Raw Elements Helps Found 1st World Reef Day

World Reef Day organizers have announce a series of activities to be held in and out of Hawai‘i on June 1, 2019, the inaugural event to that has been designed to engage individuals, organizations, and corporations alike to come together, raise awareness, and activate positive change for the long-term health of our world’s coral reefs.  
Founded by Raw Elements USA, and with the support of Hawaiian Airlines and Aqua-Aston Hospitality, World Reef Day seeks to inspire the public to come together and take action by using reef-friendly sunscreen, avoiding common contributors to marine pollution, and by spreading the message.
    
“The state of Hawai‘i has led by example and paved the way for other nations, states, and municipalities to take action to protect our reefs,” said Brian Guadagno, founder and CEO of Raw Elements USA. “We have chosen to celebrate World Reef Day’s inaugural year in Hawai‘i to honor the work the state has done.”
    
The celebrations will begin at Duke’s Waikiki in Honolulu, on Saturday, June 1, with a Beach Boys-style breakfast, followed by a group paddle-out and Hawaiian blessing from 8 a.m.
With the support of Hawai‘i professional surfer Garrett McNamara, marine biologist, shark and marine conservationist Ocean Ramsey, state Sen. Mike Gabbard, state Sen. Sharon Moriwaki, state Rep. Gene Ward, and Lisa Bishop of Friends of Hanauma Bay, World Reef Day participants will dedicate the inaugural year to the state of Hawai‘i.   Additionally, the first 100 people to bring chemical sunscreen to the event will be able to trade it in for a full size, reef-safe, plastic-free Raw Elements sunscreen tin. To add to the significance of this day, the production team from Karmagawa will be filming on-site the final scenes of their upcoming documentary “Save The Reef”, which will premiere on June 13.
 
“We’re thrilled to see how so many people come together in support of our coral reefs and deeply thank everyone who has made this first year’s celebration come to life. We look forward to continuing our awareness, education, and engagement efforts all year long, and encourage consumers to get involved with organizations making a difference like Haereticus Environmental Laboratory, Friends of Hanauma Bay, The Kohala Center, Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii, and others,” said Guadagno.
 
“Raw Elements has been an incredible partner by bringing reef-safe awareness into our in-flight experience with sunscreen sample giveaways, in-flight videos and reef-safe sunscreen for purchase,” said Renee Awana, managing director of product development at Hawaiian Airlines. “As Hawai‘i’s airline, we’re honored to participate in World Reef Day and commit to continue educating visitors about sustainable practices that can help preserve our beautiful island home.”
   
Outside of Hawai‘i, consumers can share their support by participating in a viral social media campaign on June 1 to show the world how making simple choices today can save our reefs for tomorrow. The goal is to take over social media with the World Reef Day coral-colored tile and messaging to raise awareness of the issue.
 
In addition, consumers are also invited to participate in the World Reef Day sweepstakes to win a trip for four to Hawai‘i with Hawaiian Airlines and The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club, an Aqua-Aston Hospitality property. Participants can sign up for the sweepstakes through June 2. World Reef Day founder Raw Elements will also donate 25 percent of all online purchases made June 1 at rawelementsusa.com to reef conservation efforts.
 
To celebrate World Reef Day, Hawaiian Airlines will also be gifting samples of Raw Elements sunscreen to guests traveling on any of the airline’s flights to Hawai‘i from North America, as well as Auckland, Brisbane, Papeete and Sydney from May 26 through June 1.
    
“As a member of Hawaii’s hospitality industry since 1948, Aqua-Aston Hospitality is keenly aware of the important role Hawaii’s reefs play in the State’s tourism industry and economy,” said Theresa van Greunen, APR, senior director, corporate communications, Aqua-Aston Hospitality. Since launching our ‘Reef-Safe’ initiative in 2017, we have been proud to play a leading role in raising public awareness and supporting our legislature in banning the sale of oxybenzone. Supporting the launch of World Reef Day is a natural extension of commitments and we are thankful to see so many partners involved.”