How the Cruise Industry Does Its Part

In its constant pursuit of environmental stewardship, the cruise industry strives to recycle, reduce and reuse wherever it can. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is proud to show how its member cruise lines contribute to such endeavors domestically in celebration of the recent America Recycles Day and abroad.

“Cruise ships use some of the most innovative recycling, reducing and reusing strategies in the world,” said Donnie Brown, vice president of maritime policy, CLIA, in a press release.

“The cruise industry is proud to participate in America Recycles Day. Through industry efforts, less than 1.5 pounds per person per day in unrecyclable waste is generated on cruise ships, compared to the average of 4 to 5 pounds per person per day on land in the United States.”

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Looking at it another way, cruise ships recycle daily an average of 60 percent more waste per person than the equivalent on land. Annually, that adds up to over 80,000 tons of paper, plastic, aluminum and glass that is recycled.

In fact, some ships are even capable of reducing, reusing, donating, recycling and converting into energy 100 percent of waste:

Advanced Recycling Practices

The Cruise Industry Waste Management Policy is upheld by CLIA members as best practices for waste disposal at sea. This includes reducing plastics deposited in landfills and raising recycling levels by dividing plastics. The industry also invests in researching ways it can reduce the quantity of plastic initially brought onboard via sourcing and product choices.

From my personal observation, this is being implemented by relying more on filtration systems and reusable containers over bottled waters.

Crew Contributions

Onboard trained waste management professionals see to it that per-person trash disposal is reduced and that recycling rates increase compared to shoreside amounts. Specific environmental officers oversee such compliance.

CLIA member lines also incentivize staff to reduce trash, contributing to crew members hand-sorting waste in a recycling room.

READ MORE: Cruise Lines Proudly Support UN Sustainability

Passenger Participation

The industry additionally welcomes guests to get involved by providing onboard resource conservation programs. Examples encompass separate trash and recycling bins, as well as available environmental education classes. Courses teach how passengers can help with individual environmental sustainability.

Part of such conservation is the invitation for guests to reuse towels and reduce the utilization of laundry supplies day in and day out.

For more information, visit https://www.cruising.org/about-the-industry/research.

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