Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/281113
There is a direct link between surfers and recycling EPS foam that had gone unnoticed, which is that many surfboards are made of EPS foam, and surfers have an invested interest in reducing litter on public beaches. Since partnering with local surf shops across California and Hawaii that serve as collection points, Waste to Waves has collected over 40,000 pounds of EPS for recycling. Formed by Sustainable Surf, a non-profit organization dedicated to clean beaches and waterways, Waste to Waves has been collecting and recycling scrap EPS since 2011 with a unique twist: they turn all of it in to surfboards. The arrangement is mutually beneficial, as the surf shops have reported an increase in store traffic since the program began. Scrap is then donated to Marko Foam, which has been manufacturing blank surfboard templates from recycled EPS for over a decade. To date they have sold over 1,000 surfboards. "The recycled EPS board rides the same as any other EPS board I've ever had. If there's a way to eliminate that waste and turn it in to a surfboard that's exactly the same as any other surfboard, then why not get one?" says Mike Losness, a professional surfer. For most of their existence, surfboards were made of the heavy wood, which made the sport difficult for all but the most athletic and skilled. Starting in the early 20th century, surfing enthusiasts began to experiment with different designs, such as hollow boards, and eventually progressed to using new synthetic materials like fiberglass and polyurethane foam. These boards were much lighter and more manageable, and contributed to the explosion of surfing's popularity during the 1950s and 60s. Board designs continued to evolve, and today EPS is growing as a popular choice for surfboard cores due to its durability and light weight. Even though EPS contributes to surfboard performance, a lack of education about foam surfboards has created a mentality that they are not a sustainable piece of equipment. "The surfboard is the iconic symbol of our sport … but the surfboard is also seen as one of the most toxic vehicles in action sports," says Kevin Whilden, founder of Waste to Waves. Despite common misconceptions, programs like Waste to Waves that take innovative approaches to EPS recycling are integral to realigning public perception with the fact that EPS is a fully recyclable and valuable material. Waste to Waves Brings Sustainability to Surfboard Manufacturing 4