Scientific SPF Biodegradability Study

Friday, January 14, 2011

Charley

Where it all started...
Recently we initiated a study of our SPFs to find out just how biodegradable they actually are. As you may know, many chemical sunscreens have been blamed for the decimation of our ocean's precious coral reefs. It has been thought that the chemicals in these unnatural SPF's encourage viral infections among the coral reef colonies. We wanted to see how our SPF's stacked up.

The Results...
This study, performed by the Florida Institute of Technology, started this past April and used the "closed bottle" method. We were thrilled by the results - to quote the study "the test substance was found to be easily biodegradable"

What this means...
Our SPF 4 was selected by our researcher because it contains the highest amount organic materials and would biodegrade slower than our other SPF's (8, 15, 25). According to our researcher, most likely, the product in a real-world environment (rather than a sterile "closed bottle") our product would biodegrade even more quickly.

We're proud to not only offer a much safer, chemical-free product, but to be able to tout the lotion's ability to biodegrade quickly just makes a great thing even better.

You can view the study at:

http://static.shopify.com/s/files/1/0007/0332/assets/AN_BiodegradationStudyFinalReport.pdf

The Turtles Need Our Help

Charley


We are fortunate enough to live, work and play in Brevard County Florida, one of the worlds most important nesting grounds for sea turtles. From the first of May through the early fall, sea turtles climb the beach to the dunes where they build nests to lay their hundreds of eggs.
The hatchlings emerge (usually in the summer) and frantically head toward the water. It is an amazing phenomenon to watch and my kids and I saw it right before our eyes about 20 years ago on one warm summer night at our beach. I have been a huge fan and supporter of sea turtles ever since. As you may be aware, these majestic creatures are struggling to survive and thrive.
Recently we partnered with the Brevard Zoo and becoming patrons supporting their important work as they build their sea turtle rehab program. In addition, with the start of our newest Absolutely Natural spa line, we have dedicated space on each label to help raise awareness of sea turtles. These bottles are distributed worldwide to resorts fronting the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.
Of course, our products are reef-friendly and the recent scientific study of our sunblocks proves that our sunscreens biodegrade in as little as 14 days. Incredible when you consider chemical sunscreens can take months and months to biodegrade and are thought to be one of the main causes of our precious coral reefs dying off at an alarming rate.
We invite you to join us in supporting these magnificent turtles. To learn how you can help make a difference in sea turtle survival, visit:
Sea Turtle Conservancy
The Sea Turtle Conservancy, formerly known as the Caribbean Conservation Corporation, is the world's oldest sea turtle research and conservation group. Sea Turtle Conservancy's research programs have yielded much of what is now known about sea turtles and the threats they face, and the organization is applying this knowledge to carry out the world's most successful sea turtle protection and recovery programs.
Sea Turtle Preservation Society
The society's goal is to help maintain the current sea turtle population and to prevent a potentially irreversible decline in that population.
The Narture Conservency
The Nature Conservancy protects Earth's most important natural places — for you and future generations — through great science and smart partnerships.
Florida Wildlife Federation
The "Goal" of the Federation is to be the leader in promoting, through education and political action, the conservation, restoration, sound management, and wise and ethical use of Florida's natural resources, to the end that present and future Floridians may live, work and pursue traditional outdoor activities in an outstanding natural environment.
Florida Marine Turtle Program
FWC helps to protect and conserve marine turtles and their habitat through the Division of Habitat and Species Conservation - Imperiled Species Management Section (ISM), the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) and the the Division of Law Enforcement (LE).