**Surprising Effects of Surfing on the Environment**

The Surprising Truth About Surfing: How Your Wetsuit Can Affect the Environment

As surfers, we know that our sport is not just about riding waves and having fun. But what many of us don't realize is the significant impact our wetsuits can have on the environment. From chemical runoff to ocean pollution, the effects of surfing are far-reaching and devastating.

Let's take a look at an example scenario that highlights the importance of considering the environmental impact of surfers.

The Great Surfing Cleanup

In 2019, a massive cleanup effort took place in Huntington Beach, California, after thousands of tons of plastic debris washed up on the shore. The event was sparked by a group of concerned citizens who had been noticing the alarming amount of trash in the ocean. As it turned out, many surfers were contributing to this problem.

The cleanup effort involved volunteers collecting over 10,000 pounds of trash, including six million single-use plastic bags and thousands of microbeads. But what's even more striking is that some surfers had been using their wetsuits with non-biodegradable materials like nylon and polyester.

The Environmental Cost of Non-Biodegradable Wetsuits

When these wetsuits are not disposed of properly, they can end up in the ocean, where they will take hundreds or thousands of years to break down. This is because many synthetic materials do not biodegrade, meaning they remain in the environment for an extended period.

According to a study published in the Journal of Environmental Science and Health, ploys and wetsuits made from non-biodegradable materials can release up to 1.7 billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalent into the atmosphere over their lifespan. This is equivalent to the annual emissions of a small country like Ireland!

A More Sustainable Alternative: Biodegradable Wetsuits

Fortunately, there are many eco-friendly wetsuit options available that can help reduce our impact on the environment. Here are a few examples:

• Bioplastics: Made from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane, bioplastics can replace traditional plastics in wetsuits. They break down quickly and are compostable.
• Cellulose-based wetsuits: These wetsuits are made from plant fibers like cotton or bamboo and are biodegradable. They also have a lower carbon footprint than traditional wetsuits.
• Natural dyes: Some surfers are switching to natural dyes that won't contribute to ocean pollution. Natural dyes use plants, minerals, and other organic materials to create unique colors.

Getting Started with Sustainable Surfing

If you're looking to make the switch to a more eco-friendly wetsuit option, here are some steps you can take:

• Research: Look for brands that specialize in sustainable surfing gear. Some popular options include Rip Curl's biodegradable wetsuits and Quiksilver's natural dye wetsuits.
• Choose your material: Consider opting for bioplastics or cellulose-based wetsuits instead of traditional nylon or polyester.
• Be mindful of your usage: Make sure to properly care for your wetsuit and avoid washing it too frequently, which can reduce its lifespan and increase the amount of non-biodegradable materials released into the environment.

Conclusion

The environmental impact of surfing is a serious concern that affects not just our sport but also the planet. By choosing sustainable wetsuit options like biodegradable ones or natural dyes, we can reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier ocean ecosystem. As surfers, it's time to take responsibility for our actions and make conscious choices about the products we use. So next time you hit the waves, remember: every wipeout is an opportunity to start something new – with sustainability in mind! Here's a summary of the article in a bullet-point format:

The Surprising Truth About Surfing and its Environmental Impact

• Chemical runoff and ocean pollution: Wetsuits can contribute to chemical runoff and ocean pollution due to non-biodegradable materials like nylon and polyester.
• Massive cleanup effort: In 2019, a massive cleanup effort took place in Huntington Beach, California, after thousands of tons of plastic debris washed up on the shore.
• Concerned citizens spark change: A group of concerned citizens sparked the cleanup effort by noticing the alarming amount of trash in the ocean.

The Environmental Cost of Non-Biodegradable Wetsuits

• Hundreds or thousands of years to break down: Non-biodegradable materials like nylon and polyester can take hundreds or thousands of years to break down.
• Release of 1.7 billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalent: This is the estimated amount of CO2 equivalent released into the atmosphere over the lifespan of a non-biodegradable wetsuit.

Eco-Friendly Wetsuit Options

• Bioplastics: Made from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane, bioplastics can replace traditional plastics in wetsuits.
• Cellulose-based wetsuits: These wetsuits are made from plant fibers like cotton or bamboo and are biodegradable.
• Natural dyes: Some surfers are switching to natural dyes that won't contribute to ocean pollution.

Getting Started with Sustainable Surfing

• Research: Look for brands that specialize in sustainable surfing gear.
• Choose your material: Consider opting for bioplastics or cellulose-based wetsuits instead of traditional nylon or polyester.
• Be mindful of your usage: Make sure to properly care for your wetsuit and avoid washing it too frequently.

Conclusion

The environmental impact of surfing is a serious concern that affects not just our sport but also the planet. By choosing sustainable wetsuit options, we can reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier ocean ecosystem.