RESPECT THE ‘TRUE LOCALS’
Aboriginal culture is one of the longest surviving cultures in the world. Our people have been custodians of our land for over 80.000 years. The connection between First Nations people and the land is based on respect: while the land provides for us, for our people, we manage and sustain the land.
Today, this close connection is being compromised, the land is being disrespected, damaged and destroyed. This is putting First Nations people at the forefront of climate change.
This is why it is now time for all Australians to awaken to the effects of climate change. Let us look around and awaken to the damage that has been caused, look closely to what has really been going on- to our land and our people. Now is the time to amplify First Nations voices, to listen and learn. We must take care of our Country to create a more sustainable future.
Let us all learn to tread softly, respectfully and together as one.
Lara Went
Worimi Woman, Surfer, Artist
Cash flow
We need to dry up the pipeline of funding fossil fuel companies.Â
Our tribe are no longer drop-outs and surf bums. Most of us have a steady income or serious job with frequent deposits into bank accounts and super funds.
We can move our money away from institutions still investing in fossil fuels. The legends at Market Forces have compiled a number of easy to understand guides. Simply follow the links below, look up your current institution and either do a quick fist pump if your bank, super fund or insurance are fossil fuel-free or take quick yet effective action to divest.
Carpark Convos
Banter between sets or in the parking lot is where you can inspire change with your mates.
Don’t know where to start? Ask your mates how they’ve experienced change at their local since they first started surfing. Share your observations of the wind, swell and weather patterns. Offer them some useful resources on climate or share stories that have resonated with you. Perhaps your mate just needs that little spark of encouragement to evolve into a fellow climate warrior.
Change starts with a conversation. Here’s a simple guide from moving from an everyday conversation about the weather to talking about climate change.
SWELL CHASING
Your next surf trip doesn’t need to be powered by fossil fuels.Â
Chasing swells means racking up hundreds of thousands of KM’s in vehicles or aircrafts powered by fossil fuels.
We live in a lucky country, the great southern land has plenty of hidden bays and reefs lurking in hard to access locations, sometimes even in our own backyards.
If you do need to get your guzzle on, with a stacked swell on the horizon, look into eco-accommodation and carbon offsetting initiatives.
EAT LOCAL
The way we choose to eat has a massive impact on the planet.Â
Yep, that’s right, the mouth watering after surf pie and leftover chips thrown to the seagulls add to our carbon footprint. It’s not just the amount of food we consume but the type of food you eat, how it is farmed, food miles and how much we end up wasting that determines the tally. 3 meals a day (plus snacks if you’re a grom under 18) x 356 days equates to about 2.5 t CO2e per person (Western diet) each year.Â
Take advantage of backyard sunshine by growing your own. Support local farmers who produce food with integrity. The simple notion of eating local drastically reduces transport emissions whilst stimulating the regional economy. Keep an eye out for organic regenerative practices that possess the ability to reverse climate damage by restoring degraded soil biodiversity and consider ramping up plant based foods onto your plate. After your feast continue to combat food waste and reduce emissions by building a backyard or community compost.
SURF SUSTAINABLY
Minimise your impact by reducing consumption of surf gear, equipment and clothing.
Check your surfrobe lately? Are your wetsuits covered in dust? Is that surfboard you were meant to get fixed last summer glinting back at you with a gaping hole? Do you have fin keys and surfing paraphernalia galore?Â
Make a conscious effort to look after your current gear. Repair your dings or tears and keep wetsuits and equipment out of the sun after drying to ensure longevity. Once it’s time to go avoid any of your pre-loved goodies from ending up in landfill. Donate items in good condition to a friend or a local surfing charity and recycle where possible.Â
If you do need to buy something new (and you can’t source it second-hand) purchase options that are petroleum-free. Choose local over global to reduce transport-based emissions and look out for Fairtrade and B Corp certified gear.Â
DRAW DOWN & OFFSET
Plants and seaweed literally suck carbon out of the atmosphere.
Like repairing a ding, when we have created emissions, offsetting programs provide patch up’s for gas guzzling miles and inevitable lifestyle footprints. Â
You can draw-down carbon and invest in climate-positive initiatives. Cover up your impact by greening landscapes, regenerating coastal ecosystems and exploring the wonders of seaweed.Â
The government works for us, and now more than ever they need to put the planet and people first.
We can make great changes in our personal lives, but there’s nothing more powerful than voting for the climate at every election, whether it be local, state or national.
There’s around 2.5 million recreational surfers in Australia. Most live in marginal seats, which means our salty tribe can really influence political outcomes!
Whilst waiting out the lull for the next election contact your Councillor or elected state and federal MP. They might not act like it, but remember they represent you, your concerns and your community. Raise any issues you have with current policies, laws, funding and programs and how they are or are not responding to climate change, or how they affect your local environment, community and economy.
SOLAR FROTH
Use your choices as a bold statement to say no to fossil fuels.
Electricity makes up roughly 33% of Australia’s total emissions. The same wind and sunshine that produce the best surf days could power our nation 500 times over. Your purchase power can drive massive changes.
Depending on your circumstances there are many options to choose from. Installing solar on your roof, pairing it with a battery, transitioning away from gas or purchasing green power from your electricity provider are just some ways you can build and invest in a renewable energy future.Â