Abstract
The rise of the environmentally-conscious consumer has a corresponding side effect: environmentally-friendly advertising. Because environmental marketing is largely based on science, the average consumer lacks the requisite scientific literacy to determine whether a company’s product claims are legitimate. Although there are consumer protection laws that govern environmental marketing at both the federal and state levels, some forms of advertising fail to meet these standards, including “reef safe” sunscreen claims. “Reef safe” marketing alleges that certain types of sunscreen are better for the coral reefs than others.
This Note argues that “reef safe” advertising violates national and state consumer protection laws. Such marketing is deceptive and lacks the requisite level of substantiation to satisfy federal standards. The evidence that exists fails to support such claims: ultimately, all sunscreen has a minimal effect on the aquatic environment. Further, “reef safe” advertising violates California’s consumer protection laws and environmental marketing statutes because such claims are misleading to the reasonable consumer. This Note contends that the implications of “reef safe” marketing extend beyond consumer protection laws, resulting in practical human health implications.
Recommended Citation
Molly Thorpe,
The Dangers of Being "Reef Safe": How "Reef Safe" Marketing Fails Consumer Protection Laws at Federal and State Levels,
58 Loy. L.A. L. Rev. 719
().
Available at: https://digitalcommons.lmu.edu/llr/vol58/iss3/3
