There is something really important we can do to stop polluting our rivers and oceans. Check our sunscreen for the toxic chemical OXYBENZONE. We are changing the chemistry and biology of water just by swimming in a river, lake, or sea if we use unhealthy cosmetics and personal care products.
The image shows an oil slick: a surface microlayer created by swimmers wearing sunscreens with oxybenzone. A 2008 European study found that approximately 14,000 tons of sunscreen end up in our oceans every year. No wonder coral reefs and marine life are dying from the poison. One person wearing sun screen could pollute 10,000 cubic metres of water with oxybenzone to a level that would kill river insects.
Unbelievably, over 2,000 different cosmetics contain oxybenzone along with many other highly toxic chemicals. But there are safe alternatives for sunscreens, such as mineral-based products using zinc oxide. Holland & Barrett has banned all chemical sunscreens from their stores. They now offer only 100% mineral sun care products from brands including Ultrasun and Green People.
The oceans have the potential to save the planet from climate change. They are a major carbon sink. But we need to stop the pollution.