Regrettably fun in the sun isn’t always so kind to Mother Earth. Equipment, and careless behavior can often leave a heavy footprint. With the health of the planet in mind here are some ways you can have fun and keep your global impact in check.
Surfing
You probably won’t find a group of people, other than environmental scientists, that are more eco conscious than surfers. Their hyper awareness is probably the result of having to float for hours in polluted water risking ugly rashes and sometimes illness. With these dangers pressing on their collective brains many have launched eco friendly websites, products, and non-profits. For a good website to guide you through the waters of green surfing check out Surf Eco they have lists of products, actions, and campaigns. Eden project (surfboards), Patagonia (wetsuits), and Wave Tribe (Hemp bags, recycled leashes) all sell greener alternatives to the oil based wetsuits, surfboards, leashes, and other products that are standard in the industry. Another good resource is the non-profit Green Surf, which lists projects, and things you can do to surf carbon neutral. One of the greenest options is to buy used equipment and since surfboards are big expensive items they are generally well taken care of by their previous owner. Go to BoardHunt.com for a list of used surfboards across the country. Also it’s worth checking out pawnshops in beach cities. Remember while surfing to cover your body with clothing as much as possible so you use less sunscreen and if surfing in a tropical area fall and step lightly to avoid damaging coral.
Skateboarding
Though the image of a skateboarder for years has been of the flannel-wearing slacker there is a serious eco movement brewing among these scallywags. Frank Scura, Bob Burnquist, Jen O’Brien, and Damon Way founded ASEC or Action Sports Environmental Coalition when they realized what a huge influence action sports heroes (like pro skateboarders O’Brien and Burnquist) could be to their young admirers. They asked themselves, “What would happen if the action sports industry became a role model for sustainability?” The group has pressed the action sports community to establish environmental standard. They also hold regular neighborhood functions during which they try to educate and encourage kids to care about the environment. Skateboarding product lines that have really gotten on board with the environmental message are Comet Skateboards whose goal is to produce 100% environmentally friendly boards and Bamboo SK8 which sell really amazing Bamboo products.
Tennis
As far as tennis goes they really need to up their game - pun intended. The major tennis brands seem to be slacking though Wilson appears to have a weak environmental plan. Their proposed “improvements” include a slightly greener racquet called the [K]Factor and the introduction of a racquet-recycling program, which does not appear to be promoted well. I did find this very cool company called Rebounces, which claims to be able to put the bounce back in your balls (I’m not laughing - promise). This would be a great way to reuse and would stop people from making tennis ball chairs. Since racquets can be repaired and restrung for years of use check out Freecycle.org or Craigslist.org for used equipment (that includes all the other sports listed in this blog). Until the major companies really get with the program stick to buying gently used racquets and keep track of those balls.
Biking and Hiking
It seems that there are thousands of blogs that discuss green innovations for hiking and biking enthusiasts so I will just reiterate two points. Bicycles are pretty eco-friendly, but if you buy a used bike or repair your bike with salvaged parts you save even more resources and energy. Throughout the world shops are popping up that resell previously owned bikes. Check out Preloved in the UK, Recycle-A-Bicycle in New York, RE-Cycled Cycle in St. Louis, and Recycled Cycles in Seattle. As far as hiking - big companies like Patagonia and Timberland have made recycled boots and gear for years and the products are incredibly durable (I have field tested several items in each line and so far have not managed to destroy anything). In closing remember that during mountain biking and hiking it is important to stay on the trails otherwise you risk damaging delicate plant life.
A quick note for snowboarders and skiers in the southern hemisphere who are hopefully enjoying snow now. Check out Venture Snowboards, Arbor and Grown Skis for cleaner greener equipment.
In the end the most important thing is to turn of the TV, computers and video games. Get outside and have some fun. Enjoying the great outdoors reminds us why it’s important to protect our planet.
This article was contributed to Celsias by Raegan Payne
Be Informed, Take Action on Climate Change - www.Celsias.com.
