The Toxicity of Surfing

The Toxicity of Surfing Unintended Consequences of Stoke As surfing grows as a sport and as an industry, its impact on the environment grows as well. Surfing has evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry that is completely dependent on the environment, yet pays little attention to protecting it. Even for those looking to minimize their environmental impact, sustainable surfing products can be tough to find. Here are some of the facts; now it's up to you to make the right decisions. 20 Million 8 Times QUICK FACTS Surfers World Wide Although it is impossible to determine the exact number of surfers in the world, studies estimate between 17 and 23 million surfers worldwide. New Surfboards If all the surfers in the world lined up, they would span across the United States 8 times 400,000 made each year Bars of surf wax used each year 6 Million Wetsuit scraps each year 250 Tons Coral Reefs that 60% are threatened SURFBOARDS WETSUITS 400,000 Volatile * Organic 250 TONS Compounds (VOC) and dangerous isocyanates are found in Polyurethane blanks. of neoprene is scrapped e ach and every year Wetsuits are E made with toxic chemicals, including PVC. PVC is the most toxic plastic for our New Surfbosards are made each During shaping. year from toxic Made from neoprene, a synthetic rubber produced from petroleum products. health and 20% of the foam is wasted and ends up in landfills foams and synthetic resins environment. Majority of fins and fin plugs are made from polyester resin and fiberglass or Glue and solvents used in the lamination and gluing process evaporate and pollute the atmosphere. A shortboard weighs about 5.5 Ibs. This petroleum based plastic. couses over 600 Ibs of CO2 to be emitted during the ifecycle of manufacturing, repain, and disposal. NOT biodegradable THE ALTERNATIVE SOLUTION THE ALTERNATIVE SOLUTION There are some great alternatives to polyurethane boards. Longevity is a major concern with surfboards. Epoxy boards are more durable and last longer. Substitutes for fiberglass and styrene based resins can even be made from bamboo and other natural ingredients, resulting in a lighter, stronger, less toxic surfboard. Some companies do not use PVC in their wetsuits, which eliminates a major source of toxins. By using new technology and innovation, wetsuits are also becoming more durable and efficient for their thickness. Thinner suits use less neoprene and are better for the environment. SURF WAX THE ALTERNATIVE SOLUTION 6. There are a handful of petroleum-free surf waxes out there which are made from natural ingredients. They are more environmentally friendly and performance is not compromised. 10% million Surf wax m elly is commonly made from oil by-products. Its environmental effects bars of wax are used Surf Wax each and 15% Mao-cystaline Wa Ingredients are felt by all kinds of marine organisms. every year! 70% SUNSCREEN Oxybenzone THE ALTERNATIVE SOLUTION Poisonous Ingredients A chemical ingredient found in sunscreens. It's been linked to cell damage, allergies and hormone disruption. Sunscreens which lack these harmful chemicals are easily available. They work just as wel EC Sunsreens contain Benzophenone, Homosalate, 4 out of 5 Sunscreens contain chemicals that may pose health risks and do not cost more. When and Octinoxate which buying sunscreen, it is important to check the ingredients and make sure it doesn't use Ingredients that are harmful. disrupt our hormone levels 97% while Padimate-0 and Parsol Of Americans have it in their blood stream RIGHT NOWI 1789 cause DNA damage when exposed to sunlight. Sunscreen chemicals awaken dormant viruses in symbiotic algae, causing it to burst, which kills the coral and spreads the virus. 6,000 Tons of sunscreen ends up in the ocean each year. It bleaches coral and threatens 10% of coral reefs worldwide! envírosurfer Credits Sources: www.greensurfshop.com/surfing-infographic The Eco-Frlendly Surf Shop www.greensurfshop.com