Eco on the Beach

This picture was taken on Oahu back in December. The sea turtle was swimming only about a foot away from us. Magical.

Here in the Pacific Northwest, it's just gotten summery. Finally! After a rainy and overcast weekend, we have some 90-degree weather coming up. I actually had to go to my favorite local store, New Seasons, to buy sunscreen today. It was a good feeling. But it's also inspired me to post the Environmental Working Group's 2010 Sunscreen Guide, since there's still so much confusion about which sunscreens we should be buying. (And according to the list, only 8% of the 500 rated are actually recommended!) I know it sounds boring, but the list is a fascinating read...just scroll to the end of the list to see the brands that flunk in more ways than one: many expensive brand-name cosmetic sunscreens, Neutrogena, Hawaiian Tropic, Coppertone, Banana Boat, drugstore generics. Even if you don't care about how residues from sunscreens effect the environment (good-bye, coral reefs!), you'll care about how they effect you and your family.

For a great summary of sunscreens and their effect on you and the environment, click this link to the GOOD.Is website.

Happy summer!