As January is our hottest month and we are in full holiday swing, we are all out enjoying the beauty that 2515 has to offer. We are lucky to have so many beautiful beaches on our doorstep with the majestic escarpment as a backdrop.
Summer is the best time to go to the beach and meet with friends and family to enjoy the fresh air. Whenever you head outside, it’s important to slip, slop, slap, seek and slide. Usually my articles are about nasty single-use plastics and the dangers that they pose to marine environments, but this month I’m asking you to protect your skin with an ocean-friendly sunscreen that is healthy for you and safe for marine ecosystems.
In Australia we need to take our sunscreen seriously because during our summer months, the elliptical trajectory of the Earth’s orbit brings us closer to the sun (in comparison to Europe or the US during their summer). The closer proximity to the sun results in an additional 7% solar UV intensity. Also, as we have a smaller population with less industry, this results in clearer and cleaner atmospheric conditions, exposing Australians to up to 15% more UV than our friends in the northern hemisphere. We are also closer to the equator, resulting in greater energy exposure and this gives our sun more bite.
We know that we need to put sunscreen on our skin, but are the ingredients used in sunscreens safe? Not always. Like our plastic problem, this is an issue that few Australians consider. Unlike our plastic problem, it has an easy solution. There are several sunscreen companies who produce lotions that are healthy for us and the environment.
Many sunscreen brands market their product to have the word ‘natural’ on their labels, however, I urge you to read the ingredients and steer clear of oxybenzones. There is conflicting information regarding what ingredients are safe (or not safe).
A good rule of thumb to minimise sun damage to your skin is to avoid being in the sun when the UV Index is at its highest. This is usually between 11am and 4pm. Whenever you head outdoors, wear sun-safe protective clothing and a wide-brimmed sun hat. Apply an ocean-friendly water-resistant 30+ sunscreen (without oxybenzones) to your skin, and re-apply every two hours. To protect your eyes, wear sun-glasses and if heading to the beach or picnicking in the park, remember to take a sun shelter or beach umbrella.
If you slip on ‘sensible sun-safe’ clothing, slop on sunscreen (or zinc), slap on a wide brimmed hat, seek shade and slide on your sunnies, plus avoid the hot midday hours between 11am and 4pm, you should be all right.
Most importantly, enjoy your day in our great 2515 and whenever you can, live a good life without plastic.
