123ArticleOnline Logo
Welcome to 123ArticleOnline.com!
ALL >> Environment >> View Article

The Answer To Environmental Damage From Surfboards?

Profile Picture
By Author: Tim Greyton
Total Articles: 30
Comment this article
Facebook ShareTwitter ShareGoogle+ ShareTwitter Share

You'd struggle to find a more natural sport than surfing. The crashing waves, the fresh sea air and the reliance on mother nature for good surf, all suggest that this is the most wholesome of extreme sports. It has come to the attention of many environmentalists however that all is not what it seems. What they have come to realise is that numerous harmful bi-products are released into the environment through board manufacture.

Most surfboards you find now are formed from a core of polyurethane foam. This is then surrounded by one or two layers of fibreglass before covering in a protecting polyester-based resin. The foam often contains a chemical called toluene diisocyanate, which is known to be a possible carcinogenic substance. The styrene gas that is also produced during manufacture has been criticised by health professionals due to its harmful effect on the nervous system and its ability to cause nausea, tiredness and disorientation. Further to this, production also releases volatile organic components (VOCs) and carbon into the atmosphere. Most of the elements that go into modern surfboards are also non-biodegradable.

Gordon ...
... Clark, a surfboard producer in California has even shut his factory down after all the negative attention it received recently. Clark's production company was responsible for manufacturing around 85% of all blanks but after being hounded by the State of California, he decided to shut the business down. This had led to the predicted shortage of pre-shaped surfboards in the States and so many big companies are in desperate need of alternatives.

One such alternative has been developed in Cornwall, England. Biofoam is a revolutionary new product that was created by the collaboration of a number of different surf charities. The material is around 65 percent more renewable and emits 35 percent less harmful toxins due to the fact it is 45 percent plant based. Further to this, the old polyester resins have been replaced on their new 'Ecoboard' with an 90% natural alternative.

The makers of the Ecoboards, which use Biofoam have been approached by surf companies from around the world. It is still early days but they soon hope to start applying their eco-technology to the manufacturing of snowboards also.
For super snowboards travel to EST who specialise in surfboards

Total Views: 285Word Count: 374See All articles From Author

Add Comment

Environment Articles

1. Comparing Skip Hire Options: Should You Choose Local Or National Providers?
Author: Lily Jones

2. Expert Fiberglass Pool Installation Services
Author: Pools Now

3. The Hidden Gems: Qatar's Native Flora
Author: omar Shahat

4. Top Reasons To Choose An Online Solar System For Your Home: Convenience, Savings, And Customization
Author: Paul

5. Innovative Approaches To Fecal Sludge Management For Urban Sanitation
Author: jasmin thakkar

6. Busch Group Drives Sustainable Future Technologies
Author: Busch Vacuum Solutions

7. Human Hair Extension In Bangalore
Author: naturewigs

8. Navigating Skip Hire For Hazardous Waste: What You Need To Know
Author: Lily Jones

9. Five Great Ways To Save Energy In Your Kitchen
Author: Alicia Reno

10. Environmental Issues For Climate Change - What Should You Know?
Author: Climate Diet

11. Exploring The Beauty Of Kayaking And Mangrove Planting In The Uae
Author: Shilpi

12. Pfeiffer Vacuum Achieves Gold Medal In Ecovadis Sustainability Ranking
Author: Busch Vacuum Solutions

13. The Rise Of Sustainable Floristry: Eco-friendly Floral Practices
Author: adlerconway

14. Innovative Approaches To Municipal Sewage Treatment
Author: aaditri biswas

15. Innovative Techniques For Enhancing Sewage Water Treatment Efficiency
Author: jasmin thakkar

Login To Account
Login Email:
Password:
Forgot Password?
New User?
Sign Up Newsletter
Email Address: