Tracks

Tracks magazine, also known as the surefers bible is probably the best surfing magazine there is. Its been around for ages, it reports all sorts of surfing news, and also tries to change the world...

Their latest issue is called the green issue. The front cover boasts 97% recycled stories and photos! They boast a proud history of activism against environmental nasties and I think we could all learn a bit from the surfing community about respecting nature. While I may not always agree with all their ideas the theology behind it is good. Anyways, in the magazine it has a couple of lists. Heres the first one:

TEN TRACKS FIGHTS

1) Ocean sewerage

From issue 1 right through to today this fight has been waging. One of the governments not so great ideas is to pump sewerage straight back into the water. Not good for the sea bed or for surfers who get sick from it!

2) Uranium mining

1977 had a great article on the pros and cons. Theyve been involved in reporting protests and the like and continue the debate today.

3) Sand mining

With a housing boom from 1972-early 80's on the east coast builders turned to sand mining from beaches. This problem is obvious for surfers!

4)Kirra
Possibly the premier wave spot in Australia. In 1972 the government of Queensland built a groyne to trap sand. This had a negative effect on the surf and environment. Tracks has also been opposed to coastal development in the same area.

5) Coastal Development

This debate gets pretty heated and Tracks has been there the whole way. The front page of the April 2002 issue was dedicated to this.

6) Save the Whales!

Tracks says it feels hippy saying the above, but "We've always tried to identify with people who have an affinity with nature and an interest in protecting it." Tracks made a bit of a noise and in 1978 Australian whaling ceased. In 1988 there was an article of what to do if a whale beached itself, 1999 massive article on whaling, and finally in 2007 the Australian government has decided to fight whaling instead of pretending it doesnt exist...

7) Nuclear Testing

The French wanted to test bomb in the South Pacific and the editor at the time got real mad. The Surfing championships wanted to boycott all French events. The French didnt care, it still went ahead but they tried!

8) The rainforests

1976 The woodchip debate. "In less than 200 years of white settlement 3/4's of the forests have been destroyed!" Tracks have called people to join the protests of intense logging.

9) Overseas footprints

During the 90's Tracks spent alot of time encouraging readers to respect the environments that they travel to. "Leave only footprints, take only memories."

10) Global Warming

Tracks wants to raise awareness and teach people how they can make a difference where they are. In the current issues they have 20 easy ways to help...

So there we go. You may raise your eyebrow to a few of them but what a respectable community hey? They love surfing, see the link between surfing and the environment and fight for what they believe in. As Christians Im sure we should be sticking up for Gods creation and not just stuffing it up. How would you feel if you made something then people came and abused it? Come on people, its just love! Im sure we can all change some of our routines etc and help a bit...