Ocean Friendly Resources
Your one stop for all Surfrider Pacific Rim guidelines, toolkits, and how-to’s.
Here you’ll find DIY Campaigns, DIY Programs, as well as additional resources for vacation rentals, businesses, media, waste management & more. All of these resources will support you in launching plastics initiatives in your communities, with the goal of creating Ocean Friendly communities from coast-to-coast and around the world! If you still have a question that’s not answered by the resources below, please fill out the form at the bottom of this page.
DIY Campaigns
Ban straws in your community.
Ban single use plastic bags in your community. You can also download our “Bring Your Own Bag” poster to put up in your community.
Prevent and recycle cigarette butt pollution in your community.
become an Ocean-Friendly Business wherever you’re located! Own or operate a vacation rental? Use our Ocean Friendly Vacation Rental Toolkit.
2022 Ocean Friendly Holiday Guide - Give back by choosing to celebrate sustainability through eco-friendly and waste-free choices that will benefit you, your loved ones, and the earth.
DIY Programs
Lead your own beach clean! Follow the LYBC Lead Guideline to organize your own cleanup!
Rise Above Plastics Toolkit: your ultimate guide for addressing plastic pollution in your community.
Youth Environmental Stewardship curriculum booklet: utilize this to empower and educate youth to take action on plastics.
Reusable Cup / Container Program Learn more about how you can integrate deposit schemes on reusables and ditch the disposables! Check out the promo sheet here.
Check out Reusables Vancouver Island
Stitch ‘n’ Beach guideline for implementing this hands-on program in your community, turning discarded textiles into works of wonder.
Learn how to create your own reusable masks with recycled textiles from home.
Waste Diversion Resources
Surfrider runs the Transparent Waste Education Program for the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District on the central west coast of Vancouver Island. If you live in Tofino, Ucluelet, and the surrounding First Nations communities, please refer to the information below for proper waste management, diversion, and updates!
For proper waste management on the west coast of Vancouver Island, download & print the following:
Resident FAQ sheet
Business FAQ sheet
Waste Diversion Directory: view for all recyclable items
You can also download Sort’nGo ACRD app and never miss a collection day again! Scan the barcode to download to your phone.
Use the Waste Wizard to search if an item should be trashed, recycled, or disposed of another way.
Sort’nGo ACRD Waste Wizard and Calendar.
Additional Resources
Zero-waste event toolkit: Magnify your impact and lead your own zero-waste events! From film nights to festivals, events work to educate the public as well as create community around your cause.
For folks living in Tofino and Ucluelet, please see the updated Resident, Business, and Staff information sheets about the updated to the District of Tofino and District of Ucluelet Single-Use Item Regulation Bylaws, which includes a ban on polystyrene foam takeaway containers.
For Businesses in Tofino and Ucluelet, check out The Den Refillery’s Sustainable & Circular Accommodation Program, you can become a Gold Tier, Silver Tier, Bronze Tier or Cleaning Partner to receive discounts on cleaning supplies and more!
View our Read, Watch, Listen report for our favourite books, films, podcasts, music and more!
Terracycle can recycle all of your hard to recycle items, from their Zero Waste Boxes to their Free Recycling Programs! You can lead your own waste diversion program using Terracycle, keeping more material out of landfill.
Local Government Guide for Bylaws Regulating Single-Use Plastics, this document provides municipalities with direction and assistance on developing bylaws regulating single-use plastics.
Provincial Policy on the Use of Reusable Food Containers in Food Premises in British Columbia
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