Category Archives: sustainability

Volunteers Honor Hawaii Oceans

Posted on April 22, 2012 | 1 Comment

Ocean Girl Project Beach Cleanup Sat April 21st

This Earth Day all of the volunteers from Ocean Girl Project appreciate the special contribution each of you made to keep the ocean and beach clean!!!

You did a great job,  the ocean and its living creatures are grateful.

  EArth DaY WaRriOrs.. Our awesome volunteers!

Taking time from their busy lives and weekend activities, volunteers young and old from all over Oahu gathered at  Baby Mak’s aka “Cockroach Bay” for a beach clean up in honor of Earth Day.  While we  won’t revel the age of the oldest volunteer, the youngest was a sweet 10 mth old and carried her own bucket!

Frankly, we dislike the “cockroach” name but it is one of the reasons why we choose this location for our 2nd Earth Day Ocean benefit cleanup (and there is usually surf).

Good works!

Volunteers from ECC – Hawaii/Pacific and their families joined us again this year.  Much gratitude for your support and sustainable works! You all did a wonderful job!

Everyone worked hard and then time for keiki naps.. Hey! where is my nap???

Local Teens take action!

We had two terrific boys, Alex and Jacob,  students from Leilehua High School in Wahiawa come out and volunteer. Wow! They impressed us with their positive attitudes, helpfulness (they got the tents up). They are learning about sustainability in their class with teacher Mrs. Yamamoto, awesome! Thanks dad for driving them so early on a Saturday.

Congratulations boys and to all the volunteers for being environmental heroes -not only learning about plastic pollution and it’s effect on our island  but doing something about it.

You da bestest! So..  after we were all set-up and headed down the beach..we found out we had to relocate then everyone just pitched in – within a few minutes it was all moved and setup again..one of my favorite memories of the day.

YUCK’O! Bucket ‘o Beach Rubbish
Okay, had to show this. Here are some of the plastic-toxic-dangerous items we found on our beach clean up. Imagine this in the ocean?

We must have filled 30+ buckets in less then an hour,  kinda cool that you were able to do that, huh? :-)

By showing up and doing your part, you made an important change to our beaches and oceans, what a wonderful way to honor the Earth and our beautiful island.

Let’s all make a change!

We are planning another clean up in May and hope that you will join us, the more helping hands, the more ways we can keep our oceans clean!

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Posted in Corporate volunteers, girls surf camps, Ocean Girl Project, recycle, surf events Hawaii, surf lessons Hawaii, surf news, surfergirls share, sustainability, Volunteers, women on waves

HAWAII BEACH CLEAN UP 2012!

Posted on April 17, 2012 | 4 Comments

HONOLULU, Oahu – In honor of Earth Day 2012, Ocean Girl Project Sustainable Surf Camps is organizing their second beach clean up on Saturday April 21st just past  Makapu’u also called baby Makapuu.  Map link

Volunteers will be there at 9am and Beach Clean-up begins around 10:00 am. We will be doing a short talk about Ocean Girl Project, safety tips, why plastic ocean debris harms the ocean, and a quick lesson on separating recyclable material from rubbish. You are welcome to join in or leave at any time.

This event is for all ages and everyone is invited, bring your groups, classmates, neighbors, friends and family. Ocean Girl Project has a limited amount of gloves, plenty of rubbish buckets, and an iced tea and water station. There will be organic after sun products, jewelry, and recycled-sustainable items made by their volunteers available.

From town drive past the entrance to Makapu’u -turn right into the first driveway, at the fork turn left towards the pier. Or you can park under the wind soc. It is almost across the street from Sea Life Park,  look for  tents & OCEAN GIRL PROJECT surfboard signs .

For Beach Clean up, we suggest visors or hats, reef safe sunscreen, reusable cups or water bottles, your own heavy-duty gloves if you have, beach gear, towels and loose clothing.

Mahalo for keeping our oceans clean and creating positive waves in young girls lives!!

OGP BEACH CLEAN UP 2012
Date : Saturday 21st
Time: arrive 9am – start 10am -12pm
Location: Baby Makapu’u

Things to bring:
-gloves
-reusable or recyclable cups
-bathing suits and towels
-hats
-sunscreen


View Larger Map

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Posted in Ocean Girl Project, ocean safety, recycle, sunscreen & skin care for surfers, surf events Hawaii, surf lessons Hawaii, surf news, surfergirls share, sustainability, Volunteers, women on waves

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NOAA Ocean Pollution & Ocean Girl Project Mission-Clean it up!!!!!!

Posted on April 16, 2012 | Leave a comment

Did you know that approximately 1.4 billion pounds of trash per year enters the ocean? Where does all that trash come from? Where does it go?

Much of it ends up on our beaches washed in with the waves and tides, some sinks, some is eaten by marine animals mistaking it for food. Other forms of pollution impacting the health of the ocean come from a single known sources like an oil spill or from accumulation of many dispersed sources like fertilizer from our yards.

The majority of pollutants going into the ocean come from activities on land. Natural processes and human activities along the coastlines and far inland affect the health of our ocean. One of the biggest sources is called nonpoint source pollution, which occurs as a result of runoff. Nonpoint source pollution includes many small sources, like septic tanks, cars, trucks, and boats, plus larger sources, such as farms, livestock ranches, and timber harvest areas. Pollution that comes from a single source like an oil or chemical spill is known as point source pollution. Often this type of pollution has large impacts but fortunately they occur less often. Discharge from faulty or damaged factories or water treatments system are also considered point source polluters.

Nutrients and Algal Blooms

Sometimes it is not the type of material, but its concentration, that determines if it is a pollutant. For example, nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus are essential elements for plant growth. However, if they are overabundant in a body of water, they can stimulate an overgrowth of algae called an algal bloom. Some algal blooms are considered to be harmful algal blooms because they can have a negative effect on living organisms. An excess of nutrients entering a body of water, either through natural or human activities, can also result in hypoxic or dead zones. When large amounts of algae sink and decompose in the water, the decomposition process consumes oxygen and depletes the supply available to healthy marine life. Most of the marine life that lives in these areas either dies, or, if they are mobile such as fish, leave the area. Habitats that would normally be teeming with life become, essentially, biological deserts.

Marine Debris

Marine debris is another persistent pollution problem in our ocean. Marine debris injures and kills marine life, interferes with navigation safety, and poses a threat to human health. Our oceans and waterways are polluted with a wide variety of marine debris ranging from soda cans and plastic bags to derelict fishing gear and abandoned vessels. Today, there is no place on Earth immune to this problem. A majority of the trash and debris that covers our beaches comes from storm drains and sewers, as well as from shoreline and recreational activities. Abandoned or discarded fishing gear is also a major problem because this trash can entangle, injure, maim, and drown marine wildlife and damage property.

Impact of Seafood

Pollution can have an adverse affect on the food that we eat. Heavy metals and other contaminants can accumulate in seafood and make it harmful to eat. More than one-third of the shellfish-growing waters of the United States are adversely affected by coastal pollution. NOAA monitors this contamination through the Mussel Watch program and also provides seafood safety tips through the Fish Watch program.

Collection Created August 2011
Adapted from: Ocean Facts: Pollution (NOAA National Ocean Service) and Marine Debris FAQ’s (NOAA Marine Debris Program)

Marine Debris Reporting Phone App

New App Makes it Easy for Beachgoers to Report Marine Debris

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Posted in girls surf camps, Ocean Girl Project, recycle, surf events Hawaii, surf news, sustainability, world news

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THE “FUTURE OF SURFING” PRESENTED BY RERIP IN HAWAII SATURDAY MAY 21, 2011

Posted on May 20, 2011 | Leave a comment

THE “FUTURE OF SURFING” PRESENTED BY RERIP IS COMING TO HALEIWA, HI Saturday MAY 21, 2011

Haleiwa, Oahu – For the past four years, Rerip has presented “The Future of Surfing” fund-raising event and surfboard swap, designed to advance sustainability in surfing while giving back to the community.  Rerip is pleased to announce “The Future of Surfing” fundraiser, co-hosted by the Yoganics yoga studio and benefiting the Ocean Girl Project Hawaii, will be  held in Haleiwa, HI.

The event is being held  May 21 2011 in the Yoganics back parking lot located at: 66-145 Kamehameha Haleiwa, Hawaii.

All attendees who donate a used but rideable surfboard receive a coupon valid for product from event sponsors.  Coupons are redeemable at vendor booths for art, shoes, clothing, gear, and other products.

Donated boards will be resold at the event with proceeds benefiting the Ocean Girl Project.  Local musicians, shapers, artists, vendors and environmentally minded organizations help make the day a true community event.  Attendees will also enjoy an fashion show hosted by Yoganics Haleiwa highlighting sustainable styles and fabrics.

“As we convert to non-profit status, we have solidified our mission to advance sustainability in the surf industry with a focus on reducing waste, reusing boards and expanding community outreach. By participating in this event, locals can show their support for environmental action and programs benefitting local youth.” says Aaron Taylor, Director of Local Promotions for Rerip

About Rerip

Rerip is an organization that works towards creating accountability, measurability, and sustainability in the surf industry.  By providing the best means for the resale of equipment; offering ideas and opportunities for recycling;spearheading Cradle to Cradle® practices; and giving back to the community through education and fundraising; Rerip.com is dedicated to finding new ways to reduce waste and harmful practices.

For more details contact: Colleen@oceangirlproject.com or Aaron@Rerip.com

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Ocean Girl Project Operation Beach Clean up!!

Posted on April 9, 2011 | Leave a comment

‘A‘ohe hana nui ke alu ‘ia..

“No task is too big when done together by all.”

I think that  pretty much describes how we feel about how our beach clean up went Saturday, April 2nd. After seeing  such depressing images of albatross stomaches of plastic and honu choking on plastic bags it was SO encouraging and uplifting to be with people who care.

Seeing the final product- all those garbage bags and nets and rusted metals, really felt good and it truly felt like what we did mattered.

Our ocean warrior volunteers had so much fun!

Steve and Daniel in back, Luisa, Colleen, Billie

From Billie~”Hurray! I enjoyed Saturday so much! :) I love how everyone came from different places all over the island and they all came because they care about the ocean, the beaches, and the Aina. We all want the same thing; clean, safe waters and unpolluted environments, so that our children’s children and all living creatures can enjoy life like we do. It’s you and me and our choices who are gonna make it happen.”

Set-up volunteers! lft side:Alanna, very back-Carol-Starbucks, Colleen, Keli, Luisa, rht side: Kelsie, Jeannie, Claire, Daniel, Billie!

From Colleen: I liked that Billie and Keli had us so organized!! They worked so many hours and what they give is something priceless to the earth. I also LOVED the walkie-talkies Big Mahalo Steve-O and the surfboard, mahalo Daniel!!!

From Claire~Aloha Sunday, Cousin Colleen. I wanted to take a minute to express my amazement and appreciation of the Beach Clean-up yesterday. Watching the youngsters take a hold of the fundamental principles of nurturing and sustaining the Ocean…s and he…lping to HEAL Mother Earth was overwhelming for me. I thought of my Native American Indian herit…age; respecting Mother Earth, Teaching The Children, the Full Circles of Life and the importance of Love and Respect. Our next 7 generations depend upon OUR passing on what is REALLY important in life. Your volunteers look up to you with a true admiration and a growing passion for being a part of this necessary HEALING. Your father Sam taught you WELL…and I felt my Uncle and Auntie smiling down upon you, their daughter, my cousin, my ‘Ohana…and I wanted to say BIG MAHALOS for letting me volunteer and be a part of your Ocean Project. Until next time-A hui hou-claire-Ke’ani :O)

Mahalo Daya! xxoo

From Daya~MUAH! that was fun- I really needed being at the clean up… The beach, sun, like-minded individuals, a cleaner beach, chilled ocean… SO necessary for feeling happy and fulfilled! thanks for being so awesome and SWEET and for organizing such a wonderful event and for informing us about plastic… I learned a lot and u made me rethink the choices I make:) love u!!!

From Keli~We couldn’t have asked for anything more! It was a beautiful day at Makapu’u Beach.

Seriously, a microwave??? Mahalo Jerry!

Everyone worked so hard and I couldn’t believe the items that we found! The Starbuck volunteers and ECC volunteers were so wonderful and helpful! Jennifer from Reef Watch was awesome. Everyone that attended was so excited to be there! We need to do more beach clean ups! Thank you Ocean Girl Project, it rocked!!!!

Laura~Thank you for including us Starbuckians in the beach clean up today at Kaupo Beach Park! I learned a lot today.

Mahalo to all the Starbuckians, you made such a difference!

When I grabbed lunch afterward at Kalapawai I used my own cup and turned down the straw. =)

From Aimee ~I had an awesome time too!

From Reef Watch Waikiki

Thank to our friends at Ocean Girl Project for hosting such a great event last weekend! We look forward to taking part next time, too :)

 

 

Big mahalo to Doug for all the hard work and beautiful pictures!!

We are changing the world, one beach at a time!

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Posted in Corporate volunteers, girls surf camps, Ocean Girl Project, recycle, surfergirls share, sustainability, Volunteers, women on waves

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Beach Clean Up Sat April 2nd Join Us!

Posted on March 31, 2011 | Leave a comment

Ocean Girl Project- Beach Clean UP

posted: Mar 31, 2011 7:52 AM HST Updated: Mar 31, 2011 8:12 AM HST

 

Click image to enlarge

HONOLULU, Oahu (HawaiiNewsNow) – In honor of Earth Day, Ocean Girl Project Sustainable Surf Camp for girls is organizing a beach clean up on Saturday April 2nd 2011 at Kaupo Beach near Makapu’u. MAP LINK

You drive past the entrance to Makapu’u -turn  right into the 1st driveway, at the fork, turn left towards the pier.  Or you can park under the wind sox. It is almost across the street from Sea Life park, we will tents and OCEAN GIRL PROJECT surfboards and signs out.

Following the beach clean-up there will be a terrific sustainable presentation by Reef Watch Waikiki about our island reefs and a representative from Surfrider will talk about the plastic bag ban.  Great for kids and adults!

The Beach Clean-up will begin around 9:00 am with a short talk about Ocean Girl Project, beach cleaning safety tips, why plastic ocean debris is hurting our ocean, and a short lesson on separating recyclable material from rubbish. The beach clean-up at about 11:30am. From about 12pm – 1pm there will be sustainable ocean presentations.

This event is for all ages and everyone is invited, bring your groups, class mates, neighbors, friends and family. Ocean Girl Project will be providing gloves, burlap bags, buckets, and drinks. There will also be Ocean Girl Project organic after sun products and recycled-sustainable items made by their volunteers for sale.

See video HERE

Beach Clean-up

Date: Saturday, April 2

Time: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Location: Kaupo Beach just past Makapu’u

 

Ocean Girl Project Sustainable Surf Day Camp

Who: Girls ages 09-16

Next Camps: Summer 2011

Time: 8:00 am – 2:00 pm, Monday – Friday

Location: Waikiki beaches

Price: Financial Aid available

 

For information on the Ocean Girl Project surf camps, beach clean-up and how to donate click HERE .

Click HERE to connect with the Ocean Girl Project on Facebook.

Click HERE to connect with Malika Dudley on Facebook.

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