Saturday, August 8, 2009

Earthwave South Africa try to beat "Most Surfers Riding One Wave"



The third annual edition of Earthwave, the global environmental initiative that harnesses the huge interest surrounding attempts to break Guinness World Records (GWR) for surfing to promote sustainable lifestyle choices, is scheduled to take place on the beaches of the world on Sunday 4 October 2009.
“We are really looking forward to Earthwave 2009 and will be going all-out at Surfers Corner in Muizenberg to re-capture the Guinness World Record currently held by Earthwave Brazil,” says Paul Botha from Kahuna Promotions, who co-founded the event in 2006 with his son Dene at the iconic Cape Town surfbreak.

Legendary wave riders continue to carve local surf culture

Legendary wave riders continue to carve local surf culture

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Friday, July 31, 2009

'The Cove' was covert, dangerous filmmaking - Los Angeles Times

'The Cove' was covert, dangerous filmmaking - Los Angeles Times

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Becausewesurf Home - Because we surf

Becausewesurf Home - Because we surf

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South Swells all Weekend

The National Weather Service says a pair of storms off New Zealand about a week ago generated the south swells that will affect Hawaii through the weekend.
Surf will reach the 8-foot advisory level today.
The advisory will remain in effect until 6 p.m. Sunday.
Beachgoers are advised to heed warning signs and cautions from lifeguards.

Hawaii 2% exceeded standard

Hawaii has more than 400 public beaches stretching along nearly 300 miles of Pacific Ocean
coastline. Its beachwater monitoring program is administered by the Clean Water Branch of the
Hawaii Department of Health. Sampling practices, locations, standards, and notification protocols and practices are
uniform throughout the state. The monitoring season in this tropical state is year-round.
In February of 2009, the USS Port Royal was grounded on a reef off the Honolulu International Airport’s reef
runway. Upon investigation, the beach program learned that the Port Royal had discharged sewage while grounded
without notifying the state, and that Navy ships may be discharging sewage to
Hawaiian waters on a regular basis without notification.
When beachwater samples are found to exceed standards, read more http://www.nrdc.org/water/oceans/ttw/sumhaw.pdf

New twist on Green Beer

In Hawaii, Kona Brewing Co. sells its spent grains to farmers, too. The brewery also uses spent grain from the brewing process as an ingredient in its pizza ...http://www.mnn.com/food/beer/stories/new-twist-on-green-beer

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Reply to comment | Science Blog

Reply to comment | Science Blog

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SURF: How Should Clean-up Industry Clean Up?

SURF: How Should Clean-up Industry Clean Up?
Jul 20, 2009
The Sustainable Remediation Forum (SURF) on July 14 issued the first comprehensive, independent assessment of sustainable remediation — a movement to encourage environmental cleanups that minimize carbon emissions, conserve fossil fuels, and still remove potentially dangerous contaminants from soil and water.
The Sustainable Remediation Forum White Paper is being published in a special summer 2009 issue of Remediation Journal.
"For the first time, scientists, regulators, and responsible parties are questioning whether a cleanup that releases tons of carbon emissions into the air in order to remove a few hundred pounds of contaminants in the soil provides a net environmental benefit to the public," said New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman. "It's crucial that 21st century environmental cleanups burn less fuel, emit less greenhouse gas, and still protect human health and the environment."
Getting rid of contamination and preparing affected land for reuse requires substantial energy, water, and other natural resources. It also may involve excavation and disposal of polluted soil and groundwater, installation and operation of large pumps, treatment vessels and other equipment, and possible discharge of carcinogens, greenhouse gases, and other harmful materials into the environment.
"SURF's mission is to make every phase of every cleanup more sustainable," said David E. Ellis, Ph.D., a geochemist and the group's founder. "This white paper represents a cohesive, collaborative effort to find better ways of restoring contaminated sites."
Besides summarizing the status of sustainable remediation programs in the United States and elsewhere, the SURF White Paper:
Describes current progress toward an industry-wide consensus on sustainability concepts and practices;
Discusses the developments needed to overcome existing obstacles to adoption of green remediation strategies, and
Presents case studies showing sustainable approaches in practice.SURF was founded in 2006 as a collaborative forum focused on developing the ability to use sustainability concepts in remedial action decision-making. SURF's chairman, David E. Ellis, Ph.D., leads the science and technology program in the DuPont Corporate Remediation Group. Active forum members now represent nearly 60 industrial groups and enterprises, government agencies, environmental groups, consulting firms and academic institutions.
For further information, please visit SURF online at www.sustainableremediation.org.

Surf film focuses on life - Hawaii

Surf film focuses on life - Hawaii Features - Starbulletin.com

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Thursday, May 14, 2009

neff said....go SURF

Hawaii surf: South swell starting to build

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Becausewesurf Blog: Benefit for Surf AId

Becausewesurf Blog: Benefit for Surf AId

Benefit for Surf AId

BENEFIT FOR SURFAID INTERNATIONAL - RIDE THE WAVE OF COMPASSION

Wild Rock and Billabong have teamed up to present “Humanitarian” Happy Hours at Honolulu’s finest to benefit SurfAid International - featuring a special book signing by Stuart Coleman introducing his New Book, “Fierce Heart”

Wild Rock Wines celebrates their launch with a series of “Humanitarian” Happy Hours kicking off at Ocean 808 on May 7, 2009, co-sponsored by the legendary surf gear brand, Billabong. Proceeds from these events will go directly to SurfAid International to help support their efforts in bringing Malaria education and prevention, sustainable clean water and sanitation projects, and other community-based health programs to parts of the world connected to us through surfing.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Beach Clean Up Becausewesurf Fun!


We had a wonderful time at our beach clean up! We meet some fabulous people and had a terrific turn out. We worked hard then surfed after. Thank you everyone who came and helped, and for everyone who had to work, next month we are going to another beach, join us!



Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Blessings

If you woke up this morning with more health than illness... you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week. If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation ... you are ahead of 500 million people in the world. If you can attend a church or meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death ... you are more blessed than three billion people in the world. If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep ... you are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace ... you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.
Happy Earth Day to all peoples...forever grateful, Colleen

Celebrate Earth Day..Go Surf!!

OAHU-400 AM HST WED APR 22 2009
Surf along north facing shores will be 6 to 9 feet today.
Surf along west facing shores will be 1 to 3 feet today.
Surf along east facing shores will be 4 to 7 feet today.
Surf along south facing shores will be 3 to 5 feet today.
Outlook through Monday Apr 27: the north northeast swell may cause surf heights to approach the high surf advisory threshold of 8 feet along east facing shores late tonight or Thursday. No other significant swells are expected.

Surf heights are forecast heights of the face or front of waves. The surf forecast is based on the significant wave height in the zone of maximum refraction. Some waves may be more than twice as high as the significant wave height. Expect to encounter rip currents in or near any surf zone.

Happy Earth Day Everyone!

Carlen and I rode our bikes to the Surfrider meeting last night, it was funny..our "room" was taken and they had to put us in the bar, so free drinks n puupuus. It was wonderful really. I loved it and felt inspired and so proud of Carlen for getting us there. Thanks beautiful.
I have some pix too but camera isn't dowloading quite yet..oh well.
Go pick up rubbish!!! Use your reusable bags!! Plant herbs, donate to your local Dolphin Organization, just a few things you can do..I am going to work ugh..

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Kaho'olawe Carpenters Needed

Kaho'olawe Carpenters Needed

The Kaho'olawe Island Reserve Commission is continuing the renovation of its Volunteer Hut to make it less energy dependant using smart, green architecture. They are looking for any eager, skilled volunteers that have skilled experience with carpentry and roofing projects to assist in our overhaul of the Volunteer Hut.
WHEN: This phase of the project (hopefully the last) will last several weeks, and may possibly run longer. These are the weeks we’re looking at:
May 4-7
May 11-14
May 18-21
There is no cost and food, lodging, and transportation from Maui to Kaho'olawe will be provided. If you are interested and for more information please contact Jackson Bauer at jbauer@kirc.hawaii.gov or call 808-243-1276.

Beach Clean Up Saturday April 25th

Don't forget the beach clean up this Saturday in Ewa, yeah! We are scheduling the next one for May cleaning the park/beach in Aina Haina..surf and picnic! And then another one in June for Makapu'u...Send a note if you are interested.
We also want to start a monthly clean up of Diamond Head beach and get together, more on that soon..

Green Market Fair April 22nd

Green Market Fair

Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22nd.
This all day event runs from 10am to 4:30pm. It will be held in conjunction with the Weekly's annual Sustainability Guide, which was published on April 15th. A map of the Green Market, its vendors, and activities is in that issue. This will be a new event for downtown; for Hawaii residents who are interested in saving money, energy, the environment and making their lives greener in small and large ways. Come and bring in your e-waste, pick up a free tire gauge at the Blue Planet, check out the composting worms, try a homemade mango shave ice from Waialua!

Surf Connected

Friday, April 17, 2009

Beach Clean Up Saturday April 25th

Join becausewesurf volunteers in Ewa Beach Saturday April 25 Meeting at Campbell High School Lot 8:30am Everyone will receive trash bags, gloves, t-shirts, and environmental materials provided from the City. Please dress to get dirty. Wear covered shoes and sunscreen; bring your beach gear if you can stay and enjoy the community & beach afterwards. email editor@becausewesurf.com for more.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Ancient Forests in the Toilet

Ancient Forest in the Toilet

I have a wonderful thing (love affair) about trees, the ancients especially, I call them grandfather trees.
I have a thing about being informed, I like to know that my dollars are not going to hurt the planet by supporting companies that do.
Kimberly-Clark is wiping away ancient forests for disposable tissue products like Kleenex and Cottonelle toilet paper. Now we can show you the extent of what they’re destroying, too.
Check out new footage of a massive wood stockpile discovered in Canada! The logs in these images represent an estimated 36 million board feet, the majority destined for a Kleenex box near you.
Kimberly-Clark’s suppliers have destroyed more than two and a half million acres of ancient Boreal forest from Canada to make products that are used once and tossed away. This stockpile proves that these suppliers are now moving further north into pristine areas of old growth forest to keep pace with Kimberly-Clark’s demand for logs.
These images reveal the real truth. There are hundreds of thousands of trees from threatened caribou habitat sitting in this stockpile alone, the majority of which will be made into disposable tissues by Kimberly-Clark.
Kimberly-Clark uses old-growth trees for a lot of recognizable brands — Scott and Kotex in addition to Cottonelle and Kleenex — that reach 1 in 4 households worldwide. What we’re asking the company is simple: Just use recycled content and wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) in your products. Please tell Kimberly Clark to stop wiping away ancient forests. Period.
Take action >>Tell Kimberly-Clark’s CEO, Thomas Falk, and President of Consumer Products, Steve Kalmanson, that you want Kimberly-Clark to stop destroying ancient forests, and that you will avoid Kimberly-Clark products until start making real changes.
Mail: Kimberly-Clark CorporationDept. INTP.O. Box 2020Neenah, WI 54957-2020
or go to this link greenpeace take action letter and send direct or just stop buying any of their products until they change their policies and practice!!
Thank you..remember the paper product you use and throw away might have been a magnificant ancient living grandfather tree..Please conserve and use recycled alternatives when possible!!
Article printed from becausewesurf surfers journal & blog: http://surfersjournal.becausewesurf.com
URL to article: http://surfersjournal.becausewesurf.com/2008/09/17/ancient-forest-in-the-toilet/
URLs in this post: Check out new footage: http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/news/new-evidence-of-kimberly-clark[2] These images: http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=LyfYv4Pg9g7z7PB%2B05TVA4XJR1KWYolI stop wiping away ancient forests: http://kleercut.net/en/node/340[4] greenpeace take action letter: http://members.greenpeace.org/action/start.php?action_id=154

Monday, March 9, 2009

Infusing local communities with our belief, knowledge, trust & honor

One of my favorite days, Earth day is coming soon, Wednesday April 22nd.

What an incredible opportunity to reflect on the wisdom of what we already do while engaging in learning new innovative healthy, sustainable and life affirming practices.

I wanted to share our 2009 company proclamation as a tribute to Earth day

Infusing local communities with our belief, knowledge, trust & honor
As we live, as we invest, so we empower…

Belief
Believing in the right of every human being to fresh, affordable, healthy food and products continues to be fundamental.
Knowledge
Awareness of how concretely the whole community benefits from each local purchase we select. Knowledge of everyplace our food is grown, processed, produced, and treated is strength.
Trust
Trust that by investing locally through the purchase of organic fruit, vegetables and locally produced products we are supporting local sustainability, a viable economic society and our extended family of growers & producers.
Honor
Honor the planet with sustainable practices, purchases and commitments. As we practice our humble respect for the land and the sea we can not help but honor ourselves, each other and our ancestors.

Unfortunately I ran out of time and energy but this week I will be adding a great inspirational interview by a young woman surfer big wave photographer and new friend of becausewesurf from the UK! Look for new listings of local farmers markets and more events for March & April, exciting things in store!!Lastly a new printable calendar and an interactive photo gallery. *wow*

What is fair trade?
Fair trade is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world. By requiring companies to pay sustainable prices (which must never fall lower than the market price), Fair trade addresses the injustices of conventional trade, which traditionally discriminates against the poorest, weakest producers. It enables them to improve their position and have more control over their lives.
Fair trade standards comprise both minimum social, economic and environmental requirements, which producers must meet to be certified, plus progress requirements that encourage continuous improvement to develop farmers’ organizations or the situation of estate workers.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

The Arden


The Arden: "10th YEAR" -->2000 (I), 2001 (II), 2002 (III), 2003 (IIII), 2004 (V), 2005 (VI) 2006 (VII) 2007 (VIII) 2007 (VIII) 2008 (IX) 2009 (X)
Arden Taylor was only 42 years old when one day he left work early due to a terrible headache. He found out shortly thereafter that he was suffering from inoperable brain tumors. News traveled fast through the surf community and when a young surfer heard about Ardens condition he instantly asked, "Is there something we could do to make him feel better?" The Akins family & the Ventura Surf Club together decided to have a surf benefit in Ardens name. The benefit is open to everyone. This is a time to help the families face the many challenges ahead of them. We want them to know that even though some of us might not have known their loved ones personally, we share in their loss and without a doubt, care. In the mid-afternoon a paddle-out ceremony is held to remember the ones who have passed and those who are less fortunate suffering from a life threatening illness. The two main reasons for our success are the participants and the supportive assistance from communities up and down the coast. Everything is donated and everyone knows that it is for a good cause. People have such big hearts and that is what makes it come together and work. For these reasons the Arden Taylor Surf Benefit has become and an annual event. I would like to thank that surfer who simply asked if there was something we could do to help. That surfer is my son, Ethan. Thank you for who you are and the answer was yes, there is something we can all do. Our goal for this event is to raise every ones spirits and to share good feelings. Please spread the word and we hope to see you there... Sincerely, Keith AkinsVentura Surf Club... click Arden for more

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Valentine's Day Friends, Family & Surf











Sorry I am a little late in my blogging.

Hawaii had a lot of unusual south side surf activity the beginning of February, the sun came out, the wind died down, the surf came up and well we just surfed our hearts out.

My bestest friend Teri came to town and we played at the beach, relaxed and had a too short but as always a wonderful visit..

One day my boyfriend took us out to Old Mans and brought his kayak, even caught a wave, which was way cool. Paddling back I realized there was a big honu (Hawaiian for sea turtle)following along side of me, he kept looking at me as if to say, what-ya doing in that plastic thingy? Finally I slipped into the water with him and we swam together for awhile, it was magical.






We had another special day at an undisclosed beach house (ha!) and an afternoon with friends and family, tried kayaking again, well mostly swimming after it.


Surfing Secrets..

Then it was Valentine’s Day, my gift was a supreme-o morning get together in front of “Secrets.”
Freezing wind, some people even went surfing, whoa..

My late husband’s brother John accomplished a mean feat; he sifted through all the red tape involved for two years to get approval to build a beautiful memorial picnic table for Scott.






He even designed an outstanding picture & dedication, simple yet grand at the same time, mahalo John, family and friends for your generous gift of aloha and honor.
It really was absolutely perfect and filled my heart with joy. Thank you again everyone who came and shared with us. Thank you Doug for the wonderful pictures and support.

Currently I am working on scouting companies to add to the web site. Still working on our store but with the economy have scaled back our original intention at this time, we all are hurting it seems. We are adding stores that you can click on that benefit humanity. We are also taking a large portion of any funds we make and donating to charity. As always we are looking for smaller, non funded programs that can use a little help.

Last year we were able to contribute to a number of surfers and their families who were struggling with medical bills and raised money to the Ronald McDonald house to fly over families for Christmas whose kids were in the hospital, it made the holidays seem like a true celebration!

I hope all of you are well, if you have your health you are rich, right? Right!! Surf has gone down mostly here but the north shore is rocking.
Aloha,
Colleen



http://www.becausewesurf.com/

1and1 web hosting

Friday, February 6, 2009

South Shore Surf

Yippeee! Hawaiian Style 2-3ft swell hitting south side that could continue thru Friday plus the sun is finally coming out.
Sweet.
Paddled out to Pops on Thursday, nice waves, long waits, freezing water, pure bliss.
Have a great weekend..

Friday, January 30, 2009

President Obama & Diamond Head Surf

Yesterday was a special day for me in many ways.



It started in the morning when President Obama's sister came by work. She has that same sweet genuine vibe that her brother has. A number of us expressed to her how proud and relieved we feel that her brother is our new President. Then we had to ask her for a first hand description of the inauguration, can you imagine that? Her smile said it all.. awesome.


Over & over from people of all ages I hear the wave of hope. Me too! I feel the promise of a great leader of not just accountability but honorable protection from a President whose interests encompass global grace and true sustainablity.


Childlike wonder fills my heart as I sense a transformation in our country and government, one that I never imagined possible in my life time.



We are capable of seeing ourselves as a healthy loving family and can summond forth courage and strength to make a united shift to uplift not only ourselves but all peoples.


I believe everything happens for a reason, not a reason that I like or agree with all the time but for a higher purpose. I believe this time in our nation is perfect, that it took a giant wake up call for us to vote for a real change. I believe we are so blessed.


The last thing I did before the sun set was go Diamond Head. Small perfect waves, crystal clear water, warm sun and everyone with big time smiles on their faces.... I feel a funny connection to our President in the ocean and still can't keep a little smile off my face thinking that we have a Presient that surfs, ha!!!


There is rumor of a true outta season south swell hitting here next week. I really needed to get out and paddle, outta surf shape! As always as soon as I began my paddle out all my exhaustation, petty worries and stress washed away.



As I caught my first wave I said out loud, yeah this one's for you President Obama!

I am blessed.

Valentine's Day Sweets Workshop

Workshop offered on Saturday, February 7th
Sweet Treats for Someone Special…
Cooking with Kathy
Kathy Maddox, macrobiotic whole foods chef, will help you get ready for Valentine’s Day by sharing some of her favorite recipes that will delight those you love and keep them healthy at the same time. Recipes from the workshop will be provided.
February 7th
9-noon
Fee: $25
Class size limited to 10
Advanced Registration Required
To Register online www.thegreenhousehawaii.com Or call (808) 524-8427

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Sunday, January 25, 2009

The Green House Workshops January Hawaii

The Green House in Hawaii is a great place for learning new stuff that helps the environment.


3 Workshops offered on January 31st

Cooking Revelations with Raul
A Taste of Italy
Experience Italy’s most famous flavors with French trained gourmet chef, Raul Bernal. We will explore methods of deliciously simple cooking using fresh and local ingredients to create a fantastic three-course meal. Surprise your friends and family with some new tricks for the new year. Recipes from the workshop will be provided and food will be enjoyed by all.
January 31st
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Fee: $25
Class size limited to 12
Advanced Registration Required
To Register online www.thegreenhousehawaii.com Or call (808) 524-8427

Urban Permaculture
Gardening in the Streets
Permaculture designer Hunter Heaivilin will cover strategies for greening your surroundings. Even urban dwellers can find hidden gardening potential between sidewalk cracks and discover innovative ways to optimization the growing potential of neglected space and paved surface areas. Join us as we roll up our sleeves to a create garden in the most unlikely place. Taking it to the streets!
January 31st
1:30 – 3:00 pm
Fee: $15
Advanced Registration Required
To Register online www.thegreenhousehawaii.com Or call (808) 524-8427
From Showers to Flowers
Water Catchment Gardening
Moving beyond the basic rain barrel catchment system, Jeremai Cann will lead this workshop in creative alternatives to basic water catchment systems. We will be installing a water catchment system that will feed a water garden and garden using the overflow from each to create a one-of-a-kind artistic solution to rain water catchment.
January 31st
1:30 – 3:00 pm
Fee: $15
Advanced Registration Required
To Register online www.thegreenhousehawaii.com Or call (808) 524-8427

Friday, January 23, 2009

We are all in the same boat..


"However fragmented the world, however intense the national rivalries, it is an inexorable fact that we become more interdependent every day. I believe that national sovereignties will shrink in the face of universal interdependence. The sea, the great unifier, is our only hope. Now, as never before, the old phrase has a literal meaning: We are all in the same boat." — Jacques Cousteau, quoted in "National Geographic" [1981]

Becausewesurf Blog reality!





All of the hard working team at becauswesurf join together in hoping you enjoy this new surfers blog and will sign in and participate.

We truly appreciate and thank you for all your great feedback and ideas.

Currently we are working on the set-up and Spring launching of the bws store which will feature hand crafted and eco-friendly treasures plus some really cool t-shirt designs.

Surf on the south side has been pretty small and brrr! cold though we did manage to catch a little surf last weekend, it was wonderful.

If you can we invite you to please sign up and send your stories, pictures, etc.. we'd love to hear from you.

With Grace & Gratitude,
Colleen