+ Surf community launches a wave of sustainability initiatives

We covered Project Blue and Reef's Redemption program earlier, but a whole bunch of other, new eco-friendly surf products are in the works as well. It's really impressive to see the surf world rally around sustainability, and it's trends like these that show that, as fragmented as it might seem at times, it really is a community working together towards something bigger than any of us.

Thanks to our friends at Empire Ave for the info.

Rip Curl's bamboo fiber rashguard
"Rip Curl have developed an ‘eco-friendly’ polyester based material which they are using to make rashies. The fabric combines the natural fiber of bamboo with 65% recycled PET bottles.In addition to the eco materials, the Classic Bamboo rash vest has some great performance benefits including improved thermal properties and reduced odour (anti-bacterial). The vest that John West rejects (sorry couldn’t resist) will be available in July."

Element Eden
"Element Eden are giving one customer the chance to make a difference to their chosen wildlife society or conservation issue. Simply purchase one of their ‘Save Us’ tees, hoodies or bags until the end of June this year and fill in an entry form to go into the draw to win. The winner gets a donation of AU$5000 to the wildlife or conservation organisation of their choice."

Simple's eco-shoes
"Simple is working with famed photographer Joe Curren on some sweet looking eco-shoes. The shoes are made with eco-friendly materials such as recycled car tyre outsoles, organic cotton linings and the fabric is made from recycled water bottles."

Billabong's plastic surf shorts
"Billabong has discovered a way to churn recycled plastic bottle (yeah, your coke bottles) into top of the line, comfortable and durable surf shorts. Made from a fabric called Eco Supreme Suede, approximately ten bottles are needed to make on new pair of boardies."