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What Happens To The Products You Wash Off At Home, and How Does It Impact The Environment?

So what really happens to the product you wash away?


There's been a lot of info going around about chemical filters impact in the reefs, and other ingredients like synthetic polymers that can harm the environment. Which from all studies appears to be correct. But does that apply to everyday product and sunscreen use?

You might be surprised to find out that the majority of countries use water filtration systems, or treatment plants for all points of drainages (sinks, laundry, and yep even toilets). To be chemically treated and re-used. This applies to the products/sunscreen that are washed down our drains. The water is treated with various chemicals, tested and released back into the pipelines (if passes the test). You should be able to identify how your water supplier does this in your location so I encourage to research this do you can understand how your water is supplied. For those that would like to avoid these chemicals on the rebounded water, some filters can be attached to taps, showers or directly to water systems to filter the water that comes back through.

While customarily these chemicals are harmless, a good percentage can be filtered out if there's are issues with excessive chemical treatment of water, which can occur. If your water is drawn from a natural source it may already be filtered to as much as possible so it's worth looking into so you don't double up on filters.


The main damage is done in the summertime when people flock to the beach with various oils, sunscreens and other additional products on their skin. When these are washed off they begin to circulate/accurate in reefs causing damage you here referenced. This is why I tend to go to the beach, or open ocean, at times when the UV index is 3 or below (generally before or after 10am - 3pm). This generally allows access without the use of sunscreen, nor the risk of any UV damage. There are Ultra Violet Index App's available, and some weather apps also provide this.

You may also notice recently a change in your water for those where the water is treated. This would likely be due to due to a reaction to the Covid-19 pandemic. The aforementioned filtrations systems can be effective at reducing these accessing your skin if sensitivity is an issue.

Hope this helps give you some peace of mind about how you might about how you may have been using some of your products.

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