The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world's ocean, waves, and beaches, for all people, through a powerful activist network.
Their mission is carried out through various programs and campaigns, focusing on:
- Plastic Reduction: Reducing the impact of plastics in the marine environment.
- Ocean Protection: Defending the ocean from threats to its ecosystem.
- Beach Access: Ensuring full and fair beach access for everyone.
- Coasts & Climate: Addressing issues that threaten beaches and natural shorelines.
- Clean Water: Protecting water resources and preventing pollution from reaching the ocean.
Relation to Consumers and Restaurants:
- Surfrider's programs significantly impact both consumers and restaurants, particularly through their Ocean Friendly Restaurants (OFR) program. This program aims to address plastic pollution at its source by recognizing restaurants committed to reducing wasteful single-use plastic.
For Restaurants:
The OFR program provides a framework to help restaurants make sustainable choices for the ocean and become leaders in their communities. Restaurants commit to practices such as:
- Using reusable foodware for onsite dining.
- Providing paper straws only upon request.
- Eliminating expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam™) use.
- Not using plastic bags for takeout or to-go orders.
- Providing single-use utensils, straws, and condiments only upon request for takeout.
- Not selling beverages in plastic bottles.
- Following proper recycling practices.
Restaurants that join the OFR program receive benefits like marketing materials, inclusion on Surfrider's websites, and discounts on sustainable products. Surfrider also offers resources like their Ocean Friendly Foodware Guide to help restaurants choose sustainable alternatives and avoid greenwashing.
For Consumers:
Consumers benefit from the OFR program by being able to identify and support restaurants that prioritize reducing plastic pollution. Surfrider raises consumer awareness about plastic pollution through initiatives like their Beach Cleanup program, which engages volunteers in collecting data on plastic waste and advocating for policy changes. The OFR program empowers consumers to make eco-conscious choices when dining out, encouraging a shift towards sustainable practices within the hospitality industry.
In essence, Surfrider's OFR program serves as a bridge between consumers and restaurants, promoting collaboration to reduce single-use plastic and protect the ocean. By highlighting restaurants committed to sustainability, Surfrider drives consumer demand for environmentally friendly options and inspires change within the restaurant industry.