At SamBoat, we believe it is important to reduce our ecological footprint. Caring about the quality of life for future generations is a priority for us, and engaging in sustainability means making a conscious effort. Making significant changes may seem challenging, but it all starts on a smaller scale. In this article, we share simple yet essential steps you can take to sail sustainably.
1) Pick up rubbish and never discard waste
Whatever you do, never throw anything into the ocean. It is already heavily polluted, and adding more plastic will only worsen the problem. It is estimated that there are over 5 trillion pieces of plastic and microplastic in the ocean. This pollution directly damages the seabed, harms marine life, and weakens the ecosystem. We strongly encourage you to separate your waste and dispose of it in the appropriate locations, including emptying your holding tanks responsibly.
If you want to contribute to cleaning up the ocean, you can start by making it a daily habit. For example, set yourself a goal of collecting at least a pound of rubbish each day. This is a simple yet effective action you can take while walking along the beach or snorkelling during your yacht charter.
2) Choose a sailing boat over a motorised boat
If you still wish to hire a motorboat, we recommend checking out the electric and eco-friendly boats available for rent through our platform.
3) Use eco-friendly products and reusable items
You can also minimise your impact on the environment by choosing eco-friendly products. This includes toiletries such as shampoo, soap, toothpaste, and other personal care items. Since you will most likely be swimming in the ocean during your yacht charter, any products you use will end up in the sea. One of the most effective ways to sail sustainably is by opting for eco-friendly sunscreen and using reusable items such as water bottles. Try to reduce your plastic consumption as much as possible and always ensure you leave no waste behind.
4) Buy local
Another excellent way to act sustainably is by purchasing goods from local shops and markets while travelling. This is one of the best ways to support the local economy. From job creation to infrastructure funding, shopping locally helps communities grow as a whole. It is also more environmentally friendly, as it reduces the need for shipping to fulfil consumer demands from large retail chains. Engaging with local vendors and individuals will also make your journey more authentic and enriching.
5) Respect the environment
Finally, it is important to be aware of the potential environmental damage you can cause while sailing. For instance, dropping anchor in the wrong location can significantly harm the marine ecosystem. Always remember that your anchor likely weighs a tonne or more (depending on the size of your sailing boat) and can destroy coral reefs and other underwater habitats. Other small yet impactful steps towards sustainable sailing include keeping the deck free of litter and reporting pollution when you are unable to clean it up yourself.
