Taking Notice

At a favorite spot in RI last week I was sad to see plastic bottles and other debris littering the rocky shore for as far as you could see – and in extremely high density. Given the location of this spot, these probably washed in from the ocean (rather than people leaving them there). I easily filled a giant trash bag with plastic bottles, nylon rope, a few bags a bunch of straws, etc. In the lineup I mentioned it and suggested we all take some with us. I know one guy did. That stoked me out.

Beat it, KOOKS!

So, in the middle of this perfectly dreamy early morning session, these two fools appear in the lineup. Let's just say, they weren't getting much respect out there.

Everyday Objects

Collected in between surf sessions. Some things that you would not expect to find and some that we are getting all too used to seeing. There are 29 identified items in this small grouping (and a few mystery items, too).

1. Nylon rope, 2. Mini alcohol bottles, 3. Lobster bands, 4. Single-use plastic water bottles, 5. Plastic hair comb, 6. Plastic straws, 7. Plastic bags (packaging), 8. Plastic spoon, 9. Electrical cable, 10. Plastic utensil wrapper, 11. Assorted container caps, 12. Cigarette butts, 13. Bandaid, 14. Plastic bubble wand, 15. Single-use plastic drinking cup, 16. Paper cup from fast-food restaurant, 17. Condiment cup, 18. Candy wrapper, 19. Plastic scrub brush, 20. Aluminum can top, 21. Duct tape, 22. Nylon Fishing line, 23. Air filter, 24. Beer can, 25. Plastic zip tie, 26. Shellfish netting, 27. Lobster trap door, 28. Plastic cup top, 29. Lobster trap cage

Valentine's Day Message in a Bottle

Valentine's Day 2012 was the perfect occasion to show the Massachusetts Bottle Bill a little LOVE. And that is just what Surfrider MA did (along with MASSPIRG, The Massachusetts Sierra Club, and a list of about 45 other groups), by helping to deliver endorsements from 352 businesses to the Legislature in support of the Bottle Bill.

For over 10 years folks have been trying to get one of Massachusetts' most successful recycling programs updated to include the newer beverage bottles that have come on the market since it's enactment in 1983. These bottles include the multitudes of single-use plastic water bottles and energy drinks. Yes, the containers are recyclable but many are consumed "on-the-run" and do not end up making it to curbside recycling. Instead, they end up littering our cities, parks and, eventually, our oceans.

It is simple. If these bottles were redeemable, there would be plenty of people who would be happy to collect the bottles and get the deposit. Until producers step up and create more sustainable product, we need to take every measure possible to ensure that these containers do not become waste.

What some business owners are saying:

"This bill will eliminate a lot of plastic waste. It's a pretty basic idea and important as well. We get a refund on some bottles already. Why not all?"
- Kathy Ball, Textures Hair Studios, Fitchburg.

"We endorsed it because it’s good for the environment and the economy. It cuts down on the amount of solid waste and is just common sense."
- Sean, Copy Cat, Amherst.

"It just seems like the next logical step. If we can recycle some bottles we should be able to recycle all bottles."
- Matthew King, Food for Thought Book Store, Amherst.

Check out coverage of the Press Event:
Top editorial in the Boston Globe
For livelier debate over ideas, House must get bills on floor

Learn more about the MA Bottle Bill:
Bottle Bill @ MASSPIRG

A Wintery Beach Cleanup

We did our best to clean the beach despite there being a bunch of newly fallen snow in the rocky spots where we usually find most of the trash. Still, an awesome crew of people braved the elements to help clean.



When you hear about the Gyres and the islands of plastic in the ocean, and see images of innocent creatures suffering, it can be super depressing. I found hope the other day when I saw this interview with United Nations Environmental Ambassador and Pro surfer, Mary Osborne.

Mary explains that even though we can not just go out to the middle of the sea and clean up the massive plastic mess, the ocean has a way of eventually bringing it back to shore. So the beach cleanups really do make a difference! Hopefully they will also bring awareness to our throw away culture and catalyze some much needed change.

Special thanks to Surfrider NH, Cinnamon Rainbows, Me & Ollie's for delicious hot coffee and pastries, and Las Olas Taqueria for discounts on their yummy tacos!