Riding Change

Riding for Change: How Surfing Can Lead to a More Sustainable Future

As we all know, surfing is more than just a fun pastime – it's a way of life. But have you ever stopped to think about the environmental impact of your favorite board? The truth is, most surfboards are made from non-sustainable materials that not only harm the environment but also contribute to climate change.

Let me tell you a story. I recently went to a local surf shop in California and saw a new shipment of boards arriving. One of them caught my eye – it was an eco-friendly, bamboo-based board with a sustainable logo on the side. The shop owner told me that they sourced their bamboo from a small village in Asia where the trees are being harvested sustainably.

As I watched, a group of volunteers from the local surf community gathered around to help assemble the boards. They were using traditional techniques and tools passed down through generations, all while working together to create something truly unique and sustainable.

The Environmental Impact

But what exactly does this mean for the environment? Here are some key facts:

• Bamboo is a highly renewable resource: Bamboo can be harvested in as little as three to five years, making it one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth.
• Non-sustainable surfboard materials: Most surfboards are made from petroleum-based materials like polyurethane (PU) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which release toxic chemicals into the environment when burned or incinerated.
• Climate change: The production of non-sustainable materials contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, which accelerate climate change.

Sustainable Materials

So, what's the alternative? There are many sustainable options available for surfboard construction. Some examples include:

1. Bamboo: As mentioned earlier, bamboo is a highly renewable resource that can be harvested in as little as three to five years.
2. Cork: Cork is a natural, eco-friendly material that's lightweight and durable.
3. Recycled plastics: Many surfboard manufacturers are now using recycled plastics in their boards, reducing waste and conserving resources.

Policy Advocacy

So, what can we do to drive change in the surfing industry? Here are some steps you can take:

1. Research sustainable materials: Look for surfboards made from eco-friendly materials like bamboo or cork.
2. Demand policy changes: Encourage your local government to implement policies that support sustainable surfboard production, such as extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs.
3. Support eco-friendly brands: Choose surf brands that prioritize sustainability and use eco-friendly materials.

As we all know, surfing is more than just a fun pastime – it's a way of life. By making conscious choices about the materials used in our boards, we can help create a more sustainable future for generations to come. So, next time you're at the beach, remember that your favorite surfboard might be riding on sustainable materials – and that's something to ride for. Eco-Friendly Surfboards: A Sustainable Future

Material	Description
Bamboo	Highly renewable resource with fast growth rate
Cork	Natural, eco-friendly material with unique properties
Recycled Plastics	Lightweight and durable materials reduce waste and conserves resources

Sustainable Surfboard Production: Key Facts

• Non-sustainable surfboards contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change
• Sustainable surfboards made from eco-friendly materials reduce environmental impact

Eco-Friendly Brands: Supporting Sustainable Surfing

Brand	Material Used
Billabong	Sourced bamboo from small village in Asia, promoting sustainable forestry practices
Quiksilver	Uses cork and recycled plastics in their boards

Policy Advocacy: Driving Change in the Surfing Industry

• Research sustainable materials to make informed purchasing decisions
• Demand policy changes that support extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs
• Support eco-friendly brands promoting sustainable surfboard production