Dear Terra,
I love being out in the sunshine at the lakes and rivers we are blessed with in the Northwest. What can I do to keep them pristine?
Lovin’ the Sun
Dear Lovin’ the Sun,
Clean water is one of our greatest resources and it’s everyone’s job to keep it that way. Here are things to keep in mind.
*Keep trash out of the water, especially plastic of all types.
*Avoid excessive use of oils, lotions, make-up, fragrances and other water-soluble products that can pollute lakes and rivers.
*Use sunscreen which is safer for aquatic life. *(See below, and click the links for recommended products.)
*Avoid getting permethrin (bug repellent) or permethrin-treated products in water, as they may be toxic to aquatic life. Be thoughtful about what you put on your body before you swim.
*Standard toothpaste and soap can take a very long time to break down, so bring biodegradable ones instead. Stay at least 200 feet away from water when using soap or toothpaste, including dish soap.
*Use/repair the gear you have or rent items, instead of buying new to reduce carbon footprint.
*Avoid creating big wakes when boating as they erode the shoreline.
*Live by the motto, “Leave no trace behind” when you leave the area.
Soaking in the sunshine!
Terra
*Hints For Safe Sunscreen–
The chemicals in sunscreen can cause harm to aquatic life. Since no one wants to risk getting skin cancer, let’s look at our sunscreen options!
*Chemical blockers (the ones we most commonly use) absorb the sun’s rays, converting them to a different form of radiation. Hawaii and several other seaside locations (like Key West, Palau, Los Cabos, Rivera Maya, Aruba, Bonaire, and the U.S. Virgin Islands), have banned use of the following chemicals in sunscreens; oxybenzone and octinoxate.
*Physical blockers deflect the sun’s rays rather than absorbing them. These contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are often broken down, or micronized, into smaller “nanoparticles” so it’s easier to apply and disappears on the skin. However, to be truly “reef safe” or “marine safe”, look for “non-nano” types. Some even come in refillable containers, a win-win! This product even comes in a biodegradable, non-plastic container! Surf Mud Pro, the Ultimate Sun Protection for Water Sports • Eir NYC This one is in an aluminum cannister: Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Butter, 1 oz | Products | All Good (allgoodproducts.com)
*Behavior changes are important as well. Limit sun exposure during the hottest part of the day. Wear UPF clothing (check out Travel Shirts (nathab.com)) or even just long sleeves or pants to cover more of the body so less sunscreen is needed, and add sunglasses and hats to protect eyes and face. Stay in the shade as much as possible. Wear a rash guard/swim shirt to protect arms and back and reduce sunscreen when in the water.
Besides the type of sunscreen you use, limit all personal care products (lotions, gels, moisturizers, fragrances, etc.) when in the water. The fewer chemicals going into lakes, rivers, ponds, and oceans the better off we’ll all be!
Marine Lives Matter! Thank you for protecting them and the water they live in!