You don't have to be a scientist to see the effects pollution is having on our planet. Climate change caused by global warming is regularly featured in the news, not to mention how littering can destroy the habitats of many species. Because of this the Green Blue are asking yachties everywhere to clean up their act, and along with some world class sailors are throwing down the gauntlet.
Yachtsman Mike Golding, who is an ambassador of the Green Blue, challenged three prominent figures in the boating world to behave in a more ecologically conscious manner. Rod Carr, Chief Executive of the RYA, joined by Dick Durham from Yachting Monthly and John Edds, a power boating journalist, took up the Green Blue challenge. Between them they are showing the way for boat owners everywhere by endorsing the “Environmental Code of Conduct.”
Mike explains: “These can be simple steps such as making sure their engine is tuned, using low impact cleaning products and recycling their waste, to bigger projects like installing wind or solar power. Each of us, by making just small changes in our individual behaviour, can make a big difference to our marine environment.”
The Environmental Code of Conduct consists of 5 'significant green' changes to everyday boating activates:
1 - Seamanship:
- Navigate with care around wildlife, keep disturbances to a minimum, including your wash.
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Take care when choosing where to anchor. Think about what may be below you.
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Secure everything, including rubbish, so it stays onboard. Recycle whenever possible.
2 - Energy efficiency:
- Take care to check for and clean up oil and fuel spills before pumping the bilge.
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Have your engine tuned to make sure it stays at peak performance.
Check your battery charging efficiency and consider installing solar or wind generators.
3 - Environmentally friendly products:
- Use products with low impact on the environment in the galley and heads.
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Try not to use your sea toilet in low flushing areas, avoid the need for over cleaning and ask your crew to use shore-based facilities wherever possible!
4 - Maintenance:
- Collect and safely dispose of antifouling scrapings.
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Use low VOC paints and varnishes, check labels for the lowest level.
5 - Learn more about the environment:
- Stop and look around, you may be surprised at how much there is to see!
Everyone can make a difference to help ensure that future generation will be able to enjoy the water as much as we all have. If you would like to take part then sign up to Mike's Challenge at www.thegreenblue.com. I know I will be.
