by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 4:03 PM ET, Tue April 10, 2018
The anti-plastic movement appears to finally be picking up steam, with numerous notable announcements making headlines around the globe.
Belize, for instance, recently pledged to phase out all single-use plastic products, such as shopping bags and utensils, by April 2019.
In addition, McDonald's restaurants in the UK announced in late March that they will phase out plastic straws and will begin a trial of paper straws in some locations starting in May. (If only the U.S. McDonald's restaurants would follow suit.)
In the travel industry meanwhile, Peregrine Adventures also recently made a significant announcement of its own.
The carbon-neutral travel company, which is committed to sustainable tourism, announced it will ban all single-use plastics such as straws, cups and water bottles on board its adventure cruising exclusive charter trips. As part of that effort, the company is providing passengers with reusable cloth bags and refillable water bottles.
In addition, 90 percent of the food on each charter trip will now be locally sourced, a commitment that further supports the communities and economies of the smaller ports the Peregrine ships visit, while also offering passengers the most authentic flavors from each destination.
"While conventional big ship cruising can be all about life on the boat and excess consumption, Peregrine's style of small ship adventure cruising is more about responsibly exploring destinations," the company said in a statement."It means stopping at islands that big ships can't reach, exploring local markets and learning about a destination's history and culture from local guides who know best."
Peregrine Adventures is spearheading several efforts to keep its trips eco-conscious, allowing travelers to minimize their carbon footprint while experiencing the world, among them:
Carbon neutrality: Peregrine Adventures as a whole is a carbon neutral company, carbon offsetting every itinerary across the Peregrine portfolio and all global operations.
Small ships: Peregrine ships carry only about 30 to 50 people, minimizing overcrowding onboard and the impact on local communities compared to cruises that overwhelm ports with thousands of travelers pouring in at once.
Putting local culture first: This involves docking right in the center of town on lesser known islands and exploring through the eyes of local guides who have insider knowledge regarding where to go, what to see and who to meet.
Peregrine's announcement is just one more example of the travel industry's growing effort to protect the planet.
Aqua-Aston Hospitality, which operates more than 40 hotels and resorts throughout the state in Hawaii and accommodates 5.5 million guests each year, is leading its own effort to raise traveler's awareness about how some types of sunscreens are toxic for coral reefs, leading to coral bleaching.
The hotel company is also helping to eliminate single-use plastics by providing guests with reusable water bottles and canvas tote bags to replace plastic bags.
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