Natural Environment Blog

In an effort to help spread the word for independent filmmakers with an environmental slant, here’s a post about BlueGreen - a film that explores the human connection to the ocean.

Featuring some of the world’s most talented surfers, including Keith Malloy and 7-time Women’s World Champion, Layne Beachely, combined with footage shot around the world, BlueGreen examines the connection between humans and the ocean and explores this connection through thoughtful insight from scientist, activists, athletes and enthusiast. From the physiological to the spiritual, filmmaker and surfer, Ben Keller explores the power of the ocean and how it affects our lives and why we are all attracted to it in one way or another.

“Blue green is a surf film, yes. But it is more than that. It is an exploration of our ties to the ocean – beyond the obvious” explains Cinema Libre Studio, the distributor for BlueGreen.

“Of course, if you are going to expound upon the human connection to the ocean, you can’t really avoid an environmental message. You bump right up against it. So the film explores that as well, from how the surf industry affects it to what we as people need to consider.”

According to the BlueGreen press release, “There is an environmental message that Keller pays special attention to - in light of the rise in the man-made pollution (i.e. Deepwater Horizon oil spill) - and he believes there is a fundamental lack of understanding and knowledge of just how important a role the ocean plays in our daily lives and hopes a better understanding will lead to its protection”.

BlueGreen: Our Connection to the Ocean is now available on DVD.

To find out more about this film, check out the BlueGreen: Our Connection to the Ocean website.

I recently read this article in Honolulu magazine about a North Shore company making green surfboards.

The company, called Country Feeling Surfboards, make their surfboards from environmentally friendly materials. According to their website, they use soy-based and sugar-based foams; deck inlays are made from hemp, organic cotton, bamboo and silk; and the resin is catalyzed by the sun.

Here’s what Country Feeling Surfboards say about their foray into green surfboards:

Transforming the industry from ego to eco is a heady process that begins with everyone taking a conscientious step in the right direction. We must recognize that if we don’t take care of our planet, the magic will disappear.

They also recognize that it could take some time before the competive surfing industry makes the switch to the eco-friendly surfboards. Kyle Bernhardt, one of the company’s shapers says this:

Shapers have used the same materials for the past 30 years, and everybody’s grown accustomed to the way the boards feel. When you bring in new materials, you can’t guarantee that same feeling. That’s our biggest hurdle.

Another hurdle could be the higher price tag. Shortboards start at $695; stand-up boards cost about $1,500, which is more than a typical surfboard. 

In any case, if you want to try out these eco-friendly surfboards, check out the Country Feeling Surfboards website.