The Importance of Sustainability in Surf Fashion
Sustainability has become a buzzword in recent years, although despite its prolific use, it refers to something which is becoming increasingly important. The climate crisis is not only now being acknowledged, but we’re also starting to see the effects of it, with weather patterns unlike anything recorded in the past. Finding ways to sustain our place on this planet will not only benefit us in the long term, but also those who come after us, and all future generations.
Of all aspects of modern fashion, you might be surprised to learn that some producers of surf fashion are at the forefront of sustainability in fashion. Although if you’re a surfer, you’ll know that sustainability is at the core of the surf lifestyle, and many surfers are generally ecologically-minded people. Whether you’re in Jupiter Beach or Oahu’s North Shore, here’s why you should be looking for sustainable surf fashion next time you go shopping for new digs.
Made to Last
One aspect of sustainability that is highly regarded by elder generations is making products which last as long as they’re needed. A byproduct of the modern mass production which has allowed for the huge variety of cheap goods which are slowly clogging up landfills is that many modern products are built to break.
This is thought to be because it forces the consumer to purchase again, but is probably more related to the low quality materials and harmful manufacturing methods.
Durable, Repairable, and Inheritable
These are the three qualities you should look for in any surf gear, whether wet suits or even just a pair of board shorts.
Producers of such goods should be aware that their clothes will take a beating in the waves and on the beach, and should use materials which don’t break down easily over time.
If they do wear down, then they should be easily repairable with affordable and accessible materials.
Finally, they should be inheritable to some degree, as this can allow other people to continue using the item beyond your own use.
Taking Rubbish Out of the Ocean, Not Putting It In
This is another important point for surfers, as they have often born witness to the prolific micro plastics which are now plaguing our seas and it’s inhabitants. Many sustainable surf wear producers utilize some degree of recycled materials in their products, which means by buying them you’re actively encouraging them to remove rubbish from the ocean. Something which is incredibly important whether you’re close to a Surf Shop Jupiter Beach FL or anywhere in the world.
Micro plastics
Beyond simply removing rubbish from the sea, it’s important that any surf wear you use doesn’t include any micro-plastics which can further harm the sea. Even some recycled materials will still leach micro plastics, so be sure to do your due diligence when looking through sustainable brands.
Surf Shop Jupiter Beach FL
Community is a big part of both surfing and sustainability, so it’s no surprise to see surf wear producers putting emphasis on community. Whether it’s through implementing a living wage, offering workplace benefits and support for staff, or through an egalitarian approach to workplace hierarchy, we are seeing interesting ways to put community at the heart of business. This will be vital to most surfers as it is the community which often helps beginners find their feet, and keeps even ex-surfers feeling relevant at the beach.
Seek Transparency
Consumers are demanding more transparency in the production methods of companies, which can show where improvements can be made. This transparency can be how modern companies build trust, instead of simply lying or using marketing techniques to make themselves seem sustainable. There are various tools out there which can help you gauge the transparency and sustainability of a company, including the website Good On You (https://goodonyou.eco/) which rates companies on the following areas:
People
This measures a brand’s impact on the workers across the supply chain, from production all the way to the retail staff or customer service reps. This includes enforcing policies and practices on child labor, forced labor, worker safety, gender equality, payment of a living wage, and whether they can unionize.
Planet
This acknowledges the effects that production has on the environment, including their resource use and waste management, how they address energy use and carbon emissions, impacts on water, and any pollution they cause via production. Our surf shop Jupiter Beach FL is committed to embrace the gradual shift to more sustainable initiatives.
Animals
As we’re talking about fibers, it’s important to remember just how much of the fiber we use in our clothes comes from animals. These animals often have absolutely no choice in their involvement, and shouldn’t have to suffer for the profits of corporate entities. Good On You look at a company’s policies on how they trace it’s animal products and their animal welfare policies.