Maui Sunscreen Ban 2022
As surfers we care about the health of the coral reefs, not just because they give us the waves that we surf on, but because they also protect our shoreline and provide shelter for the animals that live inside and near the reef!
Maui County is now banning the use of chemical sunscreens that can harm the reef and ocean, and effective October 1, only mineral sunscreen can be sold, distributed or used. The historic ordinance was passed unanimously by Maui County Council and was signed into law by Mayor Michael Victorino in 2021.
This is a stricter law than what the state currently has in place, which only bans the sale of certain chemical sunscreens.
How to Shop For Sunscreen
How will you know if your sunscreen is ‘Reef Safe’ and legal in Maui County? (Maui County includes the islands of Maui, Molokai and Lanai) Look for mineral sunscreens made with ‘non-nanotized’ zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, and no chemical sunscreens (for example, oxybenzone).
How to Prepare for a Day in the Sun
Our surf instructors are in and out of the water all day! The first thing they do when they get to the beach is cover up! This includes hats, long sleeve rash guards with a high SPF, and leggings! Then they put on a waterproof mineral sunscreen with a high SPF on all the exposed areas, well before getting in to the water, to give it time to soak into the skin. Between the lessons they always reapply, paying special attention to the areas that get the most exposure to the sun, including noses, ears, hands, neck, and don’t forget the feet! They are the most overlooked spot to apply sunscreen! A great lip balm with SPF is also a must! Sunglasses with straps are always helpful on the water as well.
Where to Buy Mineral Sunscreen
Maui-based Project Reef’s mineral sunscreens are now available to purchase online, with free shipping on USA orders!
Project Reef’s inaugural product line consists of three mineral products: Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30, Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 and Cooling Lotion, which all use all-natural, effective ingredients that leave you ready for exploration without damaging our ocean’s coral reefs. In addition to a mineral only product lineup, Project Reef uses sustainable packaging and removes 1lb of plastic from the oceans with each purchase.
Project Reef was founded on the island of Maui by Matthew Roomet, who is a hospitality industry veteran. He became increasingly passionate about lowering his environmental impact and prioritizing ocean conservation.
Starting at 11 a.m. on Oct. 1, the Project Reef Team plans to visit the shorelines of Maui’s most popular beaches and offer to ‘swap’ any chemical sunscreen being used with a product of their reef-safe, mineral only products.
Project Reef will also outfit all lifeguard towers in south, west and north Maui with Project Reef suncare. “It is just as important that our first responders in the water have access to clean suncare as much as it is for our beach visitors,” said Roomet. “This event’s purpose is to provide excitement and education around the bill, while showing that there are mineral suncare options that not only feel good, but do good for the planet.”