Green Options

Happy World Ocean Day!

This brief post is meant to arm you with the knowledge and know-how to take action to protect our oceans.

According to the WWF,

Over 80% of marine pollution comes from land-based activities
A staggering amount of waste, much of which has only existed for the past 50 years or so, enters the oceans each year.

From plastic bags to pesticides - most of the waste we produce on land eventually reaches the oceans, either through deliberate dumping or from run-off through drains and rivers. This includes:

• oil
• fertilizers
• solid garbage
• sewage
• toxic chemicals

From that bit of information we become quite aware that there are small changes we can make to help keep the oceans clean. However, to become part of a larger group of concerned citizens dedicated to the health of our oceans you may want to consider joining up with one of these five groups:

1. The Surfrider Foundation

OVERVIEW
The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s oceans, waves and beaches. Founded in 1984 by a handful of visionary surfers in Malibu, California, the Surfrider Foundation now maintains over 50,000 members and 80 chapters worldwide.

I adore these DAKINE Spring 2009 Project Blue Surf Packs. Each pack is made out of 100% recycled plastic bottles with partial proceeds benefiting The Surfrider Foundation.

“Our new project BLUE surf packs not only help raise awareness and support for The Surfrider Foundation, but the packs also incorporate recycled materials that would otherwise end up as waste in our landfills…Protecting the environment is a priority for DAKINE; each season we look forward to expanding our use of recycled materials throughout the line” said Dave Bisset, Dakine Director of Product.

Most of the major surf brands are joining project BLUE . Check out the Surfrider blog too.