Today’s news brings us coral and snow. Yes, that’s right, snow!
- Could sunscreen be killing coral? Gosh, I hope not. According to the National Geographic News, a study says that it does, however the validity of the study has been questioned.
- Maui’s tallest peak, Haleakala, had a covering of snow this week for the first time in four years. Kuanyin, who lives on Maui, climbed on top of her roof to capture a photo as the clouds gave way to a quick view. The Big Island got snow in the higher elevations, too. Due to snow, Haleakala National Park had limited opening times. I really wouldn’t want to drive that steep winding road in the snow. (Yikes!) For information on park conditions, call 1-808-572-4400 and press 1 for a recorded message. The diversity of Hawaii’s climates and terrain never stop amazing me
Sheila Beal
2 comments
Pacific Whale Foundation now has a gallon bottle of “coral safe” sun screen lotion set up outside their store in Ma’alaea for their customers to use before going out snorkeling. Pride of Maui also had one onboard. Wish I’d paid more attention to who was sponsoring them.
David
That’s great, David.
The article says:
“Danovaro says banning sunscreen won’t be necessary, and points out two simple things swimmers can do to reduce their impact on coral: Use sunscreens with physical filters, which reflect instead of absorb ultraviolet radiation; and use eco-friendly chemical sunscreens.”
I think zinc oxides fall into that category of “physical filters.” I’ve been trying to choose sunscreens with zinc oxide.
As far as sunscreen ingredients to avoid, the article says:
“Several brands of popular sunscreens were tested and all had four ingredients in common: paraben, cinnamate, benzophenone, and a camphor derivative.”