Carnival Corporation & plc, the world’s largest cruise company, revealed plans to significantly eliminate its purchase and consumption of non-essential single-use plastics across its nine global cruise line brands by the end of 2021. This decision is part of an expansion of Operation Oceans Alive, the corporation’s program to achieve and sustain environmental compliance.
The organization and its cruise line brands already have plans underway, including initiatives to reduce or eliminate plastic straws, cups, lids, and bags, among other single-use items.
The brands are also working to potentially eliminate individual servings of select packaged food items and other single-use plastics or decorative items used in food and beverage service, as well as in staterooms.
Although the company is immediately focusing on reducing single-use plastic items not used for sanitary or public health-related purposes, there are some items that cannot be completely eliminated, including plastic trash can liners in common areas and sanitary gloves, among others, the company explained.
Our Operation Oceans Alive platform and this initiative to dramatically reduce single-use plastics across our global fleet are just some of the ways we are committed to continuously enhancing our operations and focus on environmental compliance and excellence,
…said Bill Burke, chief maritime officer for Carnival Corporation.
Introduced in January 2018, Carnival Corporation launched Operation Oceans Alive as an internal effort and call to action to further ensure all employees receive proper education, training and oversight, while continuing commitment to protecting the oceans, seas and destinations in which it operates.
The initiative is now being expanded externally as the platform for the corporation’s commitment to achieving and sustaining environmental compliance, excellence and leadership, and will continue to expand through an increase in funding, staffing and responsibility.
Operation Oceans Alive and the company’s plan to dramatically reduce single-use plastics are among a series of ongoing efforts designed to further strengthen the company’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, as outlined in its 2020 Sustainability Goals.
In 2018, the company announced it achieved its 25% carbon reduction goal three years ahead of schedule, and it is on track with its nine other 2020 sustainability targets for reducing its environmental footprint.
