Hawaii’s stunning coral reefs draw visitors from around the world, but these vital ecosystems are at risk of being lost. Recent studies have shown that certain sunscreen chemicals contribute to coral reef degradation. To combat this, Hawaii has enacted a law banning sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate – two harmful chemicals.

What Are Reef-Safe Sunscreens?

Reef-safe sunscreens are formulated without harmful chemicals that damage coral reefs. They typically use mineral-based ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which offer broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays by reflecting and scattering sunlight away from the skin. Unlike chemical sunscreens, these minerals do not absorb into the skin, reducing the risk of irritation or allergic reactions. Reef-safe sunscreens also avoid harmful additives like parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances, making them gentler on the skin and safer for the environment.

How to find the Reef-Safe Sunscreen?

Look for “mineral sunscreens” that use non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are generally considered safe for reefs. Additionally, ensure the product is labeled as “reef-safe” or “reef-friendly” and check for certifications from reputable organizations. If you’re unsure what to look for or buy, you can visit our shop, Treasures & You, in Waikiki! If you are joining our Dolphin Watching & Snorkeling Tour, you can purchase it on the way to the harbor in our pick-up bus.”

Harmful Chemicalsto Avoid:

• Oxybenzone
• Octinoxate

While avoiding oxybenzone and octinoxate is crucial, other ingredients can also be detrimental to marine life. To ensure a sunscreen is truly reef-safe, look for products that avoid the following:

• Parabens
• Phthalates
• Sulfates
• Nanoparticles
• Octocrylene
• Homosalate
• PABA (Para-aminobenzoic acid)
• Triclosan

Check toxic sunscreen ingredients.

These chemicals can cause coral bleaching, disrupt marine life hormone systems, and contribute to water pollution.

Why Choose Reef-Safe Sunscreens?

By choosing reef-safe sunscreens, you help protect Hawaii’s precious coral reefs. These sunscreens provide excellent sun protection without contributing to environmental harm. The amount one person uses is small, but with more than 35,000 visitors in Hawaii daily, the cumulative effect can cause significant damage to the ocean. As you plan your trip to Hawaii, make sure to include reef-safe sunscreen in your packing list.

Help us preserve Hawaii’s natural beauty by opting for reef-safe sunscreens on your next visit. Together, we can ensure that future generations continue to enjoy the vibrant and healthy coral reefs that make Hawaii a unique and treasured destination.

And You Creations has been awarded the prestigious Sustainable Tour Operator Partner certification by the Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawai’i (STAH). Check out our eco-friendly tour options to experience sustainable travel in Hawaii!

The post We Support Reef-Safe Sunscreen. Protect Hawaii’s Coral Reefs! appeared first on And You Creations || アンドユークリエーションズ.

The Hawaii Ecotourism Association (HEA) hosted the 2018 Annual Award Luncheon on November 13 at the Hilton Waikiki Beach Hotel. The ceremony applauded all almost 100 certified tour operators across the Hawaiian islands for their efforts to make Hawaii more sustainable.

And You Creations was proud to be among the tours represented at the event. We left inspired to do even more!

Awards Luncheon

The luncheon began with table-top discussions between various tour operators and guides. The discussion topics ranged from reducing adverse impacts on marine life to involving more Hawaiian cultural practices in tours.

Following a traditional blessing, former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann took the mic as the event’s Keynote speaker. He shared success stories, such as Kauai’s recent islandwide initiative to commit to sustainable tourism. Then the celebration began as lunch was served and the awards were announced!

Learn the steps Dolphins and You takes to maintain its HEA Certification

And You Creations Tour Guide of the Year

The HEA handed out four awards to exceptional tour operators, including Sustainable Operator of the Year, Community Influencer of the Year, Tour Guide of the Year and HEA Volunteer of the Year. And You Creations nominated Dolphins and You tour guide Kaiona Oana-Momoa for Tour Guide of the Year, because she goes above and beyond for every tour she guides.

Born and raised in Oahu, Hawaii, Kaiona exemplifies someone who values culture and community. She has been dancing hula since she was a child, and she speaks fluent Hawaiian. Kaiona truly embodies the Spirit of Aloha.

On top of that, Kaiona is committed to keeping Hawaii’s land and ocean pristine for all generations to come. Together with the rest of the Dolphins and You crew, she works to remove any opala (trash) from Hawaii’s waters, reminds guests to use reef-safe sunscreen whenever possible and helps share practices for respectful interactions with marine wildlife.

The HEA also complimented And You Creations for its efforts to reduce plastic waste on its other tours, Nature and You and Island and You. And You Creations General Manager Kaina Neuman worked with the businesses that serve food on these tours to provide bamboo and paper containers instead of styrofoam.

About the HEA

The Hawaii Ecotourism Association was founded in 1995 to promote sustainable travel in Hawaii. In 2001, it began its Certification Program, which allows operators to make their tours as eco-friendly, culturally educational and sustainable as possible.

The HEA mission is to protect Hawaii’s unique natural environment and host culture through the promotion of responsible travel and educational programs relating to sustainable tourism for residents, business and visitors.

Learn more about the HEA

The post 2018 Hawaii Ecotourism Association Luncheon appeared first on And You Creations || アンドユークリエーションズ.

And You Creations, Dolphins & You: Mission Statement & Vision

“It is our intention to serve humanity by creating a living bridge between the world of cultures, religious beliefs, and different lifestyles, so that we may collectivley create a unity of heart, mind, and soul.  It is throughout these experiences that we come to realize that we are truly one in spirit, and that we co-exist in a life filled with love and abundance.”

And You Creations, Dolphins & You: Sustainability Mission Statement

“And You Creations is committed to promoting and practicing environmental stewardship, cultural sensitivity, community well-being, and quality education through our tour activities and our local community.”

Since the tour was founded 30 years ago, Dolphins and You has been committed to sustainable practices. The most concrete expression of this commitment is our certification with HEA. The Hawaii Ecotourism Association defines sustainable tourism as tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.

Dolphins and You applies for the certification annually. Here’s what we were required to demonstrate this year and the specific ways we’ve put the requirements into motion.

Book your certified eco-friendly dolphin swim tour today!

Hawaii Ecotourism Association requirements:

• A current member of the Hawaii Ecotourism Association.
• In compliance with all Federal, State, and Local regulations for all products/services, and commits to abide by all necessary permit conditions.
• Has a Sustainability Commitment Statement posted on the website that guides its operations and demonstrates commitment toHEA’s Sustainable Tourism principles.
• Is a commercial endeavor primarily engaged in providing guided tours and/or activities.
• Provides accurate information to guests that can be referenced.
• Utilizes marketing that is accurate and demonstrates responsible travel practices.
• Has a system to monitor and respond to guest and employee feedback.
• Contributes to conservation outcomes annually.
• Contributes to the communities in which they operate annually.

What specifically does Dolphins and You do to meet these sustainability requirements?

• We follow state law requirements to enforce that all tour guests may not touch the marine life or reef that they encounter.
• Our guides explain to guests the best way to interact with dolphins in the water to make them most comfortable and manage the guests in the water.
• We have recycling available on board the tour boat.
• We do not use single-use plastics on tours.
• We offer reef-safe sunscreen for purchase.
• We instruct crew members to try to pick up any trash that the tour encounters along the way to dive locations. On average, the crew picks up two pieces of trash per person, per tour.

Click here to watch the Dolphins and You crew free a turtle from floating plastic!

How does Dolphins and You preserve and enhance Hawaii’s natural, cultural and human assets?

• From the initial E Hō Mai ceremony—a traditional song of hope and prayer to the Heavens that is presented with flowers for a safe journey through the waters—that takes place before each dolphin tour, to the ending hula performed as a post-excursion finale, we make it a top priority to educate and perpetuate the beautiful ancient history and culture of the island ʻāina (land) and its people.
• We provide avenues for local residents to train for a career. We have provided training for several of its guides to secure their Captain’s License.
• We have donated tour tickets to Kamaile Academy students. Kamaile Academy is a PreK – 12 Hawaiian focused, arts integrated public conversion charter school that teaches and emphasizes Hawaiian culture, including traditional Polynesian navigation.

The post Dolphins and You: A Certified Eco-Friendly Tour appeared first on And You Creations || アンドユークリエーションズ.

The post What is Reef-Safe Sunscreen? appeared first on And You Creations || アンドユークリエーションズ.