Reduce your environmental footprint on a surf trip

As part of its mission "Water Quality" Surfrider Foundation Europe monitors the sources of pollution on the spots of nautical activity of several European coastal areas. However, pollution is not always where we expect it (industries, shipping, agriculture ...). As consumers and surfers, we also have a major role. Here is a brief overview of the actions we can take while surfing to preserve water quality and the environment.

1 - Don't drive a beat-up old van

 

Obviously, the older the vehicle is, the more likely it is to break down... and to emit greenhouse gases. So of course, the combi looks nice on the souvenir picture, but it's not really "fun" in terms of carbon footprint. Once you're there, it's best to walk or bike. In fact, why not travel exclusively by bike? With a luggage rack and a mountain bike, nothing is impossible! This mode of transportation is perfect for enjoying the landscape and discovering new spots. Of course, it also has some disadvantages: fatigue, flat tire, rain (...) but besides making your calves stronger, it will be easier for you to park on THE spot.

 

 2 - Ecological materials, you will choose:

For your board:

Surfboards are not exactly exemplary in terms of ecology... The main problem comes from their manufacture: to make a board, you need polyurethane foam, resin and fiberglass. Non-recyclable materials, toxic and very polluting (not to mention their transportation from the other side of the planet). Fortunately, we find more and more eco-responsible shapers! They use environmentally friendly materials and recycle the waste created during the manufacturing process. And you can also go back to the original wooden boards for a totally green look.

For your swimsuit :

Wetsuits and other neoprene accessories are also petroleum-derived and non-recyclable products. There are not many alternatives in this field, but some brands have found the ideal component to do without neoprene: yulex! A natural rubber from the quayule tree, grown in Mexico and the United States. This natural ingredient is all the more remarkable as it requires very little water and does not require any chemical treatment to develop. The yulex being only at its beginnings, business to be followed...

For your wax :

Finally, waxes are not spared either since most of them found in the shops are composed of products from petrochemistry with kerosene that is obtained from crude oil. And beware of greenwashing! Some brands take advantage of an eco-friendly image but continue to use kerosene whose transport and refining are not environmentally friendly... Check the ingredients used for the manufacture of your wax, the current leading ingredient in the eco-friendly wax being beeswax.

 

3- Thou shalt use solar batteries

It may seems illusory to the uninitiated, but there are solar kits that allow us to charge our electronic devices with solar energy! These kits generally include a solar panel with its fixation, an adapted charge regulator and cables and connectors necessary for the connection. If your destination is sunny, you can use solar energy to continue to take the most beautiful pictures of your adventures.

 

4- Thou shalt use reusable containers for your picnic

And because we haven't told you enough, don't go on a picnic without your tote-bag, shopping bag, reusable tupperware boxes and your water bottle! For a meal with less environmental impact, think about buying your food at local markets, preferably farmers' markets, or even directly from the producer. When it comes to shopping, try to avoid over-packaging your food as much as possible. Some stores offer bulk, and you can even find apps that help you find them, such as Béa Johnson's Zero Waste Home.

 5- In an ecological way, thou shalt make your needs

To conclude this guide for an eco-friendly surftrip, we suggest you read or re-read the excellent book "How to shit in the woods" by Kathleen Meyerd! You may not know it, but relieving yourself in the middle of nature is not necessarily very ecological... You have to know how to use certain techniques and be a master in the art of digging a hole, and not just anywhere! It is a question of not dispersing its fecal bacteria which could contaminate the water table. To be taken seriously, therefore.

 

Finally, surfing and environment are quite compatible. Between the boards, the wetsuits and the eco-friendly waxes, surfers have the opportunity to take a look at the environment.