Action Update: Maui Toxic Sunscreen Ban Moves Forward

We’ve got good news on our efforts to protect Hawaiian coral reefs and habitat for green and hawksbill sea turtles.

Earlier this month, we asked our supporters to send emails to the Maui County Council to ask them to pass a bill focusing on eliminating certain toxic chemicals from sunscreen products.

As a result of the action of our supporters, the public, and our coalition partners, the Maui County Council unanimously approved the first reading of the bill.

As a next step, the Maui County Council will hold a special meeting focusing on the science and legality of the bill and will invite experts to provide additional information.

After the special meeting, the Council will conduct a second reading and if a majority of the Council approves, Maui will be its way to establishing the first regulation in the world prohibiting the sale and use of oxybenzone and octinoxate in sunscreen products.

Scientific studies have shown that oxybenzone and octinoxate, two of the common ingredients in some sunscreens, kill coral reefs.

Remember, you can choose many sunscreen products that don’t contain these two chemicals. Look for natural ingredients like zinc and titanium oxide instead.

Thanks to everyone who has helped advance our work to protect coral reefs and sea turtles. Sometimes the biggest changes we can make to protect oceans begins at the local level.

Stay tuned for more actions you can take to protect Hawaiian ocean resources.