Save the Ocean

Travel by water can be one of the most special and memorable ways to experience a location. Places like Antarctica, Fiji, Maldives and Galapagos speak to the imagination when it comes to active holidays by the sea.

If we like our future generations to be able to enjoy the beauty of these places as well, it is important to preserve them and be active in ocean conservation. Unfortunately, our oceans and coasts currently contain waste consisting of plastic items like food wrappers, drink bottles, grocery bags and much more – as was discovered during past years' International Coastal Cleanup days.

This year, global events take place on Saturday, 15 September. The day is being celebrated worldwide when more than 10 million people are involved in coastal clean-up initiatives.

Other worldwide initiatives to help keep our oceans free from plastic range from saying ‘no’ to straws, banning plastic bags in Kenya, and the production of biodegradable bags from potato or cassava starch.

What we're doing about the plastic problem

Our latest green initiatives in Nepal is eliminating the use of disposable and single-use plastic throughout the duration of traveller's time in Nepal. From the Kathmandu hotel we use, we've installed filtered water dispensers, as well as provide potable water available to our travellers to refill their reusable bottles so that they're not contributing to the plastic problem in the poor, landlocked country.

Our company’s credentials in eco tourism in Nepal come unrivalled where, back in 2013, we virtually eliminated the need for wood on its treks, with the establishment of a network of permanent campsites, providing comfortable sleeping accommodation, with off ground beds. The wood used to construct our communal dining rooms and bathroom facilities is purchased from controlled forestry in Nepal. Communal areas are heated by burning dried yak dung, an odourless and efficient source of heating.

Nepali kitchen crew use kerosene or gas to cook meals for the entire group. Importantly, they are trained to minimise single use plastic in trek kitchens, when the issue of disposal becomes more complex in remote regions. This involves buying fresh produce from local farmers whenever possible, which has the dual benefit of creating income for subsistence communities and of reducing the need of packaging and excess plastic.

How you can reduce your plastic use

Throughout the year, you can contribute in different ways on your trip to help keep our environment clean. Some example actions you can take are to:

• Dispose of waste properly – all World Expeditions travellers on our Nepal, Peru and Kilimanjaro treks have the opportunity to participate in the program 10 Pieces project, which encourages trekkers to pick up 10 or more pieces of litter.
  
  
• Plan ahead and prepare – read our blog on 8 ways to reduce your plastic use when travelling.
  
  
• Take only photos… and 10 pieces of litter, leave only footprints – read the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace.

Our collective effort will help reduce plastic litter and World Clean Up Day and International Coastal Cleanup gives us a great reason to actively be involved in caring for our environment.