What the Project Is
Paradise Is Divided Into Blue And Green was born from the desire to combine surf and sail. This project creates radical recycled surfboard bags—bags that are worthy of sheltering sacred seafaring craft and kind to Mother Nature, who provides the canvas to shred. Every bag tells a story, born at sea and crafted with passion for surfing, sailing, and clean design. Inspired by the frustrations of typical surfboard bags—functional yet lacking aesthetic appeal, recycled materials, and an environmental conscience—the project takes up-cycled sailboat sails and transforms them into one-of-a-kind surfboard bags. An old sailboat sail that was destined for a landfill found a second, meaningful chance at life. The result is not just a surfboard bag, but a sustainable testament to creativity and environmental stewardship.
Main Benefit
Key figures and facts that make this project stand out:
- Up-cycled materials: vintage sailboat sails given a new purpose
- Environmentally friendly components integrated for durability without compromise
- Hand-shaped and unique: every Paradise Bag is one-of-a-kind
- Made in California, with production methods that respect both form and function
- Free domestic shipping (excluding Hawaii & Alaska) makes these bags accessible across the lower 48
Story Behind the Vision
The story begins with a personal frustration. As a surfer, the creator was frustrated with a market dominated by bags made overseas that lacked recycled materials and any distinctive charm. As a sailor, the sight of retired sails piling up and adding to landfills sparked an idea—a chance to combine two passions with a hint of environmental duty. Under the Brooklyn night skies above a broom factory, staring at surfboard quivers and old sail remnants, the epiphany hit: how cool would it be to let these shelters of sea-bound dreams repose in brand new recycled bags? The journey from Brooklyn to Santa Barbara said it all, marking a transition from day job to a life fueled by passion, craft, and sustainability.
Sustainable Design and Materials
Every Paradise Bag is crafted with clean lines, clean design, and, most importantly, a clean environment in mind. These bags are made using up-cycled sailboat sails that have been retrieved from their previous life. The process involves collecting sails that would otherwise be tossed into the landfill and converting them into a protective, aesthetically appealing bag. This isn’t just about salvaging materials; it’s about proving that sustainability can be stylish, durable, and functional. Built to defend your surfboard and provide long-lasting performance, these bags are as unique as the individuals who use them.
Design and Manufacturing
The production of Paradise Bags is a story of personal dedication and a firm commitment to sustainability. Manufacturing takes place in-house or just a few miles away from Santa Barbara, CA, where the spirit of the ocean and the passion for sailing and surfing converge. Handmade with industrial sewing machines and a lot of self-taught skill, each bag is carefully constructed with attention to detail. The creative process, which began on a sleepless night in Brooklyn, was fueled by research, testing, and an ongoing dialogue with nature. The innovative blend of recycled components and fresh design makes every bag an artifact of coastal creativity.
Passion for the Environment and Craftsmanship
Paradise Is Divided Into Blue And Green reflects a deep-seated passion—not only for the ocean, but for the idea that beauty and functionality can coexist with environmental responsibility. By transforming retired sails into essential gear for surfers and sailors, the project creates an undeniable link between craftsmanship and nature conservation. The vision extends further into the realm of clean design, where the absence of excess and waste becomes a silent nod to Mother Nature. Echoing Leonard Cohen’s adage, “if you don’t become the ocean, you’ll be seasick everyday,” one can sense the poetic heart and soulful journey behind every bag.
Project Impact
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – through up-cycled materials and sustainable manufacturing practices
- SDG 13: Climate Action – as a project dedicated to reducing landfill waste and protecting the environment
- SDG 14: Life Below Water – by preserving the health of the ocean and maintaining the natural beauty of the sea
- SDG 15: Life on Land – ensuring that discarded items receive a second chance rather than polluting the earth
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – with a commitment to local manufacturing in Santa Barbara, CA
Community and Passion
The narrative of Paradise Is Divided Into Blue And Green transcends design and material—it is a community’s tale of passion, creativity, and care for the world around it. Born from a personal journey that spans the bustling streets of Brooklyn to the serene coasts of Santa Barbara, the project draws inspiration from real experiences. Until now, surfboard bags have represented only function, but this venture transforms them into a canvas for storytelling. The creative process is dynamic, full of moments where research and laughter merge into prototypes and polished final designs. The surfboard bags, infused with recycled sails, not only protect the cherished boards from the elements but also serve as a constant reminder of a sustainable future—a future where clean design meets a commitment to the seas, the wind, and the earth beneath. Paradise Bags and Santa Barbara Bags not only encapsulate the passion of their creator, but they also remind observers that every ride on the waves, every moment spent amidst the beauty of nature, is part of a grander narrative of renewal, hope, and respect for Mother Nature.
