Trying to be a more ethical, environmentally-friendly, and sustainable business isn’t easy.
It requires a major shift in our way of thinking.
For a long time, businesses have tended to place less focus on best environmental or social practices. Whether out of ambition or ignorance or both, we’ve brought harm upon the place we call home: Earth.
Luckily, however, in today’s world, we are more aware than ever before. We have access to the information and data we need to make better decisions.
In that sense, we have an announcement to make as Spearfishing Today.
Sustainable Fishing as a Way of Life
Before we explain, however, it’s important to let you tell you a bit more about our history.
Spearfishing Today has been around for almost ten years (we’re preparing a big 10th year anniversary for 2018).
The founder, Leo, started off with just one speargun and a yellow tricycle to get back and forth from the beach.
He would eat what he caught, and what he couldn’t eat he would sell to local restaurants or give away to friends.
Since that time until today, the company’s slogan has remained the same: From Sea to Table.
That principle continues to guide both the ethics of our business and the services we provide.
Taking the Next Step in Sustainable Fishing
Of course, there are still a lot of things that need to be done in order to become a more sustainable business.
One of them is what we can do to better protect our reefs.
Thanks to scientific investigations and the work of environmental activities, we now know that sunscreens are one of the leading causes of coral bleaching.
If nothing is done to fix this, the coral reefs, which have taken hundreds or even thousands of years to develop, die off. So too does the abundant marine life that calls the reefs their homes as does a major source of income for an island like Cozumel that survives on the benefits provided by our beautiful reefs.
That’s because the oils are not only toxic to the reefs; they are also ingested by the local marine life.
Be sure to check out this article for a great insight into the current state of the Mesoamerican Reef.
Spearfishing Today Goes Biodegradable
In consequence and in order to do our part to become a more sustainable company, we’re proud to announce that from here on out we will no longer be allowing regular sunscreens to be used on our spearfishing charters.
As of this writing, only biodegradable sunscreen which doesn’t harm the environment will be permitted by our captains, guides, and of course our guests.
This policy will take place as of next Monday, October 23, 2017.
Guests are welcome to bring their own biodegradable sunscreen, but normal sunscreen will not be allowed to be used on the boat.
We will offer free biodegradable sunscreen to be applied to the face and also have 30 ml tubes (50 SPF) available for sale.
Biodegradable Sunscreen by Xtabay Biocosmetics
We’re happy to announce that, in addition to moving to the exclusive use of biodegradable sunscreen, we have also found an incredible local partner with whom to work.
Based out of Playa del Carmen, Xtabay Biocosmetics has over ten years in the market producing organic, biodegradable cosmetics.
With over 50 products all made from the company’s original formulas, Xtabay has shown a strong dedication and passion to developing quality cosmetics that don’t harm the environment.
In addition to their sunscreen, we will also be offering Xtabay insect repellent as well as their special after-sun lotion.
The sunscreen is made using 100% natural and organic solar protection with no conservatives or chemicals added that could harm the reef.
The Xtabay sunscreen is not greasy, meaning that it doesn’t affect the use of snorkel masks. Moreover, it biodegrades within just 30 days.
Questions or inquiries?
Let us know in the comment section or send us a message via our contact page!