When it comes to protecting the body from UV rays, a combination of clothing and and sunscreen may be the best option for you and for the environment. It is important to note that protecting one's self from the harm that prolonged exposure to UV rays can do. We also need to know the good that that the sun does for us. As noted by healthyfully" The sun rays themselves don’t actually contain any vitamin D; instead, skin that is penetrated by specific ultraviolet rays works to synthesize this energy into vitamin D, starting a process involving the liver and kidneys to create the essential hormone calcitriol."
That said, when the weather is good, we want to enjoy it while it lasts! That's when we need to know how how to extend our time in the sun without adverse effects on us or the environment.
What are we learning today? We know that years of sunscreen use in an attempt to keep humans guarded from the effects of prolonged UV exposure has had a devastating effect of the environment. National Geographic reports "When you swim with sunscreen on, chemicals like oxybenzone can seep into the water, where they’re absorbed by corals. These substances contain nanoparticles that can disrupt coral’s reproduction and growth cycles, ultimately leading to bleaching."
There are further effects when traditional sunscreens end up on the beach and then get washed into the water and off bodies and into drains.