World Environment Day has come this year, reminding us that we should be mindful of preserving the nature we love. For us boaters, it’s doubly important to ensure the waters and the beaches will remain intact for generations to come. To help out with this goal, here are a few tips and tricks you can take on being a sustainable sailor.
Avoid Plastic Packages When Possible
Plastic is one of the main reasons for sea pollution. It’s probably too much to ask that you’ll avoid it altogether, but you can still minimise its use. To keep plastic waste out of the waters, make sure you pay close attention to how you use plastic on board. For example, try not to use any lightweight plastic items, such as bags or single-use cups, while on deck. The wind can easily blow them away.
Separate Your Waste
It might seem like a no-brainer, but recycling is an integral part of sailing that can help to save energy, resources, and even money! Remember the three R’s: Reduce, reuse, recycle. When you separate your waste and recycle what you can, you are helping to protect the beautiful environment you are sailing through. What’s more, doing so will help you keep track of how much waste you generate and can help you reduce it.
Don’t Use Your Engine Unnecessarily
Sailboat holidays are all about relaxing. There’s no reason why the hum of your engine should take over the sounds of the wind and waves. Raise your sails as often as you can, even if the wind isn’t particularly strong. Have a good time, sunbathe, swim, and take advantage of the nature around you. Not only will you reduce your boat’s carbon footprint, but in many cases, you’ll have a much better time than rushing to your next location.
Take Advantage of Marina Facilities
Most marinas will offer showers, toilets, and dishwashing facilities. More often than not, the marinas will use a sustainable source of water, meaning that when you use a marina’s facilities, you waste less water and generate less sludge that you’ll have to dispose of later. Do your part to keep the waterways clean by ensuring that waste is disposed of on land properly.
Eat Local Food
Canned or preserved food often carries a heavy carbon footprint compared to fresh, locally-grown food. So whenever you’re in port, hop on to the nearest market, and buy something locally-made.. Not only is it better for the environment, but. it’s also healthier, and most importantly – tastier!
Pick a Pier has pledged to make the boating industry more sustainable and assist in the preservation of our oceans and maritime eco-systems. We’ve created tools to modernise marina-boater communication and to help marinas make the most out of their resources. Our mission is to preserve, sustain, and nourish nature’s resources, and to encourage boaters around the world to do so as well.