by Brian Major
Last updated: 12:35 AM ET, Thu May 9, 2019
The Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) issued new guidelines this past week outlining "responsible solutions" for reducing their waste and plastic footprint while aboard cruise ships in the region.
AECO's Clean Seas Guidelines are intended to reduce plastic waste aboard cruise ships and in the remote Arctic regions shipboard travelers increasingly visit. The guidelines help passengers prepare for their Arctic voyage in part by recommending they bring reusable items.
Arctic cruisers are also advised to avoid using disposable items during their trip, to dispose of waste responsibly, and to continue their efforts after returning home by following "reduce, reuse and recycle" principles.
The newly issued guidelines are part of AECO's Clean Seas Project, designed to significantly reduce single-use plastics aboard Arctic expedition cruise vessels and encourage passenger involvement in beach clean-ups, while also educating passengers, staff and crew in plastic-reduction measures.
"Our members are working to broadly reduce plastic consumption on ships. These guidelines are a way of inviting guests on AECO member vessels to take part in cutting back on plastic," said Frigg Jørgensen, AECO's executive director.
"Often from being exposed to Arctic nature, guests are already very aware of such matters and [are] very receptive when it comes to making more sustainable choices when they return home."
AECO's Clean Seas Guidelines were developed in collaboration with the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), who AECO officials say will also issue guidelines for Antarctic visitors.
The project has received financing from the Svalbard Environmental Protection Fund and the Norwegian Environment Agency. AECO's Clean Seas initiative is also accepting donations through the 1% for the Planet network.
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