The Circular Economy
You may have heard the words circular economy being talked about here and there, and have thought to yourself; “What is a circular economy?” “Is it actually important for our future way of life?” “How can I contribute?”. Fret not, as this article is here to answer some of those questions for you.
Citizen Science: From Microplastics to Compost, All in One Bucket
Microplastics are everywhere on our beaches and in our waterways. Removing them from the environment is an ever-tedious task that often feels impossible. Not to be discouraged, she swept up a pile of microplastics entangled in beach organics to take home with her. She was determined to address this problem.
BREAKING NEWS: Stop The Commercial Disposition of Crown Land at Chesterman Beach and Shell Beach!
A request to occupy a section of the north end of North Chesterman Beach and Shell Beach for commercial use has been submitted to the Province of British Columbia. Surfrider Pacific Rim stands firm in its commitment to publicly accessible beaches and against any quasi-privatization of these locations.
SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTARY NOW!
Canada’s Single Use Plastic Ban Takes A Small Step in the Right Direction
After years of campaigning and growing public awareness around the harmful consequences of single-use plastics, the Government of Canada has come through on long-awaited promises to ban selective single-use plastics. This list includes checkout bags, cutlery, food service ware such as takeout containers, ring carriers, stir sticks, and straws.
Clayoquot Biosphere Trust Giving Catalogue 2022
Clayoquot Biosphere Trust (CBT) Giving Catalogue, a "one-stop shop" where you can learn about and support non-profit work on the west coast. Whether you live here or away, gifts of all sizes make a big difference!
From urinal mats to unicorns, cargo from major container spill is still washing up on B.C. shores
When Jill Laviolette started picking debris off Cape Palmerston beach on Vancouver Island following the container spill from the MV Zim Kingston freighter, the inflatable dinosaur and unicorn toys she pulled from the sand looked nearly pristine.
Learn more about Sessions Fundraiser 2022 Campaigns & Programs
With the holiday season right around the corner, Surfrider Pacific Rim is getting ready for their annual Sessions Fundraiser. This year, the auction fundraiser will be taking place from November 9th to December 9th on an online platform! This season, local businesses from around Tofino and Ucluelet have generously donated accommodations, tours, gift cards and more that will be either auctioned off individually or bundled into various Pacific Rim experience packages!
Blue Friday funding Styro-Surfboards
Blue Friday is an initiative pioneered by a group of businesses as an alternative to Black Friday. All participating businesses pledge to donate a portion of sales from November 25th, 2022 to directly support Blue Friday's ocean conservation initiatives.
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is creating an everyday disaster in BC waters
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), often referred to as Styrofoam™, is a petroleum-based plastic commonly used for protective packaging. Many of us are familiar with (and perhaps infuriated by) the moulded forms of tiny puffed balls that insulate our consumables from unwanted jostles and knocks, but on the coasts this material has another common application: dock flotation.
Tofino Highlights Plastic Pollution with Art installation by Pete Clarkson called ‘Classic Plastic’
On the 21 of August 2022, local Tofino artist Pete Clarkson completed the installation of his latest art endeavor ‘Classic Plastic’ in association with Kim Leckey, artist and designer behind Sea Woven, Surfrider Pacific Rim, the District of Tofino, and funded by the Tofino Arts, Culture and Heritage grant.
Surfrider, UVic study sea bin data to determine foam infiltration near North Saanich marina
A pair of floating garbage bins draw debris from the surface of the water in North Saanich Marina and early data shows foam bits remain a key polluter.
The marina, one of four owned by Oak Bay Marine Group, has two sea bins at work in the Saanich Peninsula waters. Surfrider Foundation Vancouver Island launched its sea bin project, Dock the Debris, in November 2020 with funds collected during the inaugural Blue Friday in 2019.
Sign Petition e-4066 to ban EPS foam docks!
As Surfrider continues its work on our Foam Free Docks campaign others are working on this initiative and we need to support them with a unified voice! Please sign the petition initiated by Catherine Ostler from Savary Island, British Columbia which states that foam from marine infrastructure is an increasing source of pollution on Canada’s beaches.
Surfrider Canada is growing and we want to hear from you!
Surfrider Canada is growing and we want to hear from you! A team of MBA students from the University of Victoria is performing research that will support Surfrider Canada’s marketing and expansion strategy, which will strengthen the Surfrider chapter network across Canada and further help address the issues affecting Canada’s coastlines.
B.C. Provincial Single-Use Plastics Engagement Survey Deadline: July 5th, 2022
The B.C. government has released a feedback survey on proposed regulations on single-use plastics outlined in the CleanBC Single-Use Plastics Intentions Paper.
Happy International Surfing Day 👋
Surfrider Foundation Canada is the organization's newest international affiliate, responsible for growing our efforts to protect oceans, waves and beaches across the country. We'd love for you to join in with us as part of this exciting and impactful movement.
2021 Annual Report
This has been an exciting year of new and renewed partnerships in the pursuit of ocean and coastal pollution prevention. We’re excited to share more about our most exciting year on record!
First cigarette surfboard in Canada!
With 1.2 million cigarette butts recycled, Surfrider brings awareness to this crisis with its cigarette surfboard.
Tips for Responsible Tourism from Your Local Surfrider Chapter
During the summer high season, Tofino welcomes around 70,000 visitors a month. That’s a lot of people for this tiny town and typically a lot of waste ending up on beaches, in waterways, and ultimately in the ocean.
New LYBC Coordinator!
Hi, my name is Sophie and I am beyond excited to be working with Surfrider’s Pacific Rim Chapter as Beach Clean-up Coordinator! Growing up on Vancouver Island, coastal spaces have always been special to me and brought me a sense of familiarity. I’ve spent countless hours exploring the coastal temperate rainforests, coves and coastlines.
Surfrider Pacific Rim shares Denman Island Marine Stewards Petition
Denman Island Marine Stewards (ADIMS), Parliamentary petition is aimed at protecting critical herring habitat from shellfish aquaculture expansion, and also asks DFO to delay any expansion until this industry demonstrates it can clean up its own plastic gear and equipment!