In honor of Earth Day, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is highlighting the efforts of CLIA member lines and their continued commitment to protecting the environment. This year, CLIA reported, 14 new ships joined an increasingly modern ocean going fleet, paving the way for the next generation of innovation. CLIA also cited numerous initiatives employed by cruise lines.
“The strides our cruise lines are making to reduce the impact cruising has on the environment are very impressive,” said CLIA President and CEO Christine Duffy. “This year, our industry welcomes 14 new ships to our increasingly innovative industry-wide fleet; it is rewarding to take a look at some of their green initiatives that go beyond the environmental regulations we already meet.”
“From actions as seemingly simple-sounding as recycling and automatic lighting, to larger efforts such as advanced wastewater treatment systems and reducing air emissions through improved ship design, our industry has taken a number of steps to ensure that our oceangoing vessels are pioneers in environmental protection. Protecting the environment and educating our passengers on green initiatives is something in which we take great pride,” Duffy said.
CLIA encouraged people to take its new environmental quiz, posted on CruiseIndustryFacts.com, to gauge how much they know about the industry’s stewardship.
Environmental stewardship is an important initiative for passengers and crew members alike, CLIA said. In an effort to raise awareness and promote conservation, a number of CLIA member lines offer a variety of programs designed to raise passenger awareness, including behind the scenes videos, onboard activities, educational partnerships in ports of call and eco-friendly excursions.
“Along with these onboard programs, member ships promote recycling and the importance of conservation efforts. On many ships, collection bins are placed throughout the ships that encourage passengers to separate waste into glass/cans, plastic/paper, and food,” CLIA noted.
Other eco-friendly facts and figures that CLIA reported included the following:
• CLIA member lines recycle more than 79,000 tons of garbage in a given year including paper, plastic, aluminum cans and glass.
• One CLIA member line reduced the amount of waste landed ashore by 19 percent from the previous year and 47 percent from 2007 levels.
• One member line has partnered with nonprofit Clean the World to recycle leftover toiletries, donating 388 pounds of soap and 1,203 bottles of shampoos and conditioners in 2010 for distribution to people in need.
• One new ship’s public area is served with a clock system which is pre-programmed so that during quiet hours, the lighting automatically lowers to reduce the load and therefore reduces power demand.
To learn more about CLIA and its environmental initiatives, visit www.cruiseindustryfacts.com.
