10 Things You Can Do This New Year To Help Protect Our Oceans

The dawn of the New Year is the perfect time to think about what changes we can make to improve the boating industry and our oceans in 2024. At Boatbookings, we wholeheartedly support sustainable initiatives and greener chartering to improve the future and protect the oceans and marine environments. 

Here are some of the ways you can help reduce your impact and contribute to a healthier future for our seas in 2024 and beyond: 

1. Reduce Single-Use Plastics 

It’s an age-old problem, but it’s still a problem. A truck full of plastic is dumped into our oceans every minute. While steps have been taken to combat the issue, it is still a huge issue, and there are various ways to reduce and eliminate using single-use plastics. Many countries have also stepped up to ban single-use plastics. 

2. Participate in Cleanups

Worldwide, there are plenty of initiatives that you can join or even organize, coastal cleanups in your community to address ocean pollution and trash directly. Document the types of waste you collect to help contribute to valuable research data and policy initiatives. 

3. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint 

Opt for energy-efficient appliances and support renewable energy sources and advice for policies that address climate change. At Boatbookings, we use our carbon emissions calculator to measure emissions and offset. 

4. Educate Yourself

Stay informed about ocean-related issues, such as coral bleaching, acidification, and biodiversity loss. Sharing your knowledge with friends, family, and social media platforms can help raise awareness. 

5. Minimize Chemical Usage 

Our products ultimately end up in the ocean, so we must consider what we are using and choose eco-friendly cleaning products that prevent harmful chemicals from entering marine environments. 

6. Support Sustainable Seafood 

Overfishing is a serious threat to our oceans. To help combat this, be informed about your seafood choices using tools like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). 

7. Be An Ocean Ambassador 

This New Year, why not contribute to marine conservation research? There are various citizen marine science projects to get involved in; one organization facilitating this is the International SeaKeepers.

8. Support Ocean-Friendly Businesses 

Plenty of businesses and brands prioritize sustainable and ocean-friendly practices. Whether directly helping solve problems through innovative solutions or donating profits to marine conservation, supporting these brands will help protect our oceans. 

9. Use Reef-Safe Products 

A lot of suncreams and toiletry products we use are causing harm to our marine environments. When you are on your next crewed charter catamaran, use reef-friendly sunscreens. A lot of ingredients in sunscreens are toxic to aquatic life and coral reefs. Plenty of brands now produce suncream without these ingredients, so you can dive into the Caribbean on vacation without causing damage. 

10. Take Greener Vacations

Responsible boating is fundamental to the health of our oceans; at Boatbookings, we offer greener crewed charter catamarans to help minimize your impact when going on a luxury yacht charter. 

No matter how small, every positive action and change you make in the New Year will contribute to the larger effort of saving our oceans. We can move toward a more sustainable boating industry by collectively adopting these changes. Contact one of the team at Boatbookings to discuss your 2024 greener crewed charter catamaran vacation.