Biodegradeable sunblock?

[Green gal]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone knows where to buy good, reasonably priced biodegradeable sunblock in Singapore. I like to go snorkeling and swimming in the sea and I've been reading about how most sunblock cause damage to coral reefs.. Just want to do my part to preserve the environment!

Thanks!

Green Gal

[JR8]

Can you post any links to research on suntan cream damaging reefs?

Thx, would be interested.

[sundaymorningstaple]

Sounds like a lead-up to an "Oh look what I just found" moment coming up.

tic...toc...tic...toc....

moderator

[Green gal]

This is what I came across, and some ecoparks in Mexico require biodegradeable sunscreen.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2291018/
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integra ... 108na1.pdf

[JR8]

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news ... coral.html

Some more self-flagellating eco green-tosh. All this based upon one 2008 study (above), out of Italy, that tied plastic bags around coral and then filled them with chemicals. Surprise, bad things happened to the coral!

About as useful as sticking me in a vat of whisky for a week. It's probably not going to work out too well is it.

There is no research on the effects of a diver wearing sunblock, swimming over a reef, and nothing akin or approaching it. Nada, nothing.

And yet here you have the cosmetics industry building a hugely profitable strawman, and product line... <sigh>

I've dived in many places. And with several very 'eco aware' dive operations, and one (Tioman) that carries out serious scientific reef census and regeneration work. But I've never heard it suggested sunblock damages reefs.

IME what kills reefs is:
- Overfishing
- Shark-finning
- Dynamite fishing
- Bad mooring practises (anchors etc)
- Pollutant run-off into the sea.
etc.

I'd say if you don't like it -
- Wear Zinc Oxide cream (diaper/nappy rash cream). Works well, costs peanuts.

If you're going to claim that Zinc Oxide isn't biodegradable, well neither is sand. Should sand be banned from the sea?

Still not good enough? Well protect the reefs from yourself, by simply not going in the sea.

[Green gal]

Umm. The study was prompted by living things dying in cenotes in Mexico. No need for extreme suggestions or sneers.. My question asked about where to buy organic sunblock, perhaps you have more useful advice.

If there is a more friendly and responsible way to co-exist with the environment, and doesn't cause anyone pain, I for one am all for it. Perhaps there is truth, and perhaps there isn't. No one gets hurt using organic products. Free choice. Btw, what makes you think the cosmetic industry makes more money on organic sunscreen vs. chemical sunscreens?

Incidentally, zinc oxide was not the issue in the sunscreen. There are other chemicals in the sunscreen that are the issue, not the active ingredient.

If you don't believe in the study, go ahead and use chemicals in the ocean. Just like the million other tourists that don't care about what they are doing in the environment because there is no conclusive study that what they do cause any impact.. The day that the study shows up. Perhaps it's too late.

[JR8]

because there is no conclusive study that what they do cause any impact.. The day that the study shows up. Perhaps it's too late.

Meanwhile you'll be trying to flog your $100 '''reef-friendly''' lotion eh?

No proof either way, 'just give me you money' just in case.

Cute.

p.s. What are your dive/Marine Bio credentials, by the way?

[sundaymorningstaple]

She might just be a beach babe that likes to snorkel over the shallow reefs, therefore she doesn't want any toxic runoff while she's out there. Fair enough. At least until she comes back on here with "look what I've found!" and a MLM site with her membership number on the page.

[JR8]

Found ourselves swimming amongst loads of 'terrestrial detritus' last week. Ah well.

No $100 lotion would be of help there.

I hate phonies trying to sell their stuff and stick it to people. Even more so when it's holier-than-though and all eco-green, or wha'evva.

[JR8]

Umm. The study ....
If you don't believe in the study,

Ermmm, what 'study', how about linking it? Then maybe we can decide...

[the lynx]

Ooh, I've never heard of biodegradable sunblock but I doubt I can ever find one here. Do you have any recommendation, Green gal?

[JR8]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/c ... ean-42.jpg

[Green gal]

Hi lynx, I think there are a few ranges out there I saw that's sold in the US. Not sure where they are found here, hence the question. Let me know if you find any.

[JR8]

Hi lynx, I think there are a few ranges out there I saw that's sold in the US. Not sure where they are found here, hence the question. Let me know if you find any.

Zinc Oxide cream.

Zinc Oxide cream.

Zinc Oxide cream.

Funny isn't it when people get handed an answer, but reject it as it's not one they they want. Not enough fancy lables on it. Too obvious. Too cheap.

This seems to particularly apply to people following faddist or cultist behaviour. 'I must spend, in order to absolve myself'.

[Cue vendor: I shall facilitate your spending, and hence grant your absolution].

[PNGMK]

Interesting point. I suspect biodegradable sun lotion BOTTLES would be of much more benefit to the worlds beaches.