What is your current role with the Surfrider Foundation?
I’m the social media lead for the Massachusetts Chapter , as well as the owner of Mayflour, an OFR.
When and why did you choose to get involved?
I started joining chapter meetings a few years ago as a way to learn more about the Ocean Friendly Restaurant program. My business has always operated with sustainability as a core value, but I was struggling to feel like we were making an impact. Additionally, I wanted to be able to educate our customers about the power they have as consumers to make better choices for our planet.
I was feeling a deep pull to be part of a larger group, to hopefully make meaningful change. Living and working in a coastal community for over a decade, it’s impossible not to see the effects of pollution on our water, beaches, and marshes. Everywhere you look, there’s plastic.
When I learned about the OFR program, I knew they were the perfect fit for us. The crew at the MA Chapter was immediately welcoming, and so incredibly supportive of my business and our mission. It has been a gift to be in community with these hard working, dedicated folks, and feel that change is possible.
What are some local environmental issues that you have witnessed?
More and more we are seeing issues with water quality, and beach closures due to unsafe swimming conditions. In an area of the country where summer is fleeting, it’s hard to see cherished time enjoying the ocean due to the safety of our water.
In winter, we are dealing with the effects of sea level rise. Our sweet little bakery sits right on the Great Salt Marsh and watching the water creep onto our back patio, flood nearby businesses, and fully submerge our causeways is both scary, and heartbreaking.
What Surfrider projects have you been involved with? How have these projects impacted your community?
I attended Hill Day in Washington a couple of years ago, and had the opportunity to speak with members of the General Services Administration about the impacts of single-use plastics, the importance of providing alternatives, and the power of the consumer. I was able to share my experience with my customers, and community, helping them to better understand the work I’m doing, the work Surfrider is doing, and how their patronage supports a larger mission.
Reminding individuals that their choices matter, and being able to show them how it contributes to change on a larger scale, is so powerful!
What is the most important thing you tell others about Surfrider?
Three of the ways that make Surfrider such a powerful organization is its ability to work on big picture policy change through our kick ass national team, invest resources in local issues, and make grassroots change through our incredible network of chapters. It makes Surfrider feel like a big family, a level of connection that seems unique in an organization of this size.
What has been the highlight of your Surfrider experience?
In fall of last year, I was able to attend the Surfrider Super Summit in Long Beach. To witness a group of that size, all working with such passion to protect our oceans and coasts, felt incredibly hopeful. We listened to so many experts share their knowledge and experience — seeing how all of it knits together to form this powerful network was inspiring and motivating.
Our chapter was recognized for the work we have done to develop our OFR program, and I had the honor of receiving a Wave Maker award for my work with the chapter and engagement as an OFR owner. The support this organization has extended to me, and the way in which they recognize and celebrate the hard work of each and every volunteer, is truly special.
