreens can cause coral bleaching and potentially kill these organisms.

While most countries implementing sunscreen bans fight against oxybenzone and octinoxate alone, scientists have identified that butylparaben and 4-methylbenzylidene camphor can also have a similar action.

Using a sunscreen free of these ingredients is essential if we want to preserve the integrity of the marine ecosystem.

3. Chemical Sunscreen Can Harm More Than Corals

The compounds that cause coral bleaching can also affect other forms of marine life. Fish are also affected by oxybenzone and octinoxate.

Here is one example from Dr. Downs, who was on a working visit at the Bahamas, he was conversing with an administration worker at supper who shared how much he loved the coconut kind of the neighborhood angle they were eating on.

“We solicited the gourmet expert what kind from flavoring he put in it, and he stated, ‘simply salt.’ The coconut was some recombinant aroma of sunscreen. That is a substance aroma. It’s a terrible, dependable scent that will amass in life forms thus we were tasting it in the fish,” Dr. Downs explained.

So what can you do next time you hit the beach to prevent further damage? First of all, forget about aerosols.

These substances act as hormone disruptors and induce feminization in male fish. This leads to the interruption of their sexual activity, affecting the reproduction of many species

4. Sunscreen Pollution Threatens Local Economies

The death of coral reefs leaves many species of fish and crustaceans without a habitat; a situation that leads to the death of this marine wildlife. Combined with the affected fish reproduction, chemical sunscreens contribute to the extinction of many fish species.

This has two important consequences: famous diving spots become sterile and unattractive and less fishing possibilities for local businesses who base their subsistence on fishing.

5. Chemical Sunscreens Affect Humans Too

Chemicals in sunscreen are not only bad for the environment. They are bad for humans too. Besides rashes and allergic reactions, researchers also investigate the carcinogenic effects of both oxybenzone and octinoxate.
Other chemicals typically used in these products also act as hormone disruptors and can affect both fetuses if used by pregnant women as well as infants and toddlers.

Considering the negative impact chemical sunscreens have on both us and the environment, changing our habits and using an eco-friendly approach matters.

Photo credit: XL Catlin Seaview Survey/AP

Natural mineral sunscreens are undoubtedly a better choice; furthermore, you can use other eco-friendly ways to protect yourself from the sun while also safeguarding the global economy and our ecosystem.

Another option to help preserve the environment is to purchase sunscreen safe for coral reefs. Badger Balm is a family-run business that is committed to creating effective sunblock powered by nature to protect the world. One of the best reef safe sunscreen brands, their rigorous standards for their products makes it safe for children, adults, and the ocean, slowing the killing of coral reefs. In addition to other natural body products, they offer kids, sports, active and daily sunscreen safe for coral reefs so that no matter when you put it on, it’ll protect your skin and the environment.

Raw Elements was founded by an ocean lifeguard who daily watched beachgoers slather on chemicals that would wash off in the ocean, killing coral reefs. This set him on a journey to create sunscreen safe for coral reefs. To further protect more of the environment, they offer some sunscreens in plastic-free packaging to reduce the amount of waste that pollutes the land and sea. Their natural sunblocks are designed with safety and nature in mind at every step of production.

Raw Love sunscreen is made using coral reef safe sunscreen information for people who love jumping into the ocean to swim, dive, or surf. With all-natural ingredients, their sunscreen will protect your skin from the damaging effects of sun exposure, in addition to protecting the ocean. While they don’t offer the range of sunblock options as other best reef safe sunscreen brands, their product is both effective and safe for humans and marine life.

Having coral reef safe sunscreen information can help you make informed decisions when it comes to purchasing sunblock for your beach vacation.

Remember to double check the sunscreen ingredients and the label – each of our decisions matter to save the coral reefs!

Photo credit: Tom Fisk from Pexels

For a complete list with reef-safe brands check out our post about 10 Brands Sunscreen to Try that Are Not Killing Coral Reefs

Top 11 Greenest Countries in the World for 2018

September 10, 2019

The Environmental Performance Index (EPI) ranks 180 countries on a national and governmental scale, focusing on environmental public health and ecosystem vitality. By using this system, a comparison is drawn across the 163 countries to identify how they rank against one another in their efforts to go green. Here you’ll find the top 11 greenest countries in the world for 2018, can you guess where your country rates?

The scoring is based on a scale of 0-100; as a side note, there are only a few countries with an 80 or higher.

Top 11 greenest countries in the world

Country	EPI score	Environmental Health (40% weight)	Ecosystem Vitality (60% weight)
Switzerland	87.42	93.57	83.32
France	83.95	95.71	76.11
Denmark	81.60	98.20	70.53
Malta	80.90	93.80	72.30
Sweden	80.51	94.41	71.24
United Kingdom	79.89	96.03	69.13
Luxembourg	79.12	95.07	68.48
Austria	78.97	86.38	74.03
Ireland	78.77	95.92	67.34
Finland	78.64	99.35	64.8
Iceland	78.57	98.41	65.34

Switzerland

Switzerland has a long-standing tradition of neutrality which has been honored by other European countries, even though both world wars; impressive considering it borders France and Germany. The climate can vary due to the mountainous region which it is famous for. Switzerland has a prosperous economy with a well-developed service sector led by banking industries. It also specializes in high technology and knowledge-based production. It is obvious that with Switzerland being in the second place it scored high marks in many categories though had a very poor showing in terms of air pollution due to vehicle emissions and open-air burning. It’s forestry and biodiversity stood out with 100% ratings for both categories.

France

The country is one of the greenest countries in the world. They implemented legislation that made it mandatory for all of France to partake in making the country eco-friendly and conserving energy. France has been endowed with very fertile grounds and is one of the top exporters of food and wine.

The country has fewer industries as compared to other countries and this has helped in the reduction of air pollution. Over the years, France has been working on deindustrialization – a move that has seen the environmental state of the country improve as water pollution has been reduced significantly. France has made a change in the way how its resources are used and methods of production to conserve the environment.

Denmark

Due to its strong commitments to reduce emissions through increased efficiency and renewable energy production, Denmark moves up in the world. Danish society is ranked in the top five of the safest countries. Denmark’s main goal is to create an ‘environmentally sustainable community’. So far, a huge 40% of all energy production has been achieved through wind power, with the hope of 50% of by 2020.

Nearly half of the Danish population do not own a car. Due to the use of renewable energy sources, Denmark has achieved a high EPI score and is the world’s leading wind turbine energy producer and it is in the list of the greenest countries in the world.

Malta

Malta gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1964 and since the 1980s has become a transshipment point. It is located in the Mediterranean and has rainy winters and hot dry summers. The country has very limited freshwater resources and has grown increasingly reliant on desalination plants to generate freshwater for consumption. 70% of Maltese energy comes from natural gas and the remaining 30% from renewable sources. Malta was heavily dependent on the oil industry, however, their change to natural gas and work towards the 2030 agenda has placed them in the top 5 most sustainable countries in the world.

The country can only produce about 20% of its food needs and relies heavily on foreign trade to supplement the remaining 80%. Malta scored 100% on its efforts to support clean water availability to the population and another 100% on its efforts to conserve the forests.

Sweden

Sweden is listed among the greenest countries in the world. The country plans on eradicating the use of fossil fuel by the year 2020. They have embraced the use of renewable energy that is eco-friendly to keep the environment natural and safe from pollution.

The use of renewable energy greatly contributes to the reduction of carbon in the air thus a cleaner and safer environment. The most notable action is the partnership between Sweden and its neighboring countries, especially by taking responsibility to protect the Baltic Sea and protect the ecosystem.

United Kingdom

United Kingdom makes its way among the most eco-friendly countries. The UK always remained one of the higher ranking entries in EPI, although 6th is the all-time high. The UK was the 9th friendliest country in 2012 and remained 12th most friendly in 2014 and 2016.

Britain also had its first day without burning any coal. This is to become a trend in the future as the country focuses on product energy with renewable resources. The country looks forward to losing its last coal plant in 2025.

Luxembourg

Luxembourg has made some dramatic changes but had a troubled history maintain its rank in EPI list of greenest countries. An improving labor market, low inflation, and rising house prices are also signals of improvement. Luxembourg has recently used its influence in the financial sector to accelerate global sustainable investment.

As one of the world’s smallest European countries, it comes as no surprise fares relatively well. Luxembourg can improve its ranking for forests, climate and energy, agriculture and air pollution

Austria

Among the major actions taken by Austria is putting environmental protection in its social and economic policy agenda.

Austria has also worked hard in sectors such as waste management and chemical as well as air pollution to prevent such pollutants from destroying the environment. Austria has incorporated ecological knowledge in its agriculture to prevent pollution. Also, put measures into place to protect its forest and reduce deforestation. This has been highlighted by the restriction on the use of pesticides. All these have contributed to making it one of the greenest countries in the world.

Ireland

The Irish government finally did something to improve the living condition by getting rid of rubbish that has festooned rivers, lakes, towns, and the whole country.

Ireland came a long way with making important reforms such as focusing on renewable energy, waste management, and cleaning the air. Ireland produces almost 16% of its energy from renewable sources. It aims to extend this percentage to 40% by 2020.

Moreover, the country has implemented drastic changes to improve the air and water quality. The efforts to preserve biodiversity in the region are also praised worthy, and they show the present power bodies are really concerned about what they are going to leave behind for their children.

Finland

Finland was known for high scores of nitrogen emission and other activities that destroyed the environment. However, over the years, improvements have been noted as the country strives to restore its environment to its original state.

Finland has worked hard to make sure greenhouse gases are not produced and that the citizens in the country use renewable sources of energy for production. Wind power has greatly been made use of. Finland has planned to have more than half of its electricity coming from renewable sources of energy.

Iceland

Iceland was settled by Norwegian and Celtic immigrants in the 9th and 10th centuries. The country has been independent for over 300 years and boasts the world’s oldest functioning legislative assembly which was established in 930. Iceland receives top marks in other rankings as well such as literacy, longevity and social cohesion all first-rate by world standards. Iceland is an island country in the Northern Atlantic Ocean, northwest of England. The name can fool you since the climate consists of mild, windy winters and cool summers. The major environmental concerns are water pollution from fertilizer runoff and inadequate wastewater management.

It has placed focus on the production of electricity and heat by utilizing geothermal landscapes. Iceland has also played a major role in the fight against ocean pollution. It has made sure that the waters are kept clean and fishing is done while prioritizing on protecting the environment.

Photo by Karan Sharma from Pexels

Bardia National Park Nepal

September 29, 2019

Bardiya National Park, also spelled Bardia, is a protected area in Nepal that was established in 1988 as Royal Bardia National Park. Bardia National Park lies in the Southwest region of Terai in Nepal. The park is the largest park of Terai region.

Bardia National Park is one of Nepal’s best-kept secrets. It is Nepal’s largest national park and wilderness area. Located in the Terai region, protecting an area of 968 km² of sal forest, grassland, savannah and riverine forest.

Two major river passes through Bardia National Park; the longest river of Nepal, Karnali and Babai River. No human settlements are permitted to settle inside the park. The southern border of Bardia National Park touches the Nepalgunj-Surkhet highway.

History of Bardia National Park

Nepal lost the area of Bardia National Park to East India Company in Sugauli Treaty. The area returned to Nepal after Nepal supported Indian Independence Movement in 1960.
In the beginning, an area of 368 km sq was set as Royal Hunting Reserve in 1969 and officially renamed as Royal Karnali Wildlife Reserve in 1976. During the regime of Shah Dynasty, the royal family would come to Bardia National Park for hunting purposes.
After the inception of democracy, all hunting and killing activities are deemed illegal. Bardia National Park is the most undisturbed park of Nepal and attracts tourists who prefer nature in its wild habitat.

The park offers opportunities for sport fishing at the Karnali and Babai rivers. The best time to visit is autumn, winter and early summer when the weather is warm and dry

How To Get to Bardia Park

You have two options to get to the park.
By Bus: Kathmandu to Bardia National Park takes around 12-15 hours and buses run daily from Kathmandu and Pokhara to Mahendranagar via Bardia.
By Plain: You can fly to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu which is the only airport with international operations in the country.

Photo credit: Bernhard Huber / Flickr

Animals in Bardia National Park

The park has an elephant breeding center and keeps a constant watch over the elephants. You can see the Bengal tiger, the Asian elephant, and the greater one-horned rhinoceros. Among the other 50 species of mammal living in Bardia are the Marsh mugger crocodile, Gharial crocodile, swamp deer, grey langur monkeys, and leopard. With a little bit of luck, you can spot the rare Gangetic river dolphins along the Geruwa River.

With more than 651 species of birds, including the endangered Bengal florican and Sarus crane, Bardiya is a paradise for bird-lovers.

Butterfly Watching

With 651 species, which is 3.72 percent of the world’s butterflies, Nepal offers fabulous butterfly watching options. The best seasons for butterfly watching are late March/April, mid May/mid June and late August/September.

About 10 percent of the butterflies in Nepal are Palaearctic species found at above 3,000 m. The best places to watch butterflies are Phulchowki, Jamachowk and Shivapuri hilltops and around Nagarkot, Suryavinayak and Chandragiri areas.

Photo credit: Peak Digital / Flickr

Elephant Breeding Center One-Horned Rhinoceros

The elephant is becoming one of the most endangered animals and the center was established to increase its numbers. The number of Rhinoceros has seen an alarming decrease and recent count revealed just 29 remaining rhinoceros. Since 1973 the population has recovered well and increased to 544 animals around the turn of the century.

Photo credit: Chris Hartford / wikipedia

Crocodile Breeding Center

This is a small breeding center for marsh mugger and gharial crocodiles, as well as turtles.
The wide range of vegetation types in forest and grassland provides excellent habitat for 642 faunal species. The Karnali-Babai river system, their small tributaries and myriads of oxbow lakes is habitat for 125 recorded species of fish. A small population of gharial inhabits the rivers. Apart from the mugger crocodiles, 23 reptile and amphibian species have been recorded

Photo credit: Dibyendu Ash / wikipedia

Birds Watching

Current checklists include 407 bird species, among them the Bengal florican, white-rumped vulture, peafowl, and bar-headed geese, which are symbolic of the park.[5] Lesser florican and sarus crane are present; grey-crowned prinia, jungle prinia, pale-footed bush warbler, aberrant bush warbler, striated grassbird, golden-headed cisticola and chestnut-capped babbler occur in the park’s grasslands.

Main photo credit: Paani Program / Flickr

Want to learn more about other Asian sustainable destinations? Check our other posts about sustainable destinations in Asia.

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5 Things to Know About the Sunscreen and How to Protect the Coral Reef