Summer is all about sun, sand, and sea—but traditional sunscreens and fast-fashion swimwear are quietly harming our oceans. Reef-safe SPF and plastic-free swimsuits aren’t just trends; they’re essential tools to protect marine life and reduce plastic pollution. In this guide, you’ll find 15 actionable tips to summer-proof your routine, from biodegradable sunscreens to swimwear made from recycled fishing nets. Let’s dive in!
Why Reef-Safe SPF and Plastic-Free Swimsuits Matter
- 🌊 Coral reefs are dying: 14,000 tons of sunscreen wash into oceans yearly, killing coral and marine life.
- 🩱 Plastic pollution: 64% of swimsuits are made from synthetic fabrics (like polyester) that shed microplastics into waterways.
- 💡 The good news: Switching to reef-safe SPF and plastic-free swimsuits can reduce your impact by 80%!
Part 1: Reef-Safe Sunscreen Essentials
1. What Makes SPF “Reef-Safe”?
Avoid these harmful chemicals:
- ❌ Oxybenzone
- ❌ Octinoxate
- ❌ Parabens
Look for non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide formulas.
2. Top 5 Reef-Safe Sunscreens of 2025
- Stream2Sea (DoFollow link): Biodegradable, vegan, and tested by divers.
- Raw Elements Tinted Moisturizer: Water-resistant and packaged in recyclable tin.
- Thinksport SPF 50: Safe for kids and athletes.
- All Good Mineral Sunscreen Butter: Perfect for face and tattoos.
- Badger Active Mineral Cream: Organic ingredients + recyclable packaging.
3. How to Apply Reef-Safe SPF Correctly
- Apply 15 minutes before sun exposure.
- Reapply every 2 hours (or after swimming/sweating).
- Use 1 ounce (a shot glass full) for full-body coverage.
4. DIY Reef-Safe Sunscreen (For Adventurers)
Note: Homemade SPF isn’t FDA-tested. Use with caution!
- Mix ½ cup coconut oil, ¼ cup shea butter, 2 tbsp non-nano zinc oxide, and 10 drops carrot seed oil.
- Store in a reusable tin.
Part 2: Plastic-Free Swimsuits and Beachwear
5. What Are Plastic-Free Swimsuits Made Of?
- ECONYL®: Regenerated nylon from ocean plastic and fishing nets.
- Recycled polyester: Made from post-consumer bottles.
- Organic cotton: For cover-ups and rash guards.
6. 7 Sustainable Swimsuit Brands You’ll Love
- Patagonia (DoFollow link): Durable suits from recycled materials.
- Girlfriend Collective: Bold colors + size-inclusive designs.
- Summersalt: Flattering cuts made from recycled nylon.
- Vitamin A: Timeless styles with ECONYL® fabric.
- Tentree: Plants 10 trees per purchase + uses recycled materials.
- Outerknown: Gender-neutral suits from organic cotton.
- Aurora Sol: Handmade suits from regenerated fabrics.
7. How to Care for Your Plastic-Free Swimsuit
- Hand-wash in cold water with eco-detergent.
- Avoid wringing—lay flat to dry.
- Store in a breathable cotton bag.
8. UPF Clothing: Sun Protection Without Sunscreen
- Rash guards: Try Tentree’s UPF 50+ tops (DoFollow link).
- Sun hats: Look for wide-brimmed styles made from organic hemp.
- Sarongs: Choose brands like KENT (DoFollow link) using recycled materials.
Part 3: Beyond SPF and Swimsuits – Eco-Friendly Beach Essentials
9. Plastic-Free Sunglasses
- Proof Eyewear: Frames from recycled aluminum + wood.
- Waterlust: Sunglasses funding ocean conservation.
10. Reusable Water Bottles
Skip single-use plastic with Klean Kanteen or Hydro Flask.
11. Biodegradable Sunscreen Wipes
Raw Elements (DoFollow link) offers chemical-free wipes in compostable packaging.
12. Eco-Friendly Beach Toys
Opt for bamboo sand tools or recycled plastic buckets from Green Toys.
13. DIY After-Sun Care
Mix aloe vera gel, coconut oil, and lavender essential oil for a soothing balm.
Part 4: How to Spot Greenwashing
- 🚩 Vague claims: “Eco-friendly” without certifications.
- ✅ Trusted labels: Look for Leaping Bunny, Ecocert, or 1% for the Planet.
- 🔍 Research brands: Use apps like Good On You (DoFollow link) to check sustainability ratings.
FAQs About Reef-Safe SPF and Plastic-Free Swimsuits
Q: Is reef-safe sunscreen more expensive?
A: Prices are comparable! Stream2Sea’s SPF 30 costs $18, similar to conventional brands.
Q: Do plastic-free swimsuits fade faster?
A: No—recycled nylon is colorfast and durable.
Q: Can I donate old swimsuits?
A: Yes! Organizations like Soles4Souls (DoFollow link) accept gently used suits.