Whalesong Cruises

Sustainability Commitment

Environmentally, here are some of Whalesong's initiatives: - Follow the principles of reducing, reuse, recycle (in that order too) - All cutlery, crockery, cups, glasses are all reusable (a practice we've embraced for over 20 years) - All marketing brochures are printed using non-toxic ink and on recycled paper that doesn’t have plastic coating and is, therefore, recyclable also. - Minimise waste through efficient use of all materials and inputs. We prepare all our catering items with as many products as possible sourced from fresh local produce, in bulk and with minimal packaging. We also provide some of our suppliers with our own large food plastic storage containers, which they fill with produce;we use the produce, wash and return to the supplier. - Uses quality melamine plates and cups;quality Australian Made polycarbonate plastic glassware and metal cutlery that is washed and not thrown away. With COVID-19 concerns, we were able to continue using reusable crockery and cutlery with the installation of a commercial dishwasher on the boat (wasn’t a requirement, previously). - Chilled water filter meant no more plastic water bottles. Reduction of approx. 5,000 plastic bottles in the environment, per annum (conservatively assuming, one water bottle per two people on board). - Use sustainable produce and recycled products as much as possible. We know for a fact that the amount of garbage we take off the boat to the bin area is minimal in comparison to others. Leftover food is taken home by staff. Anything not suitable for consumption is composted, binned accordingly and where appropriate used as pet food. - Recycling bins are provided on board with guests being informed of their whereabouts. They are well labeled and heavily promoted. At the end of the day crew actually go through the bins re allocating recycling + checking for our glassware which many people mistakenly throw in the bins (even though it is mentioned to them various times that they’re reusable). - We encourage employee involvement. Interpretation is a large part of our business, so we teach and encourage our crew in environmental values and practices. This is reinforced by the crew as part of our onboard ethos. - By offering a pickup and drop off service we are helping adopt an environmentally sound transport strategy that minimises impacts and emissions. Less cars coming to the Marina. - Two different size generators, which allows a smaller generator to be used most of the time, and the larger generator only being used when greater power usage is required. - In May 2021, we installed brand new engines on the boat. These are faster, quieter and more fuel efficient (engines run approx. 20%-25% less now). - Oil efficient engines and filters (therefore, using approx. 1/2 of the oil other boats use) - Are continually assessing the environmental impact of all our operations with the objective being to continually monitor and improve. - Develop action plans each year to ensure we deliver each of our environmental and safety policy objectives.