April may be Earth Month, but real change doesn’t fit into just one month.
It’s a daily practice, a choice we make with every product we buy, every wave we ride, every trail we tread.
For surfers, that connection runs deeper than most. We don’t just admire nature — we live it. The ocean shapes our rhythms, fuels our passions, and reminds us why protecting the planet isn’t optional. It’s essential.
The good news? Some surf-inspired brands are stepping up year-round — crafting gear that not only looks and feels good, but leaves a lighter footprint behind.
Here are four brands we admire for weaving sustainability into their DNA — and proving that better choices aren’t just possible. They’re already happening.
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Patagonia – More Than a Brand, a Movement
Patagonia doesn’t just participate in Earth Month — they live it year-round. Since their beginnings in the ’70s as a climbing outfitter, the brand has consistently put planet over profit, donating 1% of sales to environmental causes and actively supporting grassroots activism.
For surfers, Patagonia’s impact has been massive. Their wetsuits were the first to ditch petroleum-based neoprene in favor of natural rubber from hevea trees. Their Fair Trade Certified apparel, recycled materials, and repair/reuse programs set the bar for what responsible fashion can be.
And they don’t stop at making gear. Patagonia often takes bold political stances — fighting for public lands, suing the U.S. government over environmental rollbacks, and recently transferring ownership to a trust to ensure all profits go toward saving the planet.
Why we love them:
They walk the talk — blending rugged design with fierce environmental advocacy. When you wear Patagonia, you’re part of something bigger.
We reviewed Patagonia’s latest collection — check it out here.
Visit Patagonia.com
Outerknown – Sustainability with Soul
When 11x World Champ Kelly Slater co-founded Outerknown, he wanted to prove that style, quality, and ethics could co-exist. The result? A laid-back, surf-luxe brand rooted in sustainability — without compromise.
Outerknown was one of the first surf lifestyle brands to embrace regenerative organic farming, circular design, and full supply chain transparency. Their iconic Blanket Shirt is made with 100% organic cotton, their swimwear is crafted from recycled fishing nets, and their Outerworn resale platform encourages customers to buy and sell used gear — keeping clothing out of landfills.
The vibe? Relaxed, coastal, quietly confident. Whether it’s their Essentials collection or capsule collabs, Outerknown makes you feel like you’re doing something good — without sacrificing comfort or style.
Why we love them:
They’ve made sustainability aspirational. With Outerknown, it’s not just about what you wear — it’s how you live.
Visit Outerknown.com
Jungmaven – Hemp is the Future
Soft, strong, and rooted in radical simplicity, Jungmaven is built around one of the most sustainable plants on the planet: hemp. Founder Robert Jungmann has been pushing for hemp legalization and adoption for decades — long before it was cool.
Why hemp? It grows quickly, needs little water, and actually restores the soil. Jungmaven blends it with organic cotton to create easygoing essentials like tees, tanks, and hoodies that feel worn-in from the first wear.
Their colorways are sun-faded and earthy. Their fits are timeless and unisex. And their mission? Clear: get everyone in a hemp tee by 2030. It’s a big goal, but they’re doing it one ultra-soft shirt at a time.
Why we love them:
Jungmaven reminds us that sustainability can be simple, sensory, and beautifully slow. It’s less about trends and more about timeless comfort that honors the planet.
Visit Jungmaven.com
OTIS Eyewear – Built to Last, Designed for Impact
In a world flooded with disposable fashion, Otis Eyewear takes a different path: durability as sustainability. Born along the rugged coastline of Western Australia, Otis crafts premium sunglasses using mineral glass lenses — a natural, endlessly recyclable material that outperforms plastic for both clarity and scratch resistance.
Their frames are just as thoughtful. Many are made with eco-acetate, a biodegradable alternative to traditional plastics. And because Otis designs their eyewear to last a lifetime, not a season, they help reduce waste and overconsumption at the source.
The vibe? Surf, street, and classic cool — the kind of shades you’ll want to wear everywhere, from beach breaks to city streets.
Why we love them:
Otis proves that sustainability and style aren’t mutually exclusive. Their commitment to high-quality, eco-conscious craftsmanship makes protecting your eyes — and the planet — effortlessly cool.
Visit Otiseyewear.com
Choosing Better, Living Better — Every Day
Earth Month might be over, but our responsibility — and our opportunity — continues.
No one gets it perfect. But every time we support brands like Patagonia, Outerknown, Jungmaven, and Otis, we help push the tide in the right direction. We back craftsmanship over fast fashion, regeneration over depletion, and connection over consumption.
This isn’t about guilt. It’s about gratitude — for the oceans we surf, the trails we wander, and the planet that holds it all.
Because protecting the Earth isn’t something we do once a year.
It’s how we live, move, and ride — every day.