Parts of the world are starting to restrict the use of over-the-counter sunscreens that have proven harmful to corals, marine life and, potentially, us.
Time to screen your cream
THE SCIENCE IS CLEAR: THE MAJORITY of sunscreens damage coral reefs. And now North American holiday resorts are taking the first steps in controlling access to those proven harmful in order to protect their future business.
A recent bill enacted in Hawaii will strip all retailers of over-the-counter (OTC) sunscreens containing oxybenzone (also known as benzophenone-3) and octinoxate, starting in 2021. After that date, residents and travellers will only be able to buy those brands with a prescription.
More than 3,500 products are expected to be outlawed under the new legislation. A number of marine parks in Mexico have already banned products using the two substances, saying they will confiscate any non-compliant sunscreen.
Asia has yet to emulate such measures but the day they do may not be that far away, given the importance of reefs to tourism in the region.
Some scientists and consumer groups say Hawaii’s legislation is too radical, pointing out that damage to reefs from sunscreen is miniscule compared to that from global warming, coastal development, agricultural runoff and oil spills. It is however one factor that private individuals can exercise control over, especially given that eco-friendly options are now readily available on the market.
According to a 2008 study by Environmental Health Perspectives, 4,000 to 6,000 tonnes of suncream seeps into our oceans annually worldwide. The vast majority is from OTC brands – including certain lines from household names like Banana Boat, Coppertone and Neutrogena, containing oxybenzone and octinoxate.
Denne historien er fra November - December 2018-utgaven av Action Asia.
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Denne historien er fra November - December 2018-utgaven av Action Asia.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Policing Paradise
Palau’s President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr has established his country in the vanguard of global efforts on ocean conservation, in particular with the 2015 designation of much of its territorial waters as a marine reserve and no-take zone. Policing this vast area though remains immensely challenging.
The Not-So-Silent World
Human activities may be emitting levels of noise that harm marine life.
Once Were Warriors
A visit to the 2018 World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan is a surreal trip to a time and place where martial skills matter.
The Secret Life Of Pangolins
PALAWAN – IT’S 1AM AND MOST PEOPLE are safely in their beds. Instead I’m deep in the jungles of Palawan with an international team of researchers and a squad of Philippine Marines, searching for pangolins, the most illegally trafficked mammals on Earth.
Feast Your Senses
The Alta Via 1 is the classic Dolomite trail, bringing the peaks within arm’s reach as you hike between homely refugios and historic war-time fortifications.
China's Olympians Show The Way
WITH 40 RIDERS FROM 12 COUNTRIES, THE KTA made its second visit to the Desaru Coast in Malaysia with its Asia Pacific Hydrofoil Tour Series , which welcomes amateur and professional riders a like . Chinese Youth Olympians Haoran Zhang and Jingle Chen took first places in the Men’s and Women’s classes, while Korean veteran Soon Ho Kwon was crowned champion in the Masters.
China's Masses Warming To Snow
TWO YEARS AGO, CHINA opened the world’s largest indoor ski slope with two black runs, a blue run, snow play area and beginner slopes all served by chairlifts and magic carpets. Interestingly, it choose to build this behemoth in Harbin, where real snow piles high every winter and temperatures plunge low enough to host the annual International Ice and Snow Festival.
A Quieter, Cleaner Everest In Store?
FOLLOWING RECORD deaths during the Everest climbing season earlier this year, Nepal’s government and the climbing community are suggesting a new list of preconditions for any summit attempt.
A Life List Of Adventure
There’s a first time for everything. But some firsts matter more: experiences that are life-altering, that change perspective, build confidence and teach you about all you can do and all you can be.
Virtual Reality As A Travel Sales Tool
Virtual Reality As A Travel Sales Tool
