Sponsors Catch the Green Wave Words and photography by Maddie Buresh of Ocean Girl

The Butterfly Effect is truly a global waterwoman movement. From its humble beginnings ten years ago, it has become something much bigger: an outlet for women from around the world to get together and encourage each other as they get fit, have fun, and give back. The Butterfly Effect is celebrating the ten year anniversary and has just kicked off 2016 with its Maui event.

This year, a large focus is put on being environmentally friendly. We waterwomen spend a lot of time out in nature, surrounded by it and immersed in it. We see and experience firsthand how special and important it is. It’s no wonder that there are so many of us who are passionate about helping this beautiful world we live in so that it can be enjoyed for generations to come. That’s why we want to highlight some sponsors who are working toward a healthier planet alongside us.

Manakai Swimwear is one sponsor with a big vision and a passion for revolutionizing the industry. Owners Kelley Chapman, a long-time Maui resident, and Anna Lieding, a born-and-raised Hana girl, understand “the importance of community and ocean conservation,” and they want to give back to organizations like The Butterfly Effect because it “reflects love and integrity and is soooooo much fun!” according to Kelley. They just launched their official Kickstarter campaign that aims to “lead the high-end swimwear industry into a more sustainable practice using top of the line recycled materials, manufacture in a ethical way and help empower women to feel good in their skin.”

Several other sponsors are inspiring us with their sustainability-minded attitudes and empowering us to live healthy and active lifestyles while treading lightly on the environment. Organic and nutrient-packed goodies from bRAW Bars, Life Foods, Maui Breadfruit Company, Sporting Club of the Pacific, and Veg Out keep us fueled, and Zenziva nourishes our skin naturally. Many of these companies strive to use locally sourced ingredients as well! Aardvark Straws, Wrappily, and Mafia Bags are taking recycling up a notch with innovative products that create minimal waste, and Aquadelics uses harmless dyes in their products. Newf Surfboard Net has six 1% for the Planet sponsorships that help protect and preserve watersheds, one beneficiary being the East Maui Watershed Partnership; and Starboard is on a mission to reduce 71,000,000 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions through a mangrove-planting operation in Thailand. Some sponsors, such as Pakaloha Bikinis, are even at work behind the scenes, by choosing to reuse and recycle, reduce waste through simplified packasing, and promote and use reef-friendly and environmentally friendly products. Here on Maui soil—and sand!— the Maui Nui Marine Resource Council is making its voice heard for the marine environment here on this island.

Isn’t it inspiring? The Butterfly Effect is just an example of how a few people with a big dream can become something much bigger. Just imagine the impact we could have when we come together to preserve and protect the planet that we all share and with which we have been so blessed!

Thank you also to all of the other sponsors of this event. Each one of you plays an important role in this movement, and it would not be what it is without all of your support!

This article does not reflect the endorsement, or lack thereof, of any of these sponsors by Ocean Girl Magazine.