We’re loving these beautiful days in the gardens. That means sun exposure – delicious, vital, and… dangerous. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month.
Vitamin D is an essential vitamin for bone, muscle, immune, and organ health and is easiest absorbed through sun exposure.
Exposure to ultraviolet rays risks sunburn, skin cancer, wrinkles, and connective-tissue damage. Protect yourself with:
- Breathable, sun-reflective clothing.
- Sunglasses! UV rays damage eyes.
- Brimmed hats. Protect your scalp, face, eyes, ears, and neck, plus keep cool.
- Quality sunscreen.
- All of the above!
Many sunscreens contain chemicals that:
- Wash off when bathing or swimming, entering waterways and damaging ecosystems, including coral reefs.
- Cause allergic reactions.
- Disrupt endocrine and reproductive systems.
- Absorb into the blood stream.
Understand mineral (better) versus chemical sunscreens; creams surpass sprays.
Research your favorite sunscreen.
Higher SPF levels don’t necessarily mean anything.
Planetarily,
Laura & Gil
Our friends Laura & Gil Richardson are, in their own words, “imperfect” but they are much further down this Planetarian path than anyone I know. They are a treasure trove of sustainable living inspiration and we’ve asked them to share one simple swap per week that they’ve made (and the products they love) in hopes it might inspire you to make them, too.
