Environment News

Volcom announces recipients of 1% For The Planet

We are pleased to announce the recipients of our 1% for the Planet donations for 2008. We handpicked these organizations that we feel do a great job making a difference in protecting the environment. Please go to their websites to learn more and to learn what you can do to get involved in their efforts.

The Volcom V.Co-Logical Series represents an environmentally conscious movement towards sustainability. In this collection you’ll find more sustainable materials and less impactful production methods blended with our signature styling. Additionally 1% of every dollar you spend in this category goes to select environmental protection organizations by way of our 1% for the Planet membership.

1% For the Planet

Not long ago, a mountain climber and a fisherman realized they had a lot more in common than a disdain for wearing a suit to work. Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, owner of Blue Ribbon Flies, were also passionate environmentalists that happened to be running successful businesses. More important, they understood it was good business to protect the natural resources that kept them in business.

And the rest is history… 1% for the Planet exists to build and support an alliance of businesses financially committed to creating a healthy planet.
Alaska Wilderness League

Alaskas wild lands  including the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWAR) are under attack. This extraordinary treasure trove of lands, set aside decades ago to be protected now and in the future for the benefit of the American people, is in severe danger of being destroyed forever by short-sighted politicians and the extractive industries. They want only the resources these pristine areas can provide, regardless of the resulting devastation to the habitat, wildlife, and cultures.

Save the Waves Coalition

Save the Waves is an environmental coalition dedicated to preserving the world’s surf spots and their surrounding environments. Their goal is to preserve and protect surfing locations around the planet and to educate the public about their value. Save the Waves works in partnership with local communities, foreign and national governments, as well as other conservation groups to prevent coastal development from entering the surf zone.
The Ecology Center

The Ecology Center is a nonprofit organization that aims to serve as Orange County’s premier eco-educational learning center and is driven to inspire and educate people across Southern California communities in the areas of environmental sustainability and stewardship. By providing hands-on activities, quarterly exhibits, on-site demonstrations and informational seminars promoting practical and ecologically sound solutions for the household and community.

The Ecology Center is located at South Coast Farms in the suburb of San Juan Capistrano and seeks to create a healthy and thriving environment where clean air, water and power are economically, ecologically and elegantly enjoyed. And with its rich cultural heritage and agricultural tradition, it’s no wonder that The Ecology Center has upheld its credibility as the ultimate local, one-stop resource committed to proactively solving some of today’s most pressing environmental problems.

Protect our Winters (POW)

Protect Our Winters (POW) is a tax exempt, non-profit organization dedicated to reversing the global warming crisis by uniting the winter sports community and focusing our collective efforts towards a common goal. Climate change is a serious issue for all of us who are passionate about our winter sports and in some cases, it’s how we make our living. If we harness our collective energy and put forth a focused effort, we can have a direct influence on reversing the damage that’s been done and ensure that winters are here for generations behind us.

Orange County Coastkeeper

The mission of Orange County Coastkeeper is to protect and preserve Orange County’s marine habitats and watersheds through education, advocacy, restoration, and enforcement.

North Shore Community Land Trust

The mission of the North Shore Community Land Trust (NSCLT) is to protect, steward, and enhance the natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and rural character of ahupuaa from Kahuku Point to Kaena. NSCLT’s unique and effective approach to land protection taps the power of both private and public sectors. Using funds from private donors, they move quickly to help purchase critical open spaces as opportunities arise.

story via

VF Corporation announced today that Jim Gerson will be taking the reins as President of Reef. Gerson has been with VF Corp since 1986, and most recently served as Vice President of RD&D Soft Goods at The North Face.

Here’s the press release:

Carlsbad, CA – May 26th, 2009 – Reef is pleased to announce the appointment of Jim Gerson, currently Vice President of Apparel at The North Face, as President of Reef-Americas. In his new role, Jim will be responsible for developing the product line and brand strategy for the Reef brand worldwide and for the profitability of Reef-Americas beginning June 1st, 2009.

Gerson joined VF in 1986 as part of the Jantzen business and held progressive sales and merchandising roles leading their swimwear division. In 2000, he became Vice President of Swimwear for VF’s Tommy Hilfiger Licensee business. Gerson joined the The North Face as Vice President, Research, Design and Development and Brand Management in April 2001.

As The North Face grew, Jim transitioned to Vice President RD&D Soft Goods in 2005, overseeing all of the apparel business.

“Jim has spearheaded The North Face’s dedication to product innovation and has been a key contributor to the tremendous success of The North Face throughout his tenure with the brand,” said Stephen Murray, President of VF Action Sports Americas. “His successful background in managing key accounts in sales and leading merchandising initiatives brings to Reef a wide range of knowledge and experience from all angles of the business. I am confident that his expertise will prove to be a great asset to Reef.”

Gerson adds, “Reef is a strong brand with a rich heritage and a history for creating outstanding products. I look forward to sharing my product and brand experience to help Reef reach its full potential.”

Gerson holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Idaho, with a Marketing emphasis in Management. He will transition to his new position at Reef effective June 1.

story via

Stand Up Paddle Surfing to be included in Surfing Australia’s Australian National Titles

UPDATE: It was firstly paddleboards. Then stand up paddleboards (SUP). Now outrigger canoes have been added to the line-up for the annual Honolua Ocean Paddle Race. (check the full story here)

Australian Titles will this year be decided for the first time in the rapidly growing and now well established discipline of Stand Up Paddle (SUP) Surfing.

Surfing Australia announced the inclusion of the Open SUP division into the Country Energy Australian Surf Festival to be run at Port Macquarie during August.

Globally, Stand Up Paddle Surfing has grown in popularity incredibly over the past three years with an abundance of surfers, longboard and shortboard surfers, including a stand up paddleboard in their essential quivers and many dedicating themselves 100% to this discipline.

“The quality of Stand Up Paddle surfers emerging throughout Australia and the world is exciting and there’s many past and present champions of the sport of surfing now very competent and devoted Stand Up Paddle surfers” said Surfing Australia Chief Executive Officer Andrew Stark.

“Take the two finalists at the recent Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach, Joel Parkinson and Adam Robertson, both often seen in the line up riding waves on Stand Up Paddleboards, and then look at past champions like Luke Egan, Tom Carroll and Simon Anderson, all keen riders” added Stark.

“Stand Up Paddle Surfing has established itself in our sport and we are delighted to incorporate it into our Australian Surfmasters this year – the inaugural champion will take a special place in surfing’s history!”

Judging criteria for the Stand Up Paddle surfers have been formulated by the International Surfing Association with an emphasis on use of paddle in performance surfing and radical manoeuvres. The criteria will shortly be available through via www.surfingaustralia.com

Twelve surfers will make up the division this year, three from host state NSW, two from Qld, Vic, SA and WA and one from Tasmania.

The Country Energy Australian Surfing Festival, which incorporates the Oxbow Australian Longboard Titles along with the Australian Surfmasters will run from August 16 through to August 29 as a mobile event through the surf rich region surrounding Port Macquarie.

Surfing NSW will host the event and a full Surfing Australia digital media team will service the event with daily digital images, press releases, live web scores, web highlight vision and selected days national television newsfeeds.

story via