BambooSK8 joined numerous other action sports companies for the 2nd annual Action Sports Environmental Coalition Summit on August 13th in Laguna Beach, CA at a great art studio.

The keynote speaker was actress/activist Darryl Hannah, who said, “forgive me in advance – I’m not much for public speaking” as she read the words verbatim off the paper.   Although she had written her speech around 3am that morning, her words cut to the bone of what it means to stand for something in the pursuit of sustainability and were quite inspiring.

ASEC founder Frank Scurra did a great job of pulling everyone together to have a sense of gratitude towards life – our breath, the air around us, the nutrients we put in our bodies, the ecosystems that thrive in perfect unity, etc.  Lunch was provided by Chipolte and was excellent.  Artwork from Mike Kershnar was displayed around the facility – really great stuff too.

The basic purpose of this event was to bring companies together to share ideas and put together action that will result in each company being more sustainable and ultimately, our industry leading the world in this pursuit.  While it makes incredible sense for all of us companies to go in together and purchase let’s say - organic cotton t-shirts so we can all save money on the large volume discount, it is unlikely everyone will want to play ball or coordinate the efforts right now.

It’s expensive to go green for many because they have been doing business for so long down the wrong path – ie. high volume VOC glues in their decks, toxic cotton t-shirts, polluting due to excess shipping, etc.  It’s a shame because our industry could be leaders in the eco/green movement of sustainability.  I want to believe and trust that others will do their part over the next year.  For us, bamboo is the ultimate in sustainability!

Please visit www.asecaction.org for more details on ASEC.

Photo with Frank Scurra

Photo with Mike Kershnar