As surfers, we are closely connected with the environment. While the ocean may seem vast, our actions affect it greatly. The ways which surfers pollute the ocean are sometimes obvious, but so often ignored.

We all apply generous amounts of wax on our boards each session, only to have to reapply the next time. When you stop and think about it, its destination is obvious. When 20 million surfers commit the same act, the effects accumulate significantly. Sunscreen is also applied and rinsed off on a daily basis, eventually killing coral reefs.
Surfing equipment is mostly disposable and usually toxic. Fiberglass surfboards are extremely fragile and need to be replaced frequently. It’s not uncommon for a professional surfer to use a board for less than a week before discarding it. Every time a new board is shaped and glassed, large amounts of Volatile Organic Chemicals are released into the environment, which contaminate groundwater.

Wetsuits are similarly disposable. If you’re lucky, a high quality wetsuit might last a few years. Neoprene suits inevitably break down, usually at the seams, which diminishes their usefulness. Currently, wetsuits cannot be made using natural materials. Toxic solvents and glues are used in the laminating process and neoprene is typically made from petroleum.

With a few simple choices, we can turn everything around. There are natural waxes, sunscreens without harmful ingredients, surfboards which emit far less VOCs and last much longer, and wetsuits that are more durable and made with fewer chemicals. By choosing responsible products, we can minimize our own impact and persuade producers to become more sustainable.

For more information visit Green Surf Shop.

http://www.surferpoll.com/uncategorized/tribute-to-andy-irons/#ooid

We are excited to announce that SwellWomen has been published in WellBella Magazine!!  Click HERE for the full story.

Here is a little info about the cool magazine WellBella- As the exclusive health and wellness magazine for GNC, WellBella is a monthly publication dedicated to educating, motivating and inspiring contemporary women of all ages to reach for the highest vision of themselves through the transformational power of health and beauty. Written by top health and fitness experts, every issue is a go-to guide, featuring the latest news, advice, hot products, workouts and an exclusive cover story interview with a high-profile female celebrity who has an inspirational health message.  WellBella puts a fresh—and sexy—spin on every woman’s wellness.

We hope you can check it out!

What are you Thankful For?

Giving Thanks, Giving Mahalos, Gratitude. I feel that whenever I’m feeling down or having one of those days, I try to immediately think of something…anything that I can feel gratitude towards and my energy begins to shift. It works. Can’t think of anything to be grateful for? What about your arms, legs, eyes, etc…? Go back to the basics and focus on that…just for a few moments. See if this lifts your spirit. This Thanksgiving set an intention to feel gratitude everyday. Try setting a time each day for a minute gratitude practice. Happy Thanksgiving!

What are your thoughts?

Read article here.

Happy V-Day from SwellWomen and SwellCo-ed!

On this holiday of love, we hope that you are taking the time/energy to love yourself, to find your bliss and to enjoy life. It’s ONLY this way that we can truly love others, truly provide others with joy and spread bliss to all.

Make sure to check out our post on February 9th for a Sweetheart Special at our SwellCo-ed retreats. Offer expires today!

What is the positive of the so-called financial crisis? Well, think about it the green world is finally starting to emerge with awareness being more and more present. What are the positives? There are many. People are saving, people are living more simply, people are helping each other, people are investing in green companies which in turn are helping the environment, corporations are starting to change over to sustainable and lower cost renewable energy, land prices are becomming more affordable, there are lower mortgage rates, people are starting to grow gardens everywhere, etc… 

As we see in Maui on a weekly basis, there is always a rainbow to bring brightness back to stormy conditions. Hang in there and don’t deny yourself any aspects of well-being.

Finally. If you were like me you were counting the days until 1-20-09 and what a monumental day it was. A historic event and a day to remember. Immense changes are on their way…his inaugural speech sent goose bumps and tears to my eyes. There are urgent concerns to all of us not just in America but the world…it’s time to make collective changes to better our lives and the future lives to come. 

Wishing President Obama and his family safety and strength in his term to come.