Carnival Corporation has pledged to “significantly eliminate” the purchase and consumption of non-essential single-use plastics by the end of 2021.
The action to cut single-use plastics across its nine global cruise line brands is part of an expansion of ‘operation oceans alive’, a scheme to further the group’s commitment to achieve and sustain environmental compliance and excellence.
Initiatives are already under way to reduce or eliminate plastic straws, cups, lids and bags, among other single-use items.
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The corporation’s cruise lines, including UK-based P&O Cruises and Cunard, are also working to “potentially eliminate” individual servings of select packaged food items and other single-use plastics or decorative items used in food and drink service as well as in cabins.
The immediate focus is on reducing single-use plastic items not used for sanitary or public health-related purposes. It says some single-use plastic items cannot be completely eliminated, including plastic rubbish bin liners in common areas and sanitary gloves, among others under international laws.
Carnival Corporation launched operation oceans alive in January 2018 as an internal effort to further ensure all employees receive proper education, training and oversight, while continuing a commitment to protecting the oceans, seas and destinations in which it operates.
The company announced last year that it achieved a 25% carbon reduction goal three years ahead of schedule, and it is on track with its nine other 2020 sustainability targets for reducing its environmental footprint, while enhancing the health, safety and security of its passengers and crew, and ensuring sustainable business practices among its nine brands, business partners and suppliers.
Chief maritime officer Bill Burke said: “We recognise that to be a responsible global organisation, a good corporate citizen and the environmental leader our guests expect us to be, we need to continue to take proactive measures to ensure sustainability is ingrained in all aspects of our operation across our nine global cruise brands.
“Our operation oceans alive platform and this initiative to dramatically reduce single-use plastics across our global fleet are just some of the ways we are committed to continuously enhancing our operations and focus on environmental compliance and excellence.
“Along with the support of our more than 120,000 dedicated employees, most of whom live and work at sea, we will do our part to preserve and protect the oceans, seas and destinations we visit around the world.”
Added Burke: “We know our guests share our commitment to protecting the world we live in, and we appreciate their support as we continue our ongoing efforts to be proactive stewards, ambassadors and guardians of our environment.”
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