Toby Murphy, who imports and distributes eco-friendly surf wax, reckons oceans are the lifeblood of the planet and humankind. “They hold 97% of the planet’s water, produce more than half of the oxygen in the atmosphere and absorbs the most carbon from it. Our oceans help to buffer human-caused global warming and climate change,” says Toby.
As a photographer, I promote marine conservation by telling the stories of the people and places behind sustainable marine food production. Stories like ‘The Oyster Lady and Lad’ published in Food & Home Entertaining magazine, with a readership of over 500 000, help South Africans learn more about sustainable use of the ocean’s resources and provide some great recipes to try at home too! My latest story features sushi recipes using fish from the SASSI green list as an alternative to salmon and tuna.
As a surfer, I’m always looking for ways to combat pollution of the oceans. Most surf wax is made from petrochemicals which leach toxins into the ocean. Matunas surf wax, the third best-selling surf board wax in the USA, is certified 100% organic and biodegradable. After I sent Matunas feedback to congratulate them on their great product, they asked me to distribute their wax in South Africa. I put Matunas together with a company in Cape Town which now imports the wax, allowing South Africans to surf without polluting.
