Surfing the Wave of Sustainability

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Surfing isn’t too popular on the south shore of Long Island.  Notwithstanding having to jump into frigid waters, the waves, or lack thereof, haven’t really helped beckon too many people in.  Despite this set of opinions however, surfers have also contributed to deleterious effects on the environment. Whether its polyurethane boards or neoprene suits, the industry runs afoul with hazardous environmental actions. However, Danny Hess, a former surf board shaper, is attempting to change the paradigm of surfing through his natural finished boards and organic resins. Having an interest in sustainability through his studies at the San Francisco Institute of Architecture, Hess has since shifted his attention from buildings to boards.

The surfing industry itself is stodgy and resistant to change. And while the idea of using wood boards is not novel, as indicating by their presence in the surfing world, the truth is polyurethane boards dominate because they are inexpensive, and surfers tend to throw them away after about two years of usage anyway. As the article indicates, polyurethane has an element called toluene diisocyanate (TDI) that when heated can cause extreme health complications including, “asthma, cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, hearing and vision loss.”  Hess has attempted to produce socially responsible boards by handcrafting about 160 of them a year out of recycled goods, and waxing them using epoxies whose base ingredient is sap.

Hess’ story is an inspiration for entrepreneurs and headstrong people like myself. He is fighting a stodgy industry with his own stodgy beliefs in sustainability. Not only is he taking care into producing each and every one of his boards, but he is also constructing them using recycled and sustainable materials. As a result, the quality eminent in his product may entice surfers to keep their boards longer and reverse the trend of disposing of the boards after only two years time. It’s refreshing to know that ideas of sustainability are prevailing in even in the most stubborn of industries. In this way and others, Hess is helping to perpetuate a world where we all live green, and be green.

 

Green Farming To Counteract Climate Change

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We all are aware of the breaking environmental news regarding current drought conditions in the United States.  Presently, more than half of the United States is suffering from the worst drought conditions since the Dust Bowls, the last of which occurred 50 years ago.  We are witnessing wilted crops, particularly corn, dried-out, cracked soil and devastating forest fires caused by parched woodlands.  It is important to note that the current drought levels have not reached those of the Dust Bowl where 63% of the country experienced severe drought; however, today’s statistics do place this occurrence in the top 10% for the past century. 

Comparisons of statistics for severe droughts in the 1930’s and 1950s have resulted in some assumptions, especially by some politicians and talking heads that the current drought is not caused by global warming.  One such argument notes that carbon emissions were lower in the 30s than they are today, so the problem must have been due to some other natural occurrence.  Tree-ring data often have been cited to suggest that North American droughts are part of a natural cycle tied to La Nina events.  Environmental scientists now are compiling compelling evidence that rising temperatures are making droughts more common, and this phenomenon is less likely attributable to natural causes. 

The primary focus now must be on measures to address the problems of climate change.  John Antler of Montana State University has published a paper, which proposes that the government shift policies to adapt to climate change, i.e., providing subsidies for crops such as corn and soy to prevent adaptation by locking in current farming patterns. (http://www.rff.org/news/features/pages/climate-change-forcing-farmers-to-adapt.aspx)  Tom Philpott recommends a stronger push towards organic farming.  Recent research concludes that while organic farming yields smaller crop production, the organic farming process holds retains more water and performs better during droughts (http://www.motherjones.com/tom-philpott/2012/07/what-organic-ag-teaches-us-about-feeding-ourselves-while-planet-heats).

Currently, the United States has not been impacted as severely as many other nations by drought and destruction of food supply.  However, we see the effects of droughts in terms of increasing prices for food and increasing disasters, such as forest fires and parched land.  Droughts are becoming difficult to avoid, and steps must be taken immediately to protect our land, population and food sources.  Our very existence depends on this.  To save our world, let’s live green, be green.

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The Palmer Drought Severity Index mid-century.  A reading of -4 or below is considered extreme drought.  (Source:  National Center for Atmospheric Research).

Green– Practical to Extreme

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After spending a considerable amount of time browsing the Internet, reading magazines and researching “green” initiatives, I am convinced that most people are aware of measures they can take to promote a greener life.  I also believe that most people do some things, either voluntarily or as a result of demands made by employers, neighborhood associations or government mandates that impose taxes or even penalties for failure to comply with environmental regulations.  However, I have noticed some extreme practices or procedures that are being investigated through experiments now but may become a reality.

  • Some scientists have proposed putting a ring of sunlight-scattering particles around the equator to reduce the radiation effects of the sun hitting the planet and thereby reducing greenhouse gas effects.  This idea would be tried in the most extreme circumstances and would cost trillions of dollars.
  • Other research has focused on the ocean and includes the manipulation of plankton growth through fertilization to create larger growth to suck up excess carbon dioxide or even “stirring” up the ocean with large pipes to bring rich nutrients to the surface to feed and produce huge algae blooms that would in turn suck up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and bury it on the ocean floor.
  • Some local jurisdictions, such as the city of Los Angeles, have worms in bins in eating areas.  The worms eat discarded food particles and turn them into compost that is used in gardens.  Imagine worms becoming a kitchen staple.
  • Researchers have consistently emphasized the impact of changing our diets and exercise regimens. Statistics from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization indicate that the meat industry is responsible for 18% of global greenhouse emissions through the use of fertilizer, animal manure, energy used to transport food.  If all Americans between 10 and 74 walked a half hour a day, carbon emissions in the U.S. would be reduced by 64 tons.  Eating less red meat also would help.
  • Most jurisdictions are looking towards banning the use of plastic bags and incandescent light bulbs.  We all are becoming accustomed to the transition to fluorescent light bulbs.  Also the use of paper bags or reusable cloth bags is gaining momentum in most communities.
Going green ranges from practical to extreme solutions to protect the environment.  Maybe if we all read the Live Science countdown to craziest ideas, we would be more motivated to incorporate practical green measures to avoid resorting to extreme measures down the road.  Let’s be practical– live green, be green!