ECO PRO Using Sunscreen to Do the Right Thing for the Planet and Your Own Health – by Alex Brylske, Ph.D., President, Ocean Education International, LLC
to twenty-one percent in certain species. A key innovation of Coral Care ™ is its unique blend of FDA-compliant ma- rine nutrients that corals naturally consume. By incorporating these nutrients into the sunscreen, Stream2Sea has developed a product that sustains the vitality of coral reefs while offer- ing effective sun protection for users. Coral Care ™ offers several benefits beyond traditional sun- screens, encompassing environmental and user-centric ad- vantages. One key benefit is environmental protection. Many conventional sunscreens contain harmful chemicals such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, and avobenzone, which have been scientifically proven to contribute to coral bleaching and DNA damage in marine organisms. These chemicals disrupt the symbiotic relationship between corals and the algae (zooxanthellae) that provide them with nutrients, leading to widespread reef degradation. Coral Care ™ , on the other
The most important aspect of sus- tainable tourism is tourists’ commit- ment to minimizing their impact on the environment. For scuba divers, this low-impact mentality manifests in practices such as maintaining excellent
buoyancy control and refraining from handling or touching sensitive marine life. In other words, we strive to leave the places we visit no worse than we found them. However, given the rapid decline of many of Earth’s ecosystems, merely “doing no harm” is no longer sufficient, particularly concerning the dive community’s most cherished resource: coral reefs. This has led to a more ambitious com- mitment to what is known as “positive-impact” diving—the idea that we leave the environment better than we found it. This is exemplified by practices such as incorporating debris
hand, avoids these toxic chemicals and actively nourishes coral reefs. The sunscreen features a proprietary blend of marine nutrients that corals natu- rally feed on, helping to support reef health rather than harm it. This groundbreaking approach makes Coral Care ™ the only sunscreen on the market that minimizes harm while
removal into every dive, participating in reef health surveys and fish counts, and volunteering for coral reef restoration projects. There’s now a way to positively impact the environment and your well-being at the same time. Stream2Sea, a company recognized for its dedication to eco-friendly products, has recently launched an innovative
actively contributing to reef restoration. Another significant environmental benefit of Coral Care ™ is its biodegradability. Traditional sunscreens persist in water and sediments, accumulating in the environment and harm- ing marine ecosystems over the long term. In contrast, Coral Care ™ is formulated to break down naturally in salt and freshwater environments. Furthermore, Stream2Sea priori- tizes sustainable packaging using recyclable, ocean-bound post-consumer recycled materials, and plastic-free options to reduce pollution. Given that millions of sunscreen bottles end up in landfills and oceans each year, this initiative further highlights the brand’s commitment to sustainability. Another revolutionary feature offered by Stream2Sea is its Wet Boost Technology, which improves sunscreen performance upon exposure to water. Many sunscreens lose effectiveness when in contact with water due to dilution or wash-off, leaving users vulnerable to UV damage. Stream2Sea’s Every Day Ac- tive product, however, has been scientifically tested to in- crease its sun protection performance by 45 percent after
sunscreen that not only protects your skin but also nourishes endangered coral reefs. This product, Coral Care ™ , marks a significant advancement in skin protection and marine con- servation. Coral Care ™ arose from the vision of Autumn Blum, a cos- metic chemist and passionate scuba diver. During a trip to Palau, Blum was disheartened by the “oil slick” of sunscreen left behind by a large group of snorkelers. This experience motivated her to create a product safe for both humans and marine life. Her expertise in cosmetic chemistry, along with her commitment to environmental conservation, led to the founding of Stream2Sea and the subsequent creation of Coral Care ™ . In collaboration with coral scientists from the University of Derby, led by UN marine advisor Professor Michael Sweet, Stream2Sea began developing Coral Care ™ . This partnership aimed to create a sunscreen free of harmful chemicals that actively promotes coral health. The team con- ducted extensive research and testing, resulting in a product scientifically proven to enhance healthy coral growth by up
PAGE TWENTY-NINE | SCUBA DIVING INDUSTRY
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker