Being a Student Intern at Save Our Shores!
March 9, 2025
Save Our Shores was thrilled to welcome the 211 folks who joined us for The Cigarette Surfboard screening on Wednesday March 5! The presence and engagement of our community made the event a powerful reminder of the collective impact we can have when we come together to address issues that affect our community and environment. Thank you for the support from Supervisors Cummings & Koenig’s portion of Santa Cruz County’s Empty Cup Tax and for making this event possible!
“The Cigarette Surfboard” is a 2024 documentary directed by Ben Judkins that follows California surfer and craftsman Taylor Lane on his mission to create a functional surfboard using discarded cigarette butts collected from beaches. This endeavor not only showcases Lane’s innovative approach to recycling but also initiates broader conversations about ocean pollution and environmental responsibility. The documentary follows Taylor’s world-wide expedition working with prominent surfers & activists while gaining perspective on local pollution impacts. These conversations help shape his own call to action as he focuses on the Ban the Butt movement.
As you may be aware, the approved ordinance by the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors to ban the retail sale of filtered tobacco products in unincorporated Santa Cruz County is a huge milestone. This milestone, which will make Santa Cruz the only county in the nation banning the sale of filtered cigarettes, needs the support of two cities within the county to continue.
It’s time for us to take action and keep the momentum going for the Santa Cruz County Ban the Butt ordinance.
- Contact Your Representatives: Let your voice be heard by reaching out to our City Council Members & policy makers, urging them to pass the ordinance and make Santa Cruz a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable place for all.
- Spread the Word: Share information about the ordinance with friends, family, and colleagues. Educate others on the importance of banning cigarette butts and the positive impact it will have on our community.
- Get Involved: If you’re interested in taking a more active role, we would love for you to join our advocacy efforts! Please reach out to us via email to find out how you can get involved in the campaign.
Together, we can continue this real difference for our environment, our health, and the future of Santa Cruz County. Thank you for your support, and let’s keep pushing forward toward a cleaner, greener future!
