Surfers have a deep connection to the ocean. We turn to the ocean for joy, respite, peace, and play. The ocean gives us so much so it's our duty to give the same in return.
We encourage you to be mindful of the choices you make in your daily life, but the environmental issues we face require collective action on a larger scale.
Once again, we join World Ocean Day, in urging you to take action for our planet.
Launched in 2002, for over 20 years World Ocean Day has led a collaborative movement to unite and rally the world for collective action for our planet during the month of June, and the rest of the year.
This year they're launching a multi-year action theme : Catalyzing Action for Our Ocean & Climate. By working together, they hope to hold politicians and business leaders alike accountable. Some of the goals include protecting and restoring natural coastal and ocean ecosystems (and on land) by creating strongly protected areas covering at least 30% of our lands and waters by 2030 and phasing out out existing production including for single use plastics; stopping the production of single use plastics, and accelerating a just transition to clean and renewable energy.
Here are some ways to get involved this World Ocean Day and all year to help protect our ocean and the planet!
1. Take Part in Their 12 Months of Action
World Ocean Day has scheduled 12 actions for each month of the year:
"Each month’s focus will be strategically timed around key policy and action opportunities and target key national and international leaders and help ensure the strongest possible policies and outcomes for a more just, equitable, and sustainable society and a healthy blue planet."
For each month they'll share the best resources and effective messaging for action and ways you can get involved.
For example, the action in May was a collaboration with the High Seas Alliance to push for ratification of the High Seas Treaty. In June 2023, governments formally adopted the High Seas Treaty to protect ocean life in the world ocean beyond areas of national jurisdiction; the High Seas cover nearly 50% of our planet’s surface. But to take effect and be meaningful, the Treaty needs to be ratified by at least 60 countries. WOD activated their global network in May to generate targeted engagement and support directed toward national leaders to ratify the Treaty.
Check out their site to take action each month through the rest of the year!
2. Recycle!
You might be under the impression that recycling doesn't really matter - but it most certainly does!
While most plastics are not recyclable or "worth" recycling, other commodities like glass, fiber, and metal are being recycled as they always have been.
Tina Nguyen, sustainability consultant and self-proclaimed trash nerd says
"Recycling diverts waste from landfills. Landfills emit greenhouse gasses which are linked to climate change. And climate change, as we know, is linked to a multitude of environmental issues. Related to the ocean alone, climate change links to increased sea temperatures, sea level rise, ocean acidification, and coral bleaching, amongst other issues. When we participate in our local recycling services, we are reducing greenhouse gas emissions from landfills."
So do your part to keep recyclable materials out of landfills & out of the ocean by recycling.
In the meantime, check out our post "Does Recycling Actually Matter" in which Tina breaks it down in more detail.
3. Minimize Your Consumption of Single Use Plastics & Take Action At The Local Level
Aside from the obvious contribution to global warming, single use plastics is a waste problem. Single use plastics that end up in the ocean because can be harmful to wildlife and our waterways. For example, birds can mistake shredded plastic bags for food, and sea turtles can't tell the difference between jellyfish and plastic bags. Fish also eat large amounts of plastic, which can then be passed up the food chain to larger fish and marine mammals.
Check to see if your city or state has plastic bag bans or ordinances on single use plastics, in general. If not, you can get involved by urging your elected officials to do so.
4. Shop Mindfully
One of the most sustainable options is to buy second hand, but if you're buying new please do your best to buy products you love from companies doing their part to minimize their environmental impacts.
About 70% of our collection is made from recycled materials - we aim to produce our entire collection from recycled materials and have made progress each year to attain that goal. We mindfully source our fabrics so that we're making the best choice for the environment without sacrificing performance.
Check out our current assortment of women's swimwear made from recycled materials and our collection of Yulex Wetsuits, the plant based alternative to conventional neoprene.
Check out some of our other blog posts with Earth-conscious living tips:
Five Ways to Tackle the Plastic Problem
Conscious & Sustainable Lifestyle Ideas Submitted By Our Customers
