As summer is approaching everyone is getting their summer supplies together. The most popular way to not look like a lobster all summer is to wear sunscreen but Hawaii is taking a stand against sunscreen and their toxic chemicals within them.

Hawaii has decided to become the first state in the US to ban the sale of sunscreen chemicals that are toxic to the coral reefs and wild life in the ocean. This proposal was passed by Hawaii state legislature on May 2nd; now it is being sent to the governor’s office  for his signature.

If the proposal is signed by the governor the ban will come into action in 2021. The Hawaii government is hoping with to eliminate oxybenzone and octinoxate. These two chemicals are responsible for destroying the oceans in Hawaii and around the world.

It has been shown by scientists that these chemicals are breaking down the coral life within oceans, as well as disrupting the development of the fish’s lives. About 14,000 tons of sunscreen ends up getting washed of people and into the oceans every year according, to a study done in 2015.

Hawaii is trying to take a step forward within helping the wet land environment prosper and grow back to health; hopefully preserving the wildlife lives for many years to come. Although sunscreen is a key component to protecting your skin from the sun, as well as skin cancer.

But, Hawaii believes that the wildlife should come before our skin. So, next time you put sunscreen on your skin remember that you may want to keep in mind that wet lands are being put endanger due to the toxic chemicals.