In 2012, after Hurricane Sandy devastated Lauren Brajer’s home in Manahawkin, New Jersey, she relocated to Ocean Grove and began volunteering with Surfrider Foundation, updating their website and managing social media. Her dedication led to a Vice Chair position a few weeks later, and she has served as their Jersey Shore Chapter Chair since 2022. We sat down with Lauren to learn more about Surfrider’s Jersey Shore efforts, what inspired her love of the ocean, and how she works sustainable practices into her everyday life.
Q: As a brand inspired by the ocean, we are strong supporters of Surfrider's mission: the protection and enjoyment of the world’s oceans, waves and beaches, for all people. The organization focuses on Plastic Reduction, Ocean protection, Beach Access, Coast & Climate and Clean Water. Is there an area you are personally most passionate about?
Having lost my own home to a natural disaster in 2012, Coast & Climate and Ocean Protection are areas that are near and dear to my heart. Addressing the serious issue of climate change leading to beach erosion with an increased need for replenished dune grass and updated policy is top of my list.
Q: You’re working with the organizers of the Sea.Hear.Now. festival happening in Asbury Park September 14-15, 2024. Tell us what inspired you to get involved with this music festival and your plans for this year.
Our chapter was chosen as a beneficiary and partner at the very first Sea.Hear.Now. event and we haven’t stopped since! This will be our sixth year providing over 100 volunteers for both days of the festival. Volunteer duties include a new composting station, a hydration station encouraging reduction of single-use plastic, a Rock n’ Recycle program that helps to keep the festival grounds free of cans and much more!
Q: One of the chapter’s most popular events is your Annual Family Day in Asbury Park. Tell us a bit more about what this is about and why it’s such an important program within the community.
Family Day, spearheaded by our Events Coordinator, Diana Pitett and a few of our local volunteers, is completely free, providing an opportunity for everyone to enjoy the beach, especially those from low-income families who might not otherwise have access to beach experiences. This inclusive spirit is rooted in the chapter's work, dating back to 2003 when they advocated to make surfing legal in Asbury Park. That initiative aimed to encourage local residents, many of whom had never experienced the joy of surfing, to connect with the ocean. Read more about the 18th Annual Family Day here
Q: There has been a lot of press around the offshore wind farms that are planned to be built off the Jersey Shore, which recently got a green light from the federal government since it is meant to provide clean, renewable power. Others argue it would be devastating to the fishing industry, marine life and coastal views. What is Surfrider’s view on the topic?
Surfrider’s involvement in offshore wind energy is guided by our mission statement and environmental policies. Our renewable energy policy, established in 2008, outlines science-based principles to be used by our chapters and staff when evaluating proposed projects. Surfrider regularly submits comments to government agencies to highlight project concerns and recommend actions to avoid or minimize harm to the environment, wildlife and human communities.
Though Surfrider strongly supports renewable energy to avoid even worse impacts from continued fossil fuel consumption, we believe that offshore wind farms need to be carefully planned and thoughtfully designed. Accordingly, Surfrider will continue to carefully evaluate proposed projects, while pushing for future innovation that mitigates ecological and social harm.
For more information:
Pete Stauffer, Ocean Protection Manager, Surfrider Foundation pstauffer@surfrider.org
Matt Gove, Mid-Atlantic Policy Manager, Surfrider Foundation mgove@surfrider.org
Q: Our founder, Chef Marilyn Schlossbach, owned the first restaurant to ban plastic straws at the Jersey Shore, so we love that you have an Ocean Friendly Restaurant program. How can customers find local restaurants that are committed to making sustainable choices for our ocean such as eliminating plastic bags, offering paper straws on request and not serving any beverages sold in plastic bottles?
All of Marilyn’s restaurants were at one point an OFR! She is an amazing supporter of our ocean conservation efforts, and it doesn’t hurt that her food and drinks are to die for! Anyone looking to support an OFR across our nation, can use the Surfrider Foundation locator tool on the website - https://www.surfrider.org/programs/ocean-friendly-restaurants
Q: What are some other ways people can get involved and support Surfrider on a local level?
We are ALWAYS looking for passionate community members to become involved in our chapter. The easiest way for individuals to join us is at our monthly meetings and events. We focus on beach clean ups in the spring and summer, and dune grass plantings in the winter. Once our events are made public, you can visit our website and register to attend an event using our volunteer platform: Golden Volunteer. https://jerseyshore.surfrider.org/events
Q: You clearly have a deep love of the coastal lifestyle. What are some of your favorite ways to enjoy the water?
I was 100% a deep-sea fisherman in another life. That being said, my favorite spot in the world is the tip of the jetty at Barnegat Lighthouse. I spend hours watching boats come in and out and native birds flying above me. I also enjoy swimming. As a sufferer of Fibromyalgia and Lupus, being in the water is the only time I am pain-free!
Q: How do you work sustainable, ocean-friendly practices into your everyday life?
I use two water bottles - one for home and one for travel. These are easily refilled and restaurants are more open to pouring drinks into them. I always refuse a straw if offered and remind restaurant owners that a law in place in NJ prohibits such use. I keep reusable grocery bags in my car for spur-of-the-moment shopping trips and continue encouraging the elimination of single-use plastics. When purchasing new products, like Oshin Oil, I look at the ingredients and review how the product was made to ensure it did not harm the environment. I continue to listen to all points of view and keep an open dialogue with members of the local community!
Q: Last question. We have to know, what’s your favorite thing about Oshin Oil?
I’m proud to say I purchased one of the first bottles available online! I love that it’s attached to the amazing and beautiful Marilyn Schlossbach. I enjoy how it makes my skin feel after a long, hot day in the sun. It hydrates my skin and smells great! The ingredients and sustainable mission are amazing and I can’t wait to see more products!!
Make sure to visit the Surfrider Table at Sea.Hear.Now. Festival taking place in Asbury, New Jersey September 14-15th or follow Lauren and the Surfrider Foundation on Instagram at @chiefbrody28 and @surfriderjerseyshore
