Miel founded Pura Vida Palau, a store selling eco-friendly products including reef safe sunscreen. Traditional sunscreens contain ingredients, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, that harm coral reefs and marine animals.1 In Pacific Islands nations such as Palau, this poses a particular threat to the archipelago's biodiversity.
As a One Young World Leading Scholar, Miel used the Summit to discuss how a return to Indigenous knowledge, values, and practices are the solution to the climate crisis. Through One Young World, she later had the opportunity to sit on a panel at COP28 on climate resilience.
Miel used her expertise to campaign for the passage of a ban of reef-toxic sunscreens. In 2020, the country was the first to institute a ban on sunscreens with ingredients toxic to coral reefs. This regulation has not only reduced coral bleaching, but allowed for Palauan businesses to begin stocking an increase in local products. Miel sold 7,500 reef-safe sunscreens and, through a partnership with her parents’ small business, Palauan Made, provided training to eight Palauan female entrepreneurs to help them launch their own businesses.
