Surfing is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors, to have fun at the beach, and to stay in shape. Yet, it’s not always the most sustainable lifestyle to have. Actions taken today have wide-ranging impacts, and the negative impacts that humans have can affect everything from polar bear hibernation to the population of bees throughout the world. When surfing, it’s important to consider how to be more sustainable so the lifestyle has a much lower impact on the world and to help support conservation efforts for wildlife and ocean life.
Take Care of the Beach
Always take care of the beach when surfing. If there is too much trash, the beach isn’t going to be good for surfing much longer. Plus, there are estimates that there may be more plastic in the ocean than fish by the year 2050 if changes aren’t made. When surfing, take some time before leaving to pick up as much trash as possible and remove it from the beach, so it doesn’t end up in the water. Every little bit helps.
Pick Out Products Carefully
Shopping for new gear is fun, but most products aren’t made sustainably. Instead, when shopping, take time to research the products and brands to make better choices on what to purchase. Opting for eco-friendly products is something that anyone can do, and it can help lessen the impact on the environment, ensuring the waves will still be there to enjoy in the future.
Use Gear Longer
Surfers will often use up the gear quickly, then throw it away and buy something new. Making the gear last longer not only reduces the amount of waste created but can help the surfer save money, too. There are various ways to help the gear last longer, so it’s possible to get more use out of it. When it can no longer be used, look into options to reuse or recycle the gear to give it new life.
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Everyone has a carbon footprint. Eliminating it completely can be incredibly difficult to do, but it doesn’t have to be so hard to start reducing it. Reducing the carbon footprint can be done by conserving energy, using less water, taking a bike or walking more often, or making other environmentally-friendly options. Turn off the lights when leaving the room, set the temperature in the house up a degree or two, start riding a bike when going somewhere nearby, and start looking into other ways to reduce your carbon footprint today.
Start Volunteering or Donating
A big way to help the environment is to start donating time or money to conservation organizations. There are plenty of organizations, and they could all use whatever help is available. Those who don’t have a lot of excess money may find they’re available once or twice a month to volunteer to help an organization. Those who don’t have much free time can find ways to donate or reach out to others and encourage donations on behalf of the organization. As with anything related to conservation, every little bit does help.
Living more sustainably is possible, especially for those who love to surf. If you’re looking for ways to switch to a more sustainable surfing lifestyle, the above tips will help you get started. Even trying one or two things in the beginning, can help, and you’ll start to see more ways to live more sustainably as you get started. Try out the different tips here today to see what a difference they can make in your life and for the environment.
