Be Green With Your Green

San Diego’s Eco-Surfer, Patrick Zabrocki reveals that you can influence the color of the surf industry.

After years of being involved in trying to protect the environment from destructive development, I have found there is nothing more powerful than the almighty dollar. No more is this true than when you look at the economic worth of the surf industry today.
    
These companies have used the surfing lifestyles and the beauty of the ocean to become one of the most profitable retail sectors in the world. Depending on your point of view, that is either a good or a bad thing. I think it’s good for the surf industry. If it wasn’t for the high profits being made, the industry would not be taking steps toward environmentally-friendly consumerism.

We are on the verge, if not already amidst the infancy, of a green revolution. Almost all the major companies have had some sort of development of their business toward making something related to the “eco” movement. It seems as though the powers that be realize the connection between ocean and surf culture and feel a responsibility to make a little effort, as long as it doesn’t cost too much.

Patagonia has been clearing the way for surf companies to realize there is a profit to be made with products that have less impact. For years the industry has been afraid to dive in to the green water like Patagonia has. The stigma, along with the cost, associated with “being” green and “making” green has thwarted most efforts. However, after the recent ASR tradeshow in San Diego it is obvious that the industry is now looking at green as legitimate and decided to test the waters.

The one major drawback to an otherwise optimistic outlook on the surf industry’s eco-consciousness is that unless consumers like you and me decide to use the power of purchase, these companies are never going to invest enough into “being green” to make a real difference in improving the planet.

It is difficult for anyone to make the direct connection of how the seemingly mundane purchase of a t-shirt affects the quality of the waves around the world. However, that connection is directly related to the narrow view we have as individuals that will not let companies make the investment needed. If you realize that every purchase you make has either a negative or positive impact on the planet, then surf companies will see surfers will make the green choice. You just have to care about your purchase and see that your impact is real.
 
As a reminder to the affects we have on the oceans: governments spend billions of tax-payer dollars pumping sand that has been “lost” back onto beaches, 72-hour contamination warnings after a rain, Harry’s is gone, Trestle’s is on the chopping block, Timmy Turner’s staf infection, several of my personal friends dying from cancer before turning 40. This is all real and it is all local.

I am putting out a call to action for every surfer with enough sense to see the importance of a healthy environment for surfing to vote with your money and create action with words.

Go to your local surf shop and tell them you want Matunas organic surf wax. Better yet call up Sticky Bumps, compliment them for using recycled paper, but tell them you want them to make organic surf wax too. Tell your shaper to go to Home Blown Blanks and get a bio-foam blank. Sell your truck and buy a real surf vehicle, a Prius. Give your sandals to a homeless guy and buy sandals made with recycled rubber from Ocean Minded. Better yet donate your shoes and get a pair of nice shoes made with tire tread from Simple Shoes. Buy products that donate to “Project Blue” at www.betruetoblue.com. The choice is yours.

As the surf industry tries to crack open the door to making a positive difference in protecting the planet, I am calling you, average Joe surfer, out. Bust down the door.

Start by visiting “Pat’s Green Room” at www.K5.com