Green Eco Services » Sports

Incredibile Infographic: Toxic Effects Of Surfing

Cathy — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:00:41 +0000

Some might think, I am a little obsessed with Green Surfing, but having grown up in a surfing environment and picking up surf trash and loving the ocean, I think it is so important to keep our oceans and beaches clean from all those who love water.

From The Green Surf Shop

Similar Posts:

Costa Rica Eco-Tourism

Similar Posts:

ReUse Surfboards- 1000 Surfboard Graveyard Project

Cathy — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:49:09 +0000

OK, I am on a surfboard kick here, probably do the Cardiff Green Festival and finding all these great reuse ideas. When I was living at the beach, I started collecting broken and abandoned surfboards to reuse them to make a fence. Somebody ripped them off, (I was pissed) so as a way of getting over it, I started the whole reuse surfboard kick and ran across another person, Chris Anderson from Australia who is constructing a Surfboard Graveyard on Garie Beach. He also applied for the Guiness World records for the most amount of broken surfboards on a beach.

Even though there is no accurate data on how many broken (snapped surfboards) there are in a year, he does have a survey going on on the blog.

The 1000 Surfboard Graveyard project is about a guy that is on a mission to collect 1000 surfboards to make a graveyard, promote the reuse of surfboards and blog about it. The objective is to reuse the 47-63 Million surfboards in circulation today. Most are not recycled.

The Mission

If you are wondering about how sustainable is your surfing, check out his carbon calculator of surfing. Roughly ¾ million surfboards are made a year with a carbon footprint of around 220,000 tons

Here are 200 broken surfboards

1000surfboardgraveyard.blogspot.com

Kudos to Australian Chris Anderson and his project. Keep it up and we can’t wait to see the finished graveyard.Similar Posts:

Similar Posts:

Comet Skateboards Commits To Cradle To Cradle Certification

Cathy — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 13:00:24 +0000

Sustainable Skateboards Commits to Cradle to Cradle Certified CM Program Comet Skateboards announces commitment at global sustainability forum

San Francisco, CA – The Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute, a non-profit organization focused on transforming the way things are made, has aligned with Comet Skateboards and set a goal to have the first skateboard Cradle to Cradle Certified CM. Comet Skateboards President Jason Salfi will be presenting his company’s sustainable design and manufacturing process on November 13 at the SWU (Starts with You) Music & Arts Festival, a global sustainability forum in the Sao Paulo, Brazil State town of Paulínia.

Salfi will join other sustainability leaders at SWU in presenting its innovative business model that rethinks the way skateboards are made by focusing on the Cradle to Cradle® concept and continual product life cycle. Comet Skateboards is committed to eliminating waste through “closed loop” manufacturing as outlined by the Cradle to Cradle® framework, which considers the full life cycle of a product from inception to what happens at the end of a product’s life. Comet uses natural materials including FSC-certified hardwoods, water-based paints, and zero formaldehyde glues that can safely biodegrade or be reused at the end of the skateboards use. Along with using ecological materials, the manufacturing process is transitioning to use only renewable energy sources and regional supply chain systems.

“Comet Skateboards has always put the future health of communities and the environment first, so this collaboration with the Institute is a natural fit as we strive to make safer products and reduce the skateboarding industry’s environmental impact.” said Comet Skateboards President Jason Salfi. “Our manufacturing process is guided by the Cradle to Cradle product standards, and I am pleased to share and inspire other creators to do the same.”

The Cradle to Cradle CertifiedCM program represents one of the broadest and most comprehensive environmental and social certifications available for products. The evaluation process looks at the complete impact of a product from the moment it is created to the time when its use is over. Comet Skateboards has committed to the process of becoming Cradle to Cradle CertifiedCM and continuing on the path to obtaining the platinum level in the future.

“Comet’s efforts show that every company – from cleaning products to recreational equipment – can rise to the Cradle to Cradle challenge,” said Institute President Bridgett Luther. “We praise all manufacturers who are dedicated to improving the quality and safety of their products while also improving their bottom line, and we look forward to a world where every company thinks sustainably.”

Comet Skateboards’ mission is environmentally based: to make light, strong and fast skateboards, affordably, with cutting-edge materials in the most sustainable way possible. The company’s goal is to eliminate the concept of waste altogether and to create high-performance skateboarding products in a perpetual biological cycle that feeds the earth or the next generation of products.

SWU is a large entertainment festival featuring global musical icons including the Black Eyed Peas and has a history of supporting entrepreneurs’ sustainability endeavors. After a successful debut in 2010, with the participation of national and international guest speakers and over 3,000 in attendance, this year’s Second Global Sustainability Symposium will continue to raise awareness of the sustainable business and environmental movement.

The Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute supports organizations that are looking to make safe and healthy products for consumers. Currently, more than 400 products have been certified. Products that meet the criteria of the Institute’s rating system receive the Cradle to Cradle CertifiedCM marks.

For more information on the Institute and Cradle to Cradle CertifiedCM products, visit: www.c2ccertified.org.

About The Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute

The Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute (the Institute) is a non-profit organization based in California focused on transforming the making and consumption of things into a regenerative force for the planet. The Institute uses design, based on the laws of nature, to help commerce create products that are safe for people and the environment. This rethinking of how we design, manufacture, use and reuse materials will spur a new era of research and innovation, simultaneously driving economic, ecological and social prosperity.

Cradle to Cradle CertifiedCM is a certification mark licensed by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute.

Cradle to Cradle® is a registered trademark of MBDC.

Similar Posts:

Eco Friendly Surfing Online And The Water

Cathy — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 15:57:13 +0000

You would think surfers are some of the most eco-friendly people out there. (NOT) Although there are many surfers who give back (Rob Machado) and surf shops are starting to stock Eco Friendly surfing gear, it may be a challenge for surfers the world over to find surfing gear that is sustainable.

An online company and for me a local company, Encinitas, California called Enviro Surfer (www. GreenSurfShop.com) is addressing the global need for Eco Friendly Surfing. They are also giving back 5% of their proceeds to what they call the ‘Enviro Spotlight’ cause.

Just looking at the products, they carry Patagonia, one of the first ‘environmental’ sports apparel companies in the world, Sanuk, Ocean Minded show, Moka Shoes, made with Recycled rubber and foam, Organic clothing from companies as Hippy Tree.

For those of us, who are leery of greenwashing, I really like the Envirobadge they put with each product. It lets us know what we are buying and why we should buy the product. Nice touch.

Envirobadge

It’s pretty simple to see the environmental impacts of something derived from petroleum. The surf industry is hooked on petroleum based products and as one can imagine, this all begins with oil exploration and drilling. On top of that, the crude oil discovered must then be transported, adding for an even higher risk of a spill. By purchasing Matuse Wetsuits derived from the limestone based Geoprene, you are helping the surf industry to ease up on its heavy reliance on petroleum.

Envirobadge

The main environmental benefit behind Rainbow Fin Company’s efforts to create a line of fins out of bamboo revolves largely around bamboo’s ability to grow and spread quickly. In some cases it can grow three to four feet per day without the need for fertilizers, pesticides or much water. A bamboo grove also releases some 35 percent more oxygen into the air than a similar-sized stand of trees, and it matures (and can be replanted) within seven years (compared to 30-50 years for a stand of trees), helping to improve soil conditions and prevent erosion along the way. Bamboo is so fast-growing that it can yield 20 times more timber than trees on the same area.

I will tell you what I love best, is the Reducing and Recycling of Shipping. They are reusing slightly ‘used’ boxes for orders. How cool is that. Too many companies worry about their ‘image’ and millions of pounds of cardboard go into landfills. At least we know they are practicing what they preach. For consumers, all those ‘brand new boxes’ cost you extra money, cardboard boxes are not free.

I grew up with surfers, love watching surfing and am a little disgusted with surfers who do not respect the beaches. But thanks to companies like EnviroSurf, we can have cleaner beaches, more educated surfers and access to more sustainable surfing products.Similar Posts:

Similar Posts:

Most Walkable Cities In The USA 2011

Cathy — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 16:02:22 +0000

I love these list and have been to all of the cities except Minneapolis, therefore would tend to agree with the below. The ratings were gathered by Walk Score a very cool website, that you can map your commute, rate your walking neighborhood and in fact real estate agents are using. (my neighborhood is rated a 5)

What is really cool is checking out 2500 cities and neighborhoods with walk scores. Even better, take a walk and pick up some trash and litter.

Here are the 10 most walkable cities of the largest 50 in the U.S.:

1. New York City
2. San Francisco
3. Boston
4. Chicago
5. Philadelphia
6. Seattle
7. Washington D.C.
8. Miami
9. Minneapolis
10. Oakland

Here are the 10 least walkable of the 50 largest U.S. cities:

41. Louisville
42. Memphis
43. Kansas City
44. El Paso
45. Indianapolis
46. Nashville
47. Fort Worth
48. Oklahoma City
49. Charlotte
50. Jacksonville

Similar Posts:

Action Sports- Sustainable, Eco Friendly Organizations

Cathy — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 16:00:17 +0000

Many of the sport companies are actively involved in environmental awareness and giving back to communities. I have put together a partial list of action sport -Eco Friendly Organizations.

Elemental Awareness. (elementalawareness.org) Non profits, youth based organizaiont to reach out to youth throught the avenuses of skateboarding and education. Focus is to develop self esteem, awareness and tools to lead successful lives.

Mauli Ola Foundation- (www.mauliola.org) Offers free surf lessons to children and young adults with Cystic Fibrosis. Team Mauli Ola includes, Kala Alexander, Andy Irons, Bruce Irons, DAne Reynolds, Makua Rothman, Marcus Hickman, Jeff Booth, Hans Hagen, Dean Morrison, Gavin Beschen, Mike Morrissey, Mar, Gabriel.

Life Rolls On Foundation (www.liferollson.org) Action Sports Leaders working with those with spinal cord injuries to motivate them to achieve in the face of adversity. Life Rolls on is a division of Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. The Flagship program, They Will Surf Again is an adaptive surfing program.

Adaptive Surfing (www.isasurf.org) Started by Brazilian surfer Priata, who surfs with one lefts.

Surfrider Foundation(www.surfrider.org)

KrochetKids- Their vision is to create sustainable development programs that support holistic growth of individuals and communities within developing nations. 4 boys known as the Krochet Kids, started this giveback venture in 2007 after a trip to Uganda. 10 Ugandan women crochet products and send back to the US for sale. Interesting story, I like it.

SurfAid (www.surfaid.org)

Save The Waves Coalition (www.savethewaves.org) Designate and protect special surfing locations around the world through an internationally recognized surfing conservation initiaqtive: The Workd Surfing Reserves programs.

Quiksilver Foundation (www.quiksilverfoundatioan.org) Bring skate, surf and snow industry together as a force for positive change.

Reef Redemption (www.reefredemption.com) Committment from Reef to employ environmentally conscious nad sociallly responsible business practices. 1.) Use recycled or organic, and renewable products in Reef. 2.) Give back 1% of sales to the Reef REdmeptiomProduct to non-profit organizaion in support of environmental and humanitarian efforts around the world. 3.) Reduce energy and material usage internally.

Project Waves of Optimism- Project Wave of Optimism, a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization, takes a grassroots approach to promote sustainable community development in the surfing regions of Latin America.

OceanGbe- www.sailtosurf.com

House of Peru (www.houseofperu.org)Similar Posts:

Similar Posts:

Loyal Dean Skateboards From Reclaimed Wood

Cathy — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 15:25:59 +0000

Born in California, Made int the USA, Designed by Nature are the taglines by Loyal Dean Skateboards. Made with reclaimed wood, these skateboards are works of art, incredible enough to put on the walls.

Similar Posts:

Biodegradable Golf Balls From Lobster Shells

Cathy — Sat, 21 May 2011 14:18:35 +0000

Several times a week, I get people emailing me to buy their golf balls, all from a reuse and recycle golf ball post I did several years ago. For some reason I also did a post on Eco Friendly Golf Balls filled with fish food. So on a roll, there is now another Eco Friendly yet biodegradable golf ball in the works which should be less expensive that other Eco Friendly sources. (FYI, I do not buy or sell golf balls)

The balls were created by Chemical Engineering Professor David Neivandt and undergraduate student Alex Caddell, via UMaine’s wonderfully-named The Lobster Institute. They are made from crushed waste lobster shells, combined with a biodegradable binder and coating. A by-product of the lobster canning industry, the shells would reportedly otherwise end up in a landfill.
Not only do the UMaine balls make use of an otherwise unused waste material, but they’re also cost-effective – whereas traditional biodegradable golf balls cost a bit less than one U.S. dollar a piece, raw materials for one of the lobster shell balls adds up to about 19 cents. Source: Gizmag

Similar Posts:

First Solar Powered Surfboards

Cathy — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 16:04:58 +0000

Southern California-based Coral Reef Wetsuits has introduced the first solar charging surfboard. Tony Jones invented the Outback surfboard line that charges small electric devices – cell phones, iPods, smartphones, digital cameras, and flashlights. The prototype board was tested for more than two years, passed extreme testing conditions such as very large surf, hitting the board in the water and worldwide travel.

They might think this is just for surfers, but I can’t tell you how many surfboards are hanging on walls and in garages, how many surfers are camped out on beaches, this good be a good thing.Similar Posts:

Similar Posts:

Eco Friendly Golf Ball – With Fish Food- EcobioBall

Cathy — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 15:08:53 +0000

Fish Food in Core of Golf Ball

I have done several posts on eco friendly golfing, from ‘green’ golf courses to reusing golf clubs to reusing golf balls but now you have another alternative with your golf balls, Ecobioball, the first every ecological and biodegradaable golf ball that comes with fish food in it’s core.

Albus Golf based in Barcelona, Spain has developed a golf ball for use around marine environments, like ships, beaches seafront hotels and resorts, lakes and more, made for those who are constantly hitting golf balls into water.

The Ecobioball a single use product that is 100% safe for marine life, it biodegrades within 48 hours and then releases fish food into the surrounding water.

This is great, now they need to make an edible eco-friendly golf balls for those inconsiderate people (like my neighbors) who hit golf balls off canyon ridges. I am constantly picking up golf balls around my house!Similar Posts:

Similar Posts: