This law went into effect in March 2020.īest Credit Card for Travel Expenses: Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all travel with the Chase Sapphire Reserve® The Best Reef Safe Sunscreens Virgin Islands voted unanimously to ban the sale, distribution, and import of sunscreens containing oxybenzone or octinoxate.

This small island goes even further and includes single-use plastics like cups, containers, and utensils in the ban (single-use plastic bags have been banned on the island since 2017). Since July 2020 all sunscreens containing oxybenzone have been illegal on the island of Aruba. When you’re not snorkeling or scuba diving, check out these other fun things to do in Bonaire. Since January 1, 2020, the island banned harmful sunscreens you’ll need to use sunscreen without oxybenzone or octinoxate if you want to get in the water in Bonaire. Bonaire Sunscreen Banīonaire is a mecca for scuba divers so it’s no surprise that this small island has voted to ban harmful sunscreens. If you want to swim with sea turtles in Bonaire, be sure to use sunscreen without oxybenzone and octinoxate. Avoid these sunscreen ingredients if you’re planning to travel to Palau: The ban, which went into effect on January 1, 2020, targets 10 chemicals deemed to be harmful to coral reefs. The western Pacific nation of Palau was the first country to place a ban on certain chemicals found in sunscreens. However, it’s a good idea to still use reef-safe sunscreens in these areas. The Florida Senate made a decision that bans local sunscreen bans in the state, so these “bans” are not official since they were struck down by the Governor. Miami Beach also tried to enact a sunscreen ban, but the city was unsuccessful. This ban was supposed to go into effect on January 1, 2021.

Key West, the home to the largest coral reef in the continental United States, voted to ban the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, 2 ingredients believed to be harmful to coral reefs. More About Hawaii: Planning a trip to Hawaii? Check out these hotels and activities first. The best sunscreen for your Hawaiian vacation is a reef-safe option that is mineral-based, containing zinc oxide and titanium oxide.

Technically, you are still allowed to bring any type of sunscreen into the state, but it’s best to only use reef-safe sunscreen when participating in water activities like snorkeling or scuba diving. This means you won’t be able to purchase harmful sunscreen containing oxybenzone and octinoxate in Hawaii. The new law went into effect on January 1, 2021. Hawaii was the first state to ban sunscreens containing the harmful ingredients oxybenzone and octinoxate. Here are the locations that currently have sunscreen bans or have a ban that’s coming soon. These 2 chemicals are found in many popular sunscreens, but the good thing to know is that there are reef-safe options available (keep reading for recommendations). The ingredients in question are known as oxybenzone and octinoxate. Also, we participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to and affiliated sites. Legal Stuff: This post may contain affiliate links and/or credit card referral links. Remember, small changes made by a lot of people can add up to make a substantial impact on the world.If you are planning a Hawaiian vacation, be sure to pack some reef-safe sunscreen. As an example, nursing pads that are made from eco-friendly and sustainable bamboo and you can choose to use cloth tape or bandages instead of synthetic options.Īnd don't forget to recycle empty containers, packaging, and products whenever possible. If you can buy it, there's probably an environmentally friendly version of it out there. Use natural products that are made specifically to reduce harmful waste.

When you're purchasing electronic devices, consider choosing rechargeable units or units that include long-lasting batteries to reduce the number of batteries you throw away like this Caring Mill Wireless TENS Therapy Kit or the Electromagnetic Massage Unit.And as we celebrate Earth Day (or any day you're feeling environmentally conscious!), it's an excellent time to assess the products your purchasing to see if there might be more sustainable options. Many companies are making a real effort to produce environmentally friendly products that will lessen our impact on the Earth. Purchasing reef-safe sunscreen isn't the only way to help out the planet when it comes to making healthcare purchases.

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