Commitment to the environment is a trend on land and sea. Businesses and consumers alike are looking to reduce their carbon footprint on the planet, and yachts are not an exception to the rule!

The most pleasurable thing about cruising the world on a yacht is enjoying nature, the oceans and the incredible landscapes with their flora and fauna all over the year. But, the privilege of enjoying these destinations implies a great responsibility: to take care of them for the next generations. 

But what happens when it gets colder? How can the yacht keep being sustainable in autumn and winter?

In this article, we are going to share with you some tips to turn your yacht into a sustainable and environmentally friendly one all over the year.

Use the sails instead of the engine

 This first change is fundamental, and with the greatest positive impact. Motorboating is one of the most significant sources of water pollution in the world. What is more, maritime transport generates 3% of global CO2 emissions.

When searching for more sustainable habits, it is used to return to the ways of yesteryear. In the maritime world, sailing with sails generates a reduction in fuel costs, as well as a positive impact on the ecosystem. 

As long as weather conditions allow!

Maintaining a comfortable temperature without wasting energy

 When it gets colder, our instant reaction is to put on the heating system and switch it on and off whenever we need it. Did you know that this way you will spend more energy and even waste it?

The recommendation is to maintain a comfortable temperature, which in a boat is 2 or 3 degrees higher than the recommended temperature for buildings. It is recommendable to have a temperature between 19º-21º degrees depending on humidity and outdoor temperature.

In order not to waste energy the heating system should be interrupted twice a day, once in the morning and once in the afternoon to open all windows and make sure the oxygen is renewed in all areas.

Don’t throw waste overboard

It may seem obvious, but many people believe that throwing a small piece of waste into the vastness of the sea does not cause a great deal of harm. 

Be committed not to throwing anything overboard and prevent other crew members from doing so.

Even though throwing cigarette butts into the sea is one of the most popular habits, it shouldn’t be done. 

Did you know that 137,000 cigarette butts are thrown into the sea every second? Unbelievable!

And the saddest thing is that one cigarette butt pollutes up to 500 liters of water in the sea.

Respecting Marine Protected Areas

The Marine Protected Areas (MPA) was created in 2007 to protect the flora and fauna of natural spaces in the marine environment. 

Thanks to Marine Protected Areas, the health of ocean ecosystems are preserved from global warming. Thus, coral reefs, wetlands, fish and other flora and fauna of the seas are protected.

When sailing your yacht you should be aware of where those areas are and how you should respect them.

 Appropriate management of wastewater and rubbish

Appropriate management of wastewater and rubbish is essential for sustainable sailing. The first point to take into account is that before discharging the water, it must be treated and crushed. Once it is done, it must be discharged 3 miles away from the coast. 

Marine biodiversity is increasingly threatened by global warming but with these small changes, the situation can be reversed.

It is possible to clean a yacht without polluting the water!

Use eco-friendly products

Sustainable toiletries are one of the main choices for environmentally friendly yachts. Nowadays, the offer of eco-friendly products is becoming wider and wider and we have the possibility to choose toiletries that are more committed to the ecosystem. 

From recyclable packaging to chemical-free compositions, sustainable toiletries are an exclusive alternative for eco-friendly yachts. For example, opting for bamboo toothbrushes instead of plastic ones is a good first step. Every year, 8 million tonnes of plastic end up in the oceans, damaging marine diversity. While plastic toothbrushes take over a thousand years to degrade, bamboo toothbrushes take only 6 months.

For this and many other reasons, the choice of sustainable toiletries is one of the most important considerations for eco-friendly yachts.

Let’s always make sure that our actions leave a green footprint along the way!