To become certified as a Green Regatta with the Sailors for the Sea organization, the Marion Bermuda Race will increase efforts to reduce, reuse, and recycle plastic waste both onshore and onboard racing vessels. While the host yacht clubs are making every effort to reduce plastic waste at onshore events, the onboard leaders of this initiative are the Environmental Steward, aka the E-Stewards.
Recommendations for the E-Steward
Preparation
- Encourage crew members to purchase gear from ecofriendly sources;
- Consider packaging when purchasing,
- Buy local whenever possible,
- Remove any trash and recycle before the start.
- Use environmentally friendly cleaning products whenever possible;
- Additional fuel sources may include solar panels, wind turbines, rechargeable batteries and other means of reducing fuel use;
- Yachts may already have water makers, clean water tanks, and other means of reducing plastic water bottle use;
- Keep a photo record of actions the skipper and crew make while preparing for the race.
Provisioning
- Purchase items in bulk. Use reusable containers;
- Try to avoid single use bags/containers for consumables;
- RRS 47 reminder: Deliberately throwing trash into the sea is prohibited. Organize trash and recycling on board as much as possible. In Bermuda, plan to weigh your trash bags dockside... there may be fun incentives for the team with the best participation!
Reporting
- Photograph, video and record your team’s progress throughout the race, from purchasing and provisioning through racing and finishing. Specifically, record your efforts to reduce plastic waste and fossil fuel use.
- Keep a brief log of your efforts. Recording our sustainability centered choices and practices as a regatta is one of the requirements to achieve Green Regatta status, and it’s not achievable without your participation.
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