The ocean is not just every surfer's essential source of excitement but is the motor the whole world relies on. On May 26^th Aegir Boardworks, together with the Surfrider Foundation is raising awareness to protect our oceans from a danger that becomes more severe every day: PLASTIC!

Aegir Boardworks, located in Brooklyn’s Dumbo will run an all day long event to raise awareness of the danger of plastic. As long as supply lasts guests/customers can enjoy free Mimosas (of course served in recycled, 100% biodegradable cups), live music and a raffle to win some fantastic skate and surf prices. Additionally, Aegir Boardworks will donate a Dollar of each purchase that day to the Surfrider Foundation. The Surfrider Foundations will be on site to talk about their current programs in New York and how we can all do our part in being more environmentally responsible and use less plastic.

Don't miss out on the event and stop by at Aegir Boardworks in Dumbo, Brooklyn. Get directions here.

Why using less plastic matters?

Because there are up to 13 million tons of plastic entering marine waters each year. Most of it starts out on land as litter on our beaches, streets, and sidewalks and is swept into storm drains, creeks, streams, and rivers that lead to the ocean. Plastic pollution on our beaches overwhelmingly comes from products that we use for a few minutes, are discarded into the environment, and then last a lifetime. It’s up to us to change the current flow of plastic pollution through advocacy for better product alternatives and switching to a reusables in our everyday life. If you aren’t aware, in New York City the amount of plastic you use on a single day is gigantic.

 Here are ten things that make you realize how often we waste plastic and that are actually not too hard to avoid. Ten easy things you can do to reduce your ‘plastic footprint’ and help keep plastics out of the marine environment.  

10 Things you can do to reduce your plastic footprint:

1. Choose to reuse when it comes to shopping bags and bottled water. Cloth bags and metal or glass reusable bottles are available locally at great prices.
2. Refuse single-serving packaging, excess packaging, straws and other ‘disposable’ plastics.  Carry reusable utensils in your purse, backpack or car to use at bbq’s, potlucks or take-out restaurants.
3. Reduce everyday plastics such as sandwich bags and juice cartons by replacing them with a reusable lunch bag/box that includes a thermos.
4. Bring your to-go mug with you to the coffee shop, smoothie shop or restaurants that let you use them.  A great way to reduce lids, plastic cups and/or plastic-lined cups.
5. Go digital!  No need for plastic CDs, DVDs and jewel cases when you can buy your music and videos online.
6. Seek out alternatives to the plastic items that you rely on.
7. Recycle.  If you must use plastic, try to choose #1 (PETE) or #2 (HDPE), which are the most commonly recycled plastics.  Avoid plastic bags and polystyrene foam as both typically have very low recycling rates.
8. Volunteer at a beach cleanup. Contact the NYC chapter directly, and if you are visiting, find a chapter near you here.
9. Support plastic bag bans, polystyrene foam b, ns and bottle recycling bills.
10. Spread the word.  Talk to your family and friends about why it is important to Rise Above Plastics!