Latest news with #SurfriderFoundation
Forbes
31-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
G-Shock Rides The Wave With 2 Surf-Inspired Watches For Summer 2025
Surfing has always been more than a sport, it's a culture built on rhythm, resilience, and a respect for nature. G-SHOCK, a longtime favorite among surfers and adventure seekers, has taken inspiration from this lifestyle with two new releases for summer 2025: the G5600SFJ-9, created in collaboration with Surfrider Foundation Japan, and the GBX100S-1, a connected surf watch from the G-LIDE series. Together, they capture two sides of the surf experience: protecting the ocean we ride and being ready for every wave. G5600SFJ-9 – Sunrise and Sustainability The G5600SFJ-9 draws its inspiration from those early morning sessions when the first light hits the water and the lineup is still quiet. Its warm yellow and beige tones, created using a unique mixed-color molding process, give each watch a slightly different look, no two are exactly alike. Built from bio-based resin and powered by solar energy, it carries a low environmental impact while maintaining G-SHOCK's signature toughness. This collaboration with Surfrider Foundation Japan is more than a style choice. It's an attempt to improve ocean conservation, with co-branded detailing, a #oceanfriendlylifestyle message on the strap, and recycled-material packaging. It still offers the rugged performance expected of a G-SHOCK, shock resistance, 200m water resistance, solar charging, and practical tools like world time, stopwatch, and countdown timer, but it does so with a focus on sustainability. GBX100S-1 – The Surfer's Tool If the G5600SFJ-9 is about soul surfing at sunrise, the GBX100S-1 is about performance on the wave. Part of the G-LIDE series, it's designed for surfers who want tide and moon data on the wrist, along with sunrise/sunset times, tide graphs, and moon phases. Paired with a smartphone app, it gives access to data for over 3,300 surf spots worldwide. The GBX100S-1 balances style and practicality with a stainless-steel top bezel, translucent resin lower bezel, and a bio-based urethane strap designed to fit comfortably and shed water easily. The Memory in Pixel display provides clear visibility even in bright sunlight, and the case is built to withstand heavy surf conditions with 200m water resistance and shock resistance. Beyond surf-specific functions, it includes fitness tracking, lap timing, step counting, and training data logging, making it as useful on land as it is in the water. Watches with a Shared Spirit Both models speak to a lifestyle built around the ocean. The G5600SFJ-9 focuses on environmental respect and connection to nature, while the GBX100S-1 provides the data and durability required for serious surf sessions. Whether it's dawn patrol on your local break or planning a trip to world-class surf spots, these two G-SHOCK releases bring together the culture, performance, and sustainability values of surfing in 2025.
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Record-Breaking 365,000 Pounds of Trash Removed from U.S. Beaches by 40,000 Volunteers in Single Year
83% of All Items Collected at 2024 Beach Cleanups Were Single-Use Plastics SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., July 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 11 million metric tons of plastic pollution enter our ocean each year — which is the equivalent of a trash truck dumping a full load of plastics into our ocean every minute of every day of the year. The Surfrider Foundation, an environmental organization dedicated to the protection of America's ocean, waves, and beaches, has been on the frontlines of protecting the ocean from the harms of plastic pollution for decades. Surfrider's annual Beach Cleanup Report highlights the organization's national beach cleanup efforts and reveals the items most often collected — exposing the growing threat that rampant plastic pollution poses to both our ocean and human health, and how Surfrider's activists are tackling this issue head-on. ACCESS SURFRIDER'S BEACH CLEANUP REPORT "Beach cleanups play a critical role in addressing the plastic pollution crisis. They allow our volunteers to learn about the types of plastic that are found on our beaches and provide an entry point to learn more about the impacts of single-use plastics on our environment," explains Jenny Harrah, Surfrider's Healthy Beaches Program Manager. Despite the record-breaking efforts by their nationwide volunteer chapter network last year, Surfrider knows that there is no way to beach cleanup our way out of the immense scale and explosive rate of the global plastic pollution crisis. So they've made their beach cleanups serve a brilliant secondary function: data collection. Last year, Surfrider volunteers logged the most number of individual trash items ever, with 870,000 itemized pieces of trash recorded into their national cleanup database, with 83% of it being plastic. This data provides an incredibly clear picture of what exactly is polluting our beaches and coasts, which Surfrider activists use to campaign for stronger plastic reduction legislation, such as "Skip the Stuff" bills that allow consumers to opt-out of single-use plastics in their takeout food orders, helping to stop plastic pollution at its source. Another powerful example is that in states where Surfrider-sponsored plastic bag bans have been successfully implemented, coastal plastic bag litter has dropped by 50% since the policies were first enacted in 2018. Not only does Surfrider's beach cleanup data continue to prove that plastic is the most commonly found material on our beaches, but it also shows how plastic behaves once it reaches the environment. Plastic breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces, becoming increasingly difficult to clean up and a bigger threat to the health of coastal ecosystems. Out of the almost one million items found during 2024 beach cleanups, one-third (32.5%) were plastic fragments. These fragments infiltrate coastal food systems, harming not only wildlife but also posing a danger to human health. Microplastics and plastic fragments bioaccumulate up the food chain — becoming more toxic the higher up the food chain you go. So even if you can't see anything wrong with a filet of fresh fish or the sushi roll on your dinner plate, your favorite seafood has an increasing chance of being contaminated by plastics and associated chemical pollutants once they've been ingested by marine life. Last week, a new report on nanoplastics in the ocean, microscopic fragments roughly the size of small bacteria, revealed that there are at least 27 million metric tons of nanoplastic pollution in North Atlantic seas alone — more than the combined weight of all wild land mammals. Because so much of plastic is nearly impossible for consumers to avoid, like plastic packaging for instance, which at 145,000 pieces accounted for the third largest category of trash, Surfrider is campaigning for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) bills that will shift the cleanup and disposal costs back onto plastic packaging manufacturers. With over 140 EPR laws already on the books covering an array of hazardous and hard-to-dispose products in the U.S., it's time for plastic packaging producers to follow suit. Six states have passed EPR bills for plastic packaging, with more advancing annually. As a proven policy tool, EPR is essential to achieving a plastic pollution-free future, ensuring that producers — not communities — bear responsibility for the lifecycle costs of their products. At current rates, the amount of plastic pollution entering our ocean is doubling every six years. If these trends continue, the total weight of plastic pollution in our ocean could exceed the total weight of all fish in the ocean by 2050. Only by turning off the tap of single-use plastic production, through legislative intervention and industry innovation, can we ensure that a sustainable vision for a plastic pollution-free future becomes a reality. Surfrider's Beach Cleanup program is proudly supported by REEF and the Surf Industry Members Association through the Better Beach Alliance, which encourages all groups — individuals, organizations, and companies — to participate in the shared goal of ending plastic pollution. "Supporting Surfrider is REEF's way of supporting stewardship of our coastal communities and ocean planet. Our relationship with the Surfrider Foundation has been integral in striving to improve who we are and how we act as a brand," says Shea Perkins, Senior Marketing Manager at REEF. "This report is more than a record of trash collected; it's proof of the power of advocacy, community, and collaboration. The vital work led by the Surfrider Foundation and its vast chapter network shows how grassroots action can drive national awareness and real change," says Vipe Desai, Executive Director at the Surf Industry Members Association. "Coastal communities rely on clean beaches for their health, economy, and way of life. We're proud to support this effort and help amplify Surfrider Foundation's ongoing impact to protect our oceans, waves, and beaches." To learn more, and find out how you can join a beach cleanup near you, visit About the Surfrider Foundation The Surfrider Foundation is a nonprofit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world's ocean, waves, and beaches for all people through a powerful activist network. Founded in 1984 by a handful of visionary surfers in Malibu, California, the Surfrider Foundation now maintains over one million supporters, activists, and members, with more than 200 volunteer-led chapters and student clubs in the U.S., and more than 900 victories protecting our coasts. Learn more at View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Surfrider Foundation Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Virginia Beach approves filling of borrow-pit despite residents' concerns
VIRGINIA BEACH — In a 9-0 vote Tuesday, the City Council approved a permit modification that will allow the city to fill a human-made lake with dredged material. Councilman Worth Remick, who represents the district, made the motion to approve it. Vice Mayor Rosemary Wilson and Councilwoman Jennifer Rouse were absent. The Department of Public Works plans to dump dredged material from navigation channels and stormwater projects into the lake. The approval came after nearly a dozen people including neighboring residents spoke against the plan citing concerns about water contamination, flooding and impact on wildlife. 'Filling this pond is a short-term solution that creates long-term problems,' said Lisa Johnson, a representative of the Virginia Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, an environmental organization. The lake, on the east side of Oceana Boulevard across from Naval Air Station Oceana, was formerly a borrow-pit for sand. Rainwater filled it, transforming the site into an oasis for migratory birds and other animals. In 2016, the City Council approved the purchase of the property for the 'deposit of dredged spoils,' according to a city resolution. Filling the lake with dredged material is not expected to increase flooding in the area because it will become more pervious, City Engineer Toni Utterback told the City Council last week. Public works will test and remove contaminants from the material before it's dumped, according to the city. The department has also installed three monitoring wells on the site and plans to build a 2-foot berm around the eastern end of the lake to protect adjacent properties along Birdneck Road. Councilman Stacy Cummings said Virginia Beach is obligated to provide a place for dredged material. 'We have to dump it somewhere, and this site works perfectly for that purpose,' he said. Stacy Parker, 757-222-5125,
Los Angeles Times
14-06-2025
- Business
- Los Angeles Times
Tethered for good: How senate bill 45 aims to rein in plastic waste
SB 45: California's cap on plastic pollution As summer approaches, people will head to beaches, team practices and games will be held in mid-day heat, and friends and family will gather for 4th of July BBQ celebrations. At each event, a cool refreshing beverage is sure to be consumed, but the passage of Senate Bill No. 45 might introduce an inconvenient but important design change to Californian's thirst quenching enjoyment. Senate Bill No. 45 will tether plastic caps to most beverage containers. The bill mandates the tethering of plastic bottle caps to beverage containers. Beginning on January 1st 2027, this measure will work to prevent the separation of plastic bottle caps from their containers, which often leads to plastic littering. In fact, according to the Plastics Today , the Surfrider Foundation collected over 30,000 bottle caps during their coastal clean ups last year alone. The bill would require all single-use bottles containing under 2 liters to tether their caps with the exception of 100% fruit juice and alcohol containers. Many big name companies are already on board, with Crystal Geyser, Coca-Cola (Smartwater), PepsiCo (Gatorade) already leashing their caps without a law. According to Packaging Dive, this isn't the first time the plastic shackle has been suggested. A similar bill was proposed in 2018. However, it failed to allow for enough time for manufacturers to make the adjustment. Senate Bill No. 45 is offering a longer runway, and this has gained the bill the support of the Association of Plastic Recyclers, the Product Stewardship Institute, and recycling companies such as Recology, Republic Services and Waste Connections. Small cap, big consequences According to Shop Without Plastic (SWOP) , the US generates the 'largest amount of plastic waste in the world,' responsible for a shocking 42 million tons of plastic waste in a single year. To put this in perspective, this figure is as much as India and China combined. According to , plastic 'bottle caps are one of the most common items consumed by marine animals .' Commonly, caps are made with different types of plastic than bottles themselves, and the buoyancy of this dissimilar plastic makes bott le caps dangerously attractive to marine life who mistake them as a food source. As animals ingest plastic pollution, bodily functions can be interrupted leading to death, this occurs so often that the Ocean Conservancy identified 'plastic bottle caps as one of the top five deadliest forms of marine pollution.' Additionally, many fish species can store microplastics in their fat that bioaccumulate all the way to human consumption. In the long run, both marine animals and humans will be swallowing delicious plastic waste for dinner. Europe tried it first — and it's working Tethering is nothing new in Europe. According to The Conversation , in July 2024, a European Union directive mandated plastic bottle cap tethering on single use bottles. This initiative follows in the footsteps of the 1980's packaging change to cans with detachable pull tabs. Both of these initiatives have reduced the deadly impact of single use container littering. Before, citizens had to try not to litter, now people have to try to litter these mico-plastics. Cap-tivated and frustrated While placing tabs on plastic caps has much support, there is one demographic that has been deeply affected: beverage consumers. According to Packaging Europe , many consumers have lamented the change on TikTok, encumbered by water spills from drinking around an uncomfortable plastic. Many share that the cap gets in the way of their hydration and causes frustration when used. According to Earth Day 365 , this inconvenience might just be proof that the ban will be effective as any attempts at zero-waste require consumers to ' allow themselves to be inconvenienced .' Tethered today, cleaner tomorrow Whether it's a minor inconvenience or a necessary nudge toward sustainability, Senate Bill No. 45 asks Californians to rethink convenience in favor of long-term environmental responsibility. As the summer heats up, I hope to be a bit inconvenienced for an eco-win. Related
Time Out
05-06-2025
- Health
- Time Out
This U.S. beach is the top "bacteria hot spot" in the country
Summer is almost here, and throngs of sun-seekers will soon be heading to sandy beaches for some R&R. But before you pack your towel and sunscreen, take note: some of the country's most stunning beaches are hiding a dirty secret—literally. According to the Surfrider Foundation's 2024 Clean Water Report, beachgoers may be swimming in water contaminated with unsafe levels of bacteria. The report ranks the most bacteria-laden beaches, and the biggest offender is Kahalu'u Beach in Oahu, Hawaii, where a jaw-dropping 92-percent of water samples failed to meet health standards. Right behind it is Waikomo Stream at Koloa Landing in Poipu, Hawaii, with a 90-percent failure rate. And it's not just Hawaii. The report lists top bacteria hot spots all across the U.S.—from the East and West Coasts to Puerto Rico. These aren't remote, forgotten beaches. They're community hubs, tourist magnets and vital ecosystems. The foundation points to a nasty brew of stormwater runoff, sewage overflows, agricultural waste and failing infrastructure as the primary culprits for bacterial buildup. Nearly 10 trillion gallons of untreated stormwater runoff hit U.S. waterways each year. Add in 900 billion gallons of untreated sewage from aging systems, and it's a health hazard in the making. These beaches may look pristine, but the detected bacteria can cause rashes, stomach bugs, skin infections or worse. Raw sewage also feeds harmful algal blooms, kills fish and devastates coral reefs. Climate change only fuels the mess with rising seas and more intense storms overwhelming fragile systems. In 2024, Surfrider's Blue Water Task Force processed over 10,000 samples from 604 sites, with a shocking 80% showing high bacteria levels. Volunteers test water and trace pollutants, but they can't fix the root problems alone. That's why Surfrider is calling on Congress to stop slashing EPA funding and instead invest in clean water and resilient infrastructure. Clean, swimmable beaches shouldn't be a luxury—they should be a given. U.S. beaches with the highest levels of bacteria Waikomo Stream at Koloa Landing, Kauai, HI Kahalu'u, Kahalu'u, O'ahu, HI Imperial Beach - San Diego, CA San Luis Creek Mouth- Avila Beach, CA Linda Mar Beach - Pacifica, CA South Sound Thea Foss Floating Dock - Tacoma, WA Playa Crashboat - Aguadilla, PR Park View Kayak Launch - Miami Beach, FL Ballard Park - Melbourne, FL Windmill Beach - Sag Harbor, NY
