What surfers can do for the environment
There are a number of environmental organisations around that surfers manage or can associate with easily as they look specifically at ways to help the ocean environment. The main ones I’ve come across (if I’ve missed any then let me know) are as follows:
Surfrider Foundation
Website - www.surfrider.org
Founded in 1984 the Surfrider Foundation is a grassroots, non-profit, environmental organization that works to protect our oceans, waves, and beaches.
Save the Waves Coalition
Website - www.savethewaves.org
Save the Waves Coalition is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of surf spots and the marine environment, with an emphasis on educating the world’s people and governments of the high social and economic value of a quality surfing wave. They are a dedicated group of surfers, scientists, and activists, and put every dollar raised towards protecting the surf zone throughout the world from harmful coastal development.
Surfers for Cetaceans
Website - www.surfersforcetaceans.com
Surfers for Cetaceans calls on surfers everywhere to support the conservation and protection of whales and dolphins and other marine wildlife, to protest whaling and the killing of threatened and endangered species, and to end the pollution of our marine environment.
Sea Shepherd Conservation Society
Website - www.seashepherd.org
Sea Shepherd is committed to the eradication of pirate whaling, poaching, shark finning, unlawful habitat destruction, and violations of established laws in the World’s oceans.
WiLDCOAST
Website - www.wildcoast.net
WiLDCOAST protects and preserves coastal ecosystems and wildlife in the Californias and Latin America by building grassroots support, conducting media campaigns and establishing protected areas.
As I said, if you know of any other organisations worth mentioning let me know.
5 Comments, Comment or Ping
SwellSearch
Oceans as Wilderness is Patagonia’s 2006-07 environmental campaign devoted to the oceans. “Our goal is to help us all see what is under the waters of the earth. How the vast schools of tuna are like those herds of buffalo. How bottom trawling is like clear-cutting an entire forest to get at a single tree. In our catalogs, retail stores and on our Web site, we’ll spend 18 months with marine scientists and writers, surfers and fishermen, to teach ourselves and our customers just how close the connection is between the vitality of human life and the marine environment, so that we can all become better stewards of the ocean in our daily lives.”
www.Patagonia.com/oceans
Dec 17th, 2006
SwellSearch
EcoSurf Project has the mission to help create a sustainable, environmentally-friendly, socially responsible future for surfing and related surfsports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Their aims are to
• To raise awareness amongst surfers of the impact that they have on the environment through the products they use, the trips they take and the lifestyle decisions they make.
• To help develop, promote, and encourage the production of eco-friendly alternatives to the currently available surf products (such as boards and clothing).
• To provide information, support and publicity to companies in the industry who are looking to move towards a more sustainable way of doing business.
Check them out - www.ecosurfproject.org
Dec 18th, 2006
grant
Treehugger All Natural Surf Wax has been developed in Australia using organic and 100% natural, biodegradable and non-toxic ingredients. Its one of the many products being developed around the world by surfers who are committed to greening the industry.
Apr 6th, 2008
Bisect Australia
BISECT AUSTRALIA MAKES GREEN SPLASH!
Bisect Australia sells a range of revolutionary two piece surf boards in Australia, NZ and Japan.
Bisect Australia may be a small business in the huge global surf industry but there is nothing small about its commitment to the environment. In fact, BA is putting many of the surf giants to shame!
Company director’s have taken on a revegetation programme on Tasmania’s east coast that has already seen a massive 12,000 native trees planted. The project area centres on the Templestowe Lagoon and wetlands that back one of the most breathtakingly beautiful beaches in Australia.
“There are loads of not for profit organisations around that make carbon off-setting and going green in general easy, but that was not enough for us”, says David Quon from BA. “We wanted to do something in our own backyard that would have local and global implications”.
In addition to absorbing enough CO2 to cancel out business related emissions, this native tree planting project benefits the local community and boosts wildlife diversity across the whole Long Point area.
Jul 30th, 2008
Green
www.surfinggreen.com.au is a new eco surf website dedicated to increasing awareness and promoting change within the surf industry.
Stocking the widest range of eco friendly, organic and sustainable surf gear currently available and providing in depth and up to date information on environmental issues relating to surfers.
Aug 22nd, 2008
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