Earth Day
April 22, 2014
For the past several years we've taken a look at the cruise industry's response to the environment on Earth Day. This year we'll review an update provided by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Highlights from their press release:April 22, 2014
“CLIA member cruise lines continue to invest in systems and technologies that improve overall environmental performance,” said Christine Duffy, president and CEO of CLIA. “The industry takes its responsibility as caretakers of the environment seriously. We work collaboratively with regulators, design and engineering experts and a range of stakeholders to raise the bar on our ongoing efforts to preserve and protect the oceans and the nearly 600 ports our member cruise lines visit.”
Following are examples of steps that cruise lines have taken to protect the environment:
- advanced wastewater treatment systems producing clean water
- new technologies that help to reduce air emissions (exhaust gas scrubbers, more efficient engines)
- using shore power where feasible
- energy conservation (LED lighting, high efficiency appliances, cabins heated by recycled hot water, special window tinting to use less air conditioning)
- ecological, non-toxic, slick hull coatings that increase energy efficiency and reduce air emissions
- increased non-hazardous waste recycled to shore by 18% and reduced total waste almost 5%
- recycled nearly 53% of the solid waste
- 1,254 tons of cardboard, 2,517 tons of scrap metal, 2,988 tons of glass, 669 tons of plastic and managed 748 tons of trash and international garbage at Waste-to-Energy (WTE) facilities
- over 52,000 gallons of used cooking oil annually
These are just some samples of what individual cruise lines or family of brands have accomplished in 2013. The press release provides many more examples and additional details about how cruise lines have made a positive impact on the world.
The cruise industry is highlighting how its member lines are safeguarding the oceans and the environment through the recently launched ‘Cruise Forward’ industry-wide communications initiative. Specific examples of how cruise lines across the globe are actively working to reduce the overall environmental impact of cruising and preserve and protect pristine oceans, beaches and ports can be found online at www.cruiseforward.org.
Save the Waves
Royal Caribbean and other lines have special containers like these which help them separate the waste so that they can carry out these conservation efforts.
You can do your part by placing your garbage in the proper containers on the ship during your cruise.
On this Earth Day 2014, the earth is smiling about the progress made to date and hopes that everyone sailing on the seven seas continues in carrying out these efforts to protect the land and seas for future generations.
Here are some past Earth Day articles. Links in these articles can assist you in additional research. Each cruise line has a page dedicated to their efforts. They are all very proud of what has been accomplished to date.
Past Articles:
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