Dear Friends and Supporters,

Thank you so much for signing and standing behind the petition to ban toxic spray sunscreens at Barton Springs. I wanted to share a personal update on why this mission has become so urgent for me—and why I’m more committed than ever to seeing it through.

This past Sunday, I went to Barton Springs—one of my favorite places on Earth—and what I witnessed was deeply disturbing. In the short time I was there, not five minutes passed without the sound of aerosol cans hissing into the air, the smell of chemicals wafting through the crowd, and the realization that people were dousing themselves—and unknowingly the water—with toxic spray sunscreens.

As a longtime ocean and water lover, cancer survivor, clinical provider, and unapologetic Barton Springs aficionado, this struck a nerve. I understand how people can be disconnected from the reality of what these products do. But the impact is real—and dangerous.

After living in Hawai‘i for many years, I saw firsthand how these sunscreens—particularly those containing oxybenzone and octinoxate—wreak havoc on coral reefs and aquatic ecosystems. These chemicals are carcinogenic, endocrine-disrupting, and highly toxic to marine life. On top of that, they’re loud, invasive, and often sprayed without any regard for those nearby. Simply put: they don’t belong at Barton Springs and I believe they should be treated as a public health threat, just like secondhand smoke.

That moment on Sunday set me on a mission.

Since launching the petition just last night, I’ve committed to doing this the right way. I’ve:

• Contacted the Austin City Clerk to learn the proper procedures for a citizen-led ordinance
• Shared the petition with environmental groups, news outlets, local activists, and community influencers
• Begun building a coalition of people who love this water, our community health and our future and want to protect it.

My hope is to build enough momentum—and collect enough signatures—to bring real, enforceable change to Barton Springs.

This isn’t about shaming sunscreen use; it’s about protecting one of Austin’s most treasured natural resources and our health from unnecessary harm, and pushing for education, awareness, and better alternatives. 

Please help me keep the momentum going:

• Share the petition far and wide
• Talk to friends and family about why this matters
• Follow and amplify updates as we push toward legislative action

With gratitude and determination,

Beth