Surfing NSW
Surfing NSW spread awareness of the plastic bans through their international World Surf League webcast.
Riding the wave
Surfers have a unique relationship with the environment, and as custodians, are community leaders in the transition away from harmful plastic pollution. Surfing NSW adopted the Stop It and Swap It campaign to show how simple actions such as using keep cups and reusable toggles for events can help prevent plastic litter harming the environment, in particular local beaches.
In partnership with the EPA, Surfing NSW produced a series of videos to reinforce this special relationship between surfers and the marine environment. These videos showed how simple it is to get into the habit of bringing a reusable water bottle and keep cup to the beach and how Surfing NSW was taking steps to limit the amount of plastic they use at events which risk ending up in the ocean.
These videos were showcased across social media and the World Surf League live broadcast during NSW-based events in 2023. These messages on the value of reusables and the Surfing NSW and EPA partnership reached almost 350,000 people, spreading this message far beyond NSW and showing Surfing NSW’s leadership in sustainability practices.
This shift towards eco-friendly alternatives has not only reduced waste but also served as a visible demonstration of the community's commitment to a cleaner environment.