# Hawaii Votes to Protect Coral Reefs From Sunscreen - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/07/hawaii-votes-protect-coral-reefs-sunscreen/ - Published: 2018-07-14T23:14:26-04:00 - Author: greenlivingguy First off!! LOL. GREEN LIVING GUY NEWS REPORTS Hawaii Governor David Ige will sign a bill to prohibit the sale of sunscreens. These are sunscreens containing chemicals that give to destroying coral reefs. Firstly, [Hawaii](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/05/air-quality-is-safe-in-the-hawaiian-islands-hawaii-governor-david-ige-and-states-top-health-official/) is now the first state in the U.S. to pass such a law. This law receiving with praise from conservationists. As Matt Ramsey who is Director of Conservation International for Hawaii applauds the state. Hawaii is recognizing the importance of corals. By taking this bold step forward towards improving protections Hawaii’s world-class reefs is so important.“ The significance of this action will extend far beyond the islands. With 9 million visitors each year, Hawaii’s commitment will educate consumers worldwide about the harmful effects that sunscreen can have on marine life.” In addition, scientists have estimated about [14,000 tons](https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2018/05/02/607765760/hawaii-approves-bill-banning-sunscreen-believed-to-kill-coral-reefs) of sunscreen ends up in coral reefs each year. Finally, the bill bans the sale of sunscreens that contain the chemicals like oxybenzone. Chemicals which are used [in more than 3,500](https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2018/05/02/607765760/hawaii-approves-bill-banning-sunscreen-believed-to-kill-coral-reefs) of the world’s most popular sunscreen products. ![A coral reef pictured above in the papahānaumokuākea marine national monument in hawaiʻi © james wattnoaaflickr creative commons](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy. com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/image-5.jpg?resize=300%2C200&quality=52&ssl=1 "image- 5 - The Green Living Guy") A coral reef pictured above in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in Hawaiʻi © James WattNOAAFlickr Creative Commons Source and for the entire story: Conservation International by MORGAN LYNCH July 2, 2018 ## Update: May 31, 2022 [Key West](https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2019/02/06/we-have-one-reef-key-west-bans-popular-sunscreens-help-keep-coral-alive/?itid=lk_inline_manual_5), Aruba, Palau, Bonaire, and [national parks](https://www.tatnews.org/2021/08/make-sure-your-sunscreen-is-not-on-the-banned-list-in-thailand/) in Thailand are just some of the places that have also banned sunscreens containing chemicals that harm coral reefs. “PacWhale Eco-Adventures recommends making sure the sunscreen is non-nano zinc oxide based and that does not contain the following ingredients of concern: oxybenzone, octinoxate, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, and ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate.” [For more information, read this article by the Washington Post](https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/tips/reef-safe-sustainable-sunscreen/)! ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow. [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)