I would like to say that this is a very good post.

Is it just me, or is this the ocean version of project (RED), the aids program that did the same thing?

(and didn't some participants, like Dell if memory serves, were brought under fire for allegedly jacking up the prices of RED products over their blander peers and only donating the inflated portion of the price)

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Note from author -
actually you would be correct in your assumption. Desai did get the idea from project (RED). It was decided that a set amount would be donated instead of a percentage because that way even if the item goes on sale or if one store sells at a different retail price, Surfrider is still getting their intended donation.

I'm really supportive of these types of efforts, but have been very unsatisfied with Surfrider's attempts to do anything. For instance in Orange County where they are based, they are running a campaign to stop a toll road expansion that would threaten a great surf break. Surf breaks change plus oceans are rising, so even if this road is stopped, the surf break will be gone in a few years. The cause is just, but the argument is weak. It's weak arguments like this that undermine the entire environmental movement.

Maybe this money could be donated elsewhere, where it might make more of an impact on the root problem: Our disposable culture which is fueled by inexpensive energy.

Best

Hi Peter,

You're entitled to your opinion on Surfrider, but the Save Trestles campaign you refer to goes beyond saving a surf break. Here's an excerpt from http://www.surfrider.org/savetrestles/truth.asp

"...the project would also result in the obliteration of Southern California’s last remaining pristine coastal watershed and substantially degrade habitat that is critical for the survival of at least seven endangered species, including the Southern Steelhead trout."

While Surfrider's efforts at Trestles and other areas have an obvious benefit to surfers, they also benefit anyone that enjoys clean water and beaches.

I should also mention that the Sierra Club's Friends of the Foothills is also involved in the Save Trestles campaign. You can find out more about them here: http://www.taskforce.sierraclub.org/friendsofthefoothills/

Best,
-bb

Full disclosure: I work in marketing on behalf of project BLUE. I am not involved in the Save Trestles campaign.

why not encourage these big manufacturers to use more sustainable materials and methods of production instead of the current situation where 99% of their materials are unsustainable produced and made with a short product lifecycle in mind?
the concept of rasing money for the surfrider foundation and protecting the marine environment is wonderful, but this campaign seems to glorify the big corporations involved and paint them as being "green" when there is no real contribution to this movement on their behalf.

Hi Surfinggreen,

You made some great points, some of which are already in place. Billabong, for example, makes their boardshorts for project BLUE from recycled plastic bottles.

The idea of this initiative isn't to glorify any single copany in surfing. Instead, it's to show surfers and beach lovers new ways they can support Surfrider's mission next time they need to replace a pair of boardshorts or sunglasses.

project BLUE does not exist to glorify any of its partners as being greener than those in the surf industry who are not involved. I've visited your site and you do a great job of showing surfers other options if they're looking to leave a lesser footprint on the environment and still be active surfers.

Going green or however you want to describe it isn't going to happen overnight, especially for bigger companies. If we all start taking steps (large or small) towards lessening our carbon footprint, then the environment will be better off for it.

Full disclosure: I work in marketing on behalf of project BLUE.