Singer-Surfer Rescues Beaches
Tristan Prettyman has brought together her two passions: music and surfing.
By Christine Richmond
The 26-year-old recording artist and San Diego native, who surfed competitively in high school, partnered with Barefoot Wine and the nonprofit environmental group Surfrider Foundation to clean up beaches across the country in the summer of 2008. After helping volunteers to clear litter, she performed some of the bluesy tunes from her new album, Hello, out now on Virgin Records. (To get more information about the cleanups, visit barefootwine.com/beachrescue.) We talked to the eco-minded chanteuse about other ways she's protecting the planet.
You just got back from touring in support of Hello. How do you live green when you're on the road?
We buy only what we need and look for stores that sell organic and local products. I usually go vegetarian when I'm on the road to make sure I am eating a heathy, ethical diet.
How do you plan to green your upcoming tours?
I'm going to switch to a biodiesel tour bus. At concerts, I'll be setting up recycling stations and selling carbon offsets to fans who traveled to see the show. In the future, I'd love to do a totally solarpowered show.
How are you eco-friendly when at home?
I only use biodegradable cleaning products, drive a hybrid car, and shop at the farmers' market.
Has surfing inspired you to be more conscious of the environment?
Definitely. Surfing helps me rebalance and recharge. I get so much out of the ocean that I naturally want to protect it.
Why did you decide to do beach cleanups with Barefoot Wine and the Surfrider Foundation?
My parents are members of the Surfrider Foundation, and growing up, we always did beach cleanups. Every time I go to the beach, I pick up trash. It's a great way for me to help raise awareness.
How many cleanups did you do?
Four—we'll be going to New York, Texas, and California. After each cleanup, we threw parties for the volunteers, and I played some songs from Hello.
Is your green message resonating with your fans?
Absolutely. Fans have been contacting me to ask how they can help with the cleanups or to tell me about eco programs in their communities. They even steer me toward organic restaurants and stores when I'm on the road. I think I'm helping more people understand that even small steps can make a difference.
You just got back from touring in support of Hello. How do you live green when you're on the road?
We buy only what we need and look for stores that sell organic and local products. I usually go vegetarian when I'm on the road to make sure I am eating a heathy, ethical diet.
How do you plan to green your upcoming tours?
I'm going to switch to a biodiesel tour bus. At concerts, I'll be setting up recycling stations and selling carbon offsets to fans who traveled to see the show. In the future, I'd love to do a totally solarpowered show.
How are you eco-friendly when at home?
I only use biodegradable cleaning products, drive a hybrid car, and shop at the farmers' market.
Has surfing inspired you to be more conscious of the environment?
Definitely. Surfing helps me rebalance and recharge. I get so much out of the ocean that I naturally want to protect it.
Why did you decide to do beach cleanups with Barefoot Wine and the Surfrider Foundation?
My parents are members of the Surfrider Foundation, and growing up, we always did beach cleanups. Every time I go to the beach, I pick up trash. It's a great way for me to help raise awareness.
How many cleanups did you do?
Four—we'll be going to New York, Texas, and California. After each cleanup, we threw parties for the volunteers, and I played some songs from Hello.
Is your green message resonating with your fans?
Absolutely. Fans have been contacting me to ask how they can help with the cleanups or to tell me about eco programs in their communities. They even steer me toward organic restaurants and stores when I'm on the road. I think I'm helping more people understand that even small steps can make a difference.
