Cruise Line Recycling Efforts Highlighted During Clean Beaches Week

Grand Turk’s pristine beach

In recognition of Clean Beaches Week, July 1-7, 2017, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is highlighting cruise line contributions to keeping the world’s beaches and oceans clean. In cooperation with its Members, CLIA is developing a report to outline the state of the industry’s environmental initiatives in 2016 and its ongoing commitment to responsible, sustainable cruising.

“Cruise ships use some of the most innovative recycling, reduction and reuse strategies in the world,” said Cindy D’Aoust, CLIA president and CEO. “Thanks to the leadership of cruise lines and the efforts of dedicated Crewmembers, cruise ships recycle 60 percent more trash per passenger than is recycled by the average person on land.”

This recycling includes more than 80,000 tons of paper, plastic, aluminum and glass each year. Unrecyclable waste on cruise ships can be less than 1.5 pounds per person per day, compared to the average of 4 to 5 pounds per person per day on land in the United States. Cruise ships can repurpose nearly 100 percent of the waste generated on board—by reducing, reusing, donating, recycling and converting waste into energy. In addition, the cruise industry actively encourages passengers to join environmental stewardship efforts, by offering onboard resource conservation programs.

“Beautiful oceans and destinations are critical to cruise travel. The cruise industry is committed to protecting the environment because it is the right thing to do, and it is fundamental to the success of our industry,” D’Aoust said. “The cruise industry takes seriously its responsibility to recycle and reduce waste to ensure our guests have a wonderful vacation experience. CLIA Cruise Line Members pride themselves on being leaders in recycling, and look forward to continuing to innovate.”

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