Body Glove Eco Surf Shirt

Body Glove eco surf shirt Body Glove don’t just do their Eco Fullsuits, they also have a 1mm surf shirt perfect for those winter swells in the tropics. Too warm for a wetsuit but too cool for just a pair of boardies. This surf shirt, like their wetsuits, is made from 100% non-petroleum bio-stretch rubber and claimed to be 100% ewnvironmentally friendly. Organic water based inks and recycled ykk zippers round out the equation.

Other features of the Body Glove eco surf shirt include 100% stretch, a boardshort connector, mini back zip and that all important exterior zip key pocket on the left sleeve.

See more about the Eco Surf Shirt at Body Glove.

Aaron Chang Swimwear

Aaron Chang swimwear It makes sense that photographer and surfer Aaron Chang wants to look after the environment because he makes his living from it and with surfing, also spends his downtime enjoying it. The apparel company he co-founded makes a range of eco-friendly swimwear and clothing.The products are made from recycled polyester yarns that were originally items like the plastic bottles you recycled after enjoying your favourite drink. More products are now being made from recycled PET as the technology makes it more efficient to utilise them. No more throwing them in the rubbish can and ending up as landfill or floating around in our river systems. Organic cotton is another raw material used throughout the range. Traditional cotton, whilst it may be ‘natural’ is harmful in the way it is grown when organic principles are not followed. In addition to damaging the environment the processes can also be harmful to the people living near the cotton growing areas. Following organic processes means less harm to the soil and the end result being the ground is in the same condition as before the cotton was grown.Having a look through the range you can see a surf inspired theme to the swimwear and coverups. Functional, appealing and easy on the environment make it a good choice.More of the range at the Aaron Chang website.

Body Glove Eco Fullsuit

Body Glove eco wetsuit Body Glove are another wetsuit manufacturer recognising that eco-friendly wetsuits can be manufacturered at a reasonable cost, work as well as the others and there is a market for them. The Eco Fullsuit is made from 100% eco-flex material which they claim to be the purest form of non-toxic stretch material. It’s not only the rubber that makes this a greener alternative because the zippers are recycled and the inks are organic water based varieties.

The goal of the Eco range from Body Glove is to use where reasonably possible, renewable, recycled, sustainable and/or organic materials. This attitude dates back to the founders of the company and now that these materials are more widely available they are inporporating them into a growing list of products. Items like MP3/cell phone covers and personal floatation devices.

More details of the Eco line at the Body Glove website.

V-Rasta Keel By Future Fins

Rasta Keel by Future Fins Dave Rastovich, or Rasta, makes the headlines almost as much for his work with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society as he does with his legendary free surfing video and photos. Many don’t agree with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society methods, however, they do get results particularly in the defence of marine life such as whales and dolphins.

The V-Rasta Keel by Future Fins is a signature fin for Dave Rastovich and he is donating 100% of the royalties to the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. Better still, Future Fins is matching the donation.

The fin is designed for a twin board and best to check it out for yourself at Future Fins.

US Hemp Co Surfboards

US Hemp Co use a Biofoam blank from Homeblown Blanks that contains about 50% of the cake mix ingredients sourced from agricultural products. As we all know, just using agricultural products doesn’t necessarily make something environmentally friendly, however, indications are that Biofoam results in 36% less global warming emissions, a 61% reduction in non-renewable energy use and finally a 23% reduction in the total energy demand.

Green Wave technology 100% hemp is then used to skin the blank. Hemp is the world’s longest and strongest natural fiber. The resin (working on a bio resin) doesn’t soak in as easily and results in a slighlty heavier board. Of course with the stength of hemp this in turn leads to a much stronger board. Always a trade off between strength and weight in most things.

Add to the above a known resistance to the sun, saltwater mildew and bacteria and you should have a longer lasting surfboard.

More information at the US Hemp Co website.

Matuse Wetsuits

Matuse wetsuit Matuse sum up their philosophy as far as people and the environment goes with the final line of their mission statement. “Enhancing Cultural and environmental awareness. They teamed up with Yamamoto Corp. to exclusively use Geoprene for their wetsuits. Geoprene is made from 99.7% limestone and Yamamoto estimate they have 3000 years left with the supply of limestone. A bit better than the supply of oil. Limestone isn’t as hazardous either.

Geoprene has a unique closed microcell structure which means the wetsuit will keep you warmer for longer. This also helps to reduce the water absorption so you don’t get weighed down by carrying water in the wetsuit material. Add to that a better stretch than human skin and it means the wetsuit should last longer and not get stretch marks like others. Overall, a geoprene wetsuit should outlast a regular neoprene one.

More information at the Matuse website.

Matunas Eco Surf Wax

Matunas Eco Surf Wax Matunas is a California based company producing a 100% natural, nontoxic, biodegradeable surf wax. Many surfers are worried about the damage caused by the wax they put on their boards and are looking for biodegradeable surf wax options. Matunas only uses local California organic products with scents including wild strawberry, jasmine, vanilla, honey and watermelon.

They also go one step furher and use recycled paper for their packaging and the printing is done with soy bean ink.

Further information at the Matunas website.

Wet Women Surf Wax

With a buyline like “Making sure women stay on top”, it’s difficult not to take a closer look at Wet Women Surf Wax. This is a 100% biodegradeable wax that can return to the earth without harming the environment. They have even gone the extra step of having it evaluated by MBDC as a CRADLE TO CRADLE Biological Nutrient Certified Product.

Like many other eco-conscious businesses, they have considered the packaging as well. The tins are made from 30% recycled steel tins. Once the wax has been used then the tin can be recycled along with other tins or used as a storage container for things like coins and jewellery.

Check out the Wet Women Surf Wax website for more details.

Patagonia Wetsuits

Patagonia wetsuits Patagonia use recycled products in their products, however, the one that really stands out is their wetsuits. The Japanese neoprene is made from limestone rather than petroleum-based indgredients and are lined with merino wool blended with recycled polyester. Add this to the PVC-free kneepads and it makes a very unique wetsuit.

In addition to the use of sustainable products and recycled products, the makeup of the materials actually aids in keeping you warm and drawing moisture away from the skin.

More information at the Patagonia website.