There’s nothing quite like getting out on the water to explore all that our beautiful oceans have to offer – and you shouldn’t have to compromise that to live more sustainably. No matter how often you set sail, there are a few tips and tricks that every avid seafarer should keep in mind for adventures that are kinder to the planet – let’s dive in.

Make your boat more energy-efficient

Small tweaks such as using wind power where you can and ensuring your boat is well-maintained can significantly reduce your impact on the environment. For example, by watching out for engine leaks you can ensure no oil or coolant is released into the water – which would harm marine life – and also ensure fuel is burned more efficiently.

Similarly, depending on the type of boat you have and the amount of time you spend at sea, you can switch to renewable power, by installing solar panels or a wind generator, to reduce your reliance on fossil fuels. LED lighting is also a great option for reducing waste and energy consumption, while still maintaining visibility on your boat.

Source smartly and manage your waste

If you’re sailing for a longer period of time, it’s essential to stock up on more eco-friendly products, like biodegradable soaps and shampoos that’ll reduce chemical runoff into the water.

You’ll also want to reduce the carbon footprint of your food supply, by choosing food that comes in sustainable packaging, or choosing products with a long shelf life that are less likely to go to waste and can be stored at sea for some time. With 8 million tonnes of plastic estimated to make its way into our oceans each year, it’s imperative that any plastic packaging you do take on board your boat is disposed of properly.

While fishing for your meal might seem like the more sustainable option, overfishing and illegal fishing are serious problems in many areas, so it’s important to avoid – and report – any activity that’s harmful or suspicious.

Respect marine life

While plastics and chemicals making their way into our oceans is a huge cause of habitat destruction, noise pollution can be equally as harmful. So while it’s important to protect marine life from ingesting toxins, it’s crucial to do your bit to reduce traffic noise too, so animals like whales and dolphins are able to communicate with each other effectively.

Remember to anchor responsibly by avoiding sensitive habits like coral reefs, which are very delicate ecosystems susceptible to great destruction. It’s best to use mooring buoys where you can for this reason.

Equip yourself to set sail sustainably

Our oceans are beautiful, and while we should be able to enjoy them, treating them with respect is essential. By staying aware of key issues such as water contamination, noise pollution, and overfishing, you can ensure you’re well equipped to set sail sustainably.

Consider taking your sustainability commitment one step further by giving back where you can. You may want to participate in beach and ocean clean-ups or get involved in conservation initiatives to promote awareness and encourage other like-minded people to enjoy the sea more sustainably.

 

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