Seeking Sustainability
Phoresia is a project to showcase both board builders and other surf related consumer products that are deemed to be “sustainable.” What does sustainable mean in this case? Well first, let’s start with a dictionary definition.
From Wikipedia:
Sustainability is a systemic concept, relating to the continuity of economic, social, institutional and environmental aspects of human society. It is intended to be a means of configuring civilization and human activity so that society, its members and its economies are able to meet their needs and express their greatest potential in the present, while preserving biodiversity and natural ecosystems, and planning and acting for the ability to maintain these ideals in a very long term. Sustainability affects every level of organization, from the local neighborhood to the entire planet.
So what does this mean to the average surfer? Most of us, with the exception of body surfers living in warm waters, have to purchase gear to pursue our sport. Unfortunately, traditional surfboard manufacturing has revolved around some highly toxic and harmful materials that are not recyclable or reusable. However, since the end of Clark Foam this year, the surf industry has been released from the old business model and some have turned to pursue new ways of making surfboards.
Our goal is to raise awareness to the general everyday consumer about what options you have when buying new equipment. We use the word sustainability loosely here. There are myriad ways in which a business can be less harmful, some ways are:
- By using non-noxious materials such as epoxy (better for builders and the earth)
- By using renewable resources like wood
- By making products with a long life span (shapers who encourage you to get triple six ounce glass for example)
- Fair labor practices (no sweatshops, living wages, healthy working conditions, etc.)
- Consumers can also make sustainable choices by:
- Supporting local board builders (who are environmentally responsible)
- Supporting local swim trunk and rash guard manufacturers where available
- Making socially and environmentally responsible purchases
- Demanding socially and environmentally responsible products
- Traveling responsibly (respecting local customs and cultures)
However, we will not denounce any company who is not environmentally or socially responsible. Neither will we attempt to cast anyone or any group in a negative light. The sole purpose it to begin the dialog, offer a few tools and research ideas, and allow the reader to make her/his own decision. That is what being a consumer is all about in the end anyway.
As our society continues to deplete natural resources and pollute our environment, it is up to us to make responsible choices on a daily basis. Please feel free to email Phoresia with topic ideas or with businesses who you think should be reviewed.