Surfer magazine article

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Vote the Environment
http://www.surfermag.com/features/onlineexclusives/patagniavote/

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1. Pro surfer says "I've never voted" (but will this time).

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In last month’s issue, Patagonia ran a shot of Chris Malloy, with the words “I’ve never voted” in bold across the top, with text underneath explaining how he’ll make the environment his chief concern on election day. Chris’s involvement in this campaign is a key part of Patagonia’s push to motivate voters. Using high profile outdoor athletes in an attempt to appeal to those who have never voted before, Patagonia is working to mobilize and educate outdoor lovers who may not necessarily equate their interests with politics.

Commenting on his involvement, Chris says that this type of activism was a major factor in his decision to sign on with Patagonia in the first place. “I’ve always felt that as a pro surfer I was thrown into a situation where my actions can have an effect on other people. To be with a company that makes products which are environmentally sensitive, and has a history of environmental activism, has given me the confidence to go out and voice my views.” And when asked what those views are, Chris broke out a quote from Franklin Roosevelt to explain his feelings toward the environment, and current governmental disinterests in protecting it. “The liberty of a democracy is not safe if the people tolerate the growth of private power to a point where it becomes stronger than the democratic state itself,” Chris recites.

Lets face it, we should all be deeply concerned about the environment. As surfers, the effects of environmental mistreatment and misuse should appeal to our very souls. Just on a selfish, surf-centered level environmental concerns should raise some serious questions. Your home break could be affected by rising sea levels and your skin destroyed by a depleted ozone layer.

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