Cool for the Summer: Earth – Friendly Edition

by DAWN TIAOSON

The sun is most awake during these days–it is summer time! March to May is Philippines’ Summer Season. Before the pandemic, people usually spend their vacation with sand between their toes and gentle waves. However, summer is now composed of normal school days. No beaches, no mountain-climbing, and no staycations, just tests and papers to submit. In Silliman, the campus beside the sea, the heat seems impossible to beat.

It is natural during summer time to crave for cold drinks, sunscreen, fancy treats, and things to help forget the burning skin. But, students must still keep in mind their environmental responsibilities even during summertime.

Here are some recommendations to achieve a guilt-free summer fun:

1. Use a Non-chemical Sunscreen. Sunscreens contain harmful chemicals that pollute the environment and somehow do harm on the human skin. Though a typical sunscreen do protect the skin, ingredients like oxybenzone, retinyl palmitate, and parabens are actually not the best option. Mineral protections with ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are way better for the skin, and for the environment.