Silversea Cruises is touted to be the first tour operator to obtain
certification in environmental management in the Galapagos Islands,
Ecuador.
By diverting all non-organic waste to mainland Ecuador for recycling,
Silversea ensures the proper disposal of waste generated onboard its
ships, leaving no trace on the pristine Galapagos Islands.
The luxury cruise line's waste management system involves meticulous
sorting and classification processes onboard their cruise ship, Silver
Origin, followed by the transportation of recyclable materials such as
cardboard, cartons, plastic, and crushed glass to the mainland for
processing.
The remaining refuse is responsibly transported to Guayaquil,
Ecuador's largest city, where it is collected, recycled, or processed in
accordance with stringent environmental regulations and sustainability
practices. The waste management company even employs refuse oil as a
fuel source for their incinerator, further reducing the ecological
footprint of the process.
This milestone achievement aligns with Silversea's comprehensive
Environmental Management Plan, approved by the Ecuadorian Ministry of
Environment, which aims to minimise the company's impact on the delicate
ecosystem of the Galapagos Islands. It is part of Silversea's larger
SEA the Future campaign, focusing on sustaining the planet, energising
communities, and driving innovation.
Silversea's commitment to the Galapagos extends beyond waste
management. The company emphasises sourcing local produce for its
culinary offerings onboard Silver Origin, supporting independent farmers
and suppliers in the Galapagos region. By increasing their reliance on
locally grown ingredients, Silversea reduces the importation of goods
from mainland Ecuador, contributing to the local economy and minimising
the risk of introducing invasive species to the islands.