October | 2023 | Elder SUP

PICK TRASH, PLANT TREES, GO PADDLE
In March of 2023, Starboard created a contest in which participants entered by logging in to the Blue Tiki website. Throughout the next months until October 1 participants created a community of #FutureFighters engaging in “Blue life” choices and activities.

While the first prize was a “Zen Adventure of a Lifetime,” an all inclusive 5 nights at the exquisite Cora Cora Maldives resort, every single participant (along with their local waters and beaches) won! By logging in to Blue Tiki, joining the communities, accepting Missions and completing Activities we all connected for BIG changes while earning the Blue Tiki digital social currency.

From spring, through summer and into the fall there was no end to the fun of completing ACTIONS and MISSIONS

It was fascinating to “meet” fellow participants via their Instagram posts. Motivation to get out on the water and to make a habit of collecting rubbish along the way created many personal journeys towards a sustainable future. We all made a positive impact on the planet. By showcasing our passion for sustainability, we all made a difference while inspiring others. And the fun is not over – you can start TODAY.

Personally, I was inspired to revise my “blue life” journal for kids called The Quest for Blue Planet Super Heroes . Just as earning “Blue Tiki” currency motivated me and my choices, it’s a known fact that journal writing can also embed a person with desired habits – and the 28 day journal is designed to help young people do just that.

But that’s not all! Contained in the journal is a 10-chapter adventure led by kids that is designs a community-wide scavenger hunt and “blue life” awareness wrapped in action and fun. The Hunt to Save the Ocean provides young readers and their families or teachers with a roadmap toward making an astounding difference.

In my part of the world a palette of gorgeous fall leaves is blanketing sidewalks, river paths and backyards. We are enjoying the last days of summer-like weather before the welcomed rains of Fall quench the thirsty high desert and forests. Our paddling days will be cooler, and beautiful in their own way.

But as we tend to spend more time indoors this time of year, DIY projects sound inviting. Just in time too. October marked another phase of an opportunity to earn a digital social currency called Blue Tiki while doing what we love (paddling) and making a difference in our community (beach and waterway cleanup). If you haven’t yet participated, take a look here.

In the past seven months as I completed the regular challenge activities on Blue Tiki (thanks Starboard) I mostly cleaned up larger pieces of plastic and other litter. But a recent trip to the coast remined me on the tiny microplastic pieces that have inundated our beaches, waters and even our own bodies. I decided this was a good time to search out a some DIY directions for building a microplastic sifter.

A google search rewarded me with plenty of instructions. One in particular caught my eye because it was both easy to make, easy to make a few to share with friends and portable enough to bring along on a paddle. I found the directions on the Kailua Beach Adventures website. Click here to learn more.

Are you inspired to be a Future Fighter now? If so, simply go to Blue Tiki and sign in. You can feel good as you earn Blue Tiki currency – and also learn how to win some great prizes while being part of a global community.