Canadian Boating May 2024 - 10

Blue Flag proudly flying at the Halifax
Waterfront. Credit: Build Nova Scotia.
Sustainability is a huge focus for the North Sails group in 2024 as shown through their new
sustainable sailcloth, NPL RENEW. Credit: North Sails.
packages sent to you every day, you're
ordering your groceries, you're buying
whatever you want whenever you want
it. "
We can all learn from individuals who
live full-time on a boat. " Wanting so much
less, wanting only what you need, and just
taking exactly what you need. Not being
so materialistic and reducing our ecological
footprint as much as possible. The
more sustainable you are on your boat, the
less of an impact you're going to have on
the environment. "
RESOURCES
It's important for all individuals in the
marine industry to adopt a more sustainable
mindset. Whether you're a powerboater,
sailor, marina owner, or marine
manufacturer, your role and actions play
a significant part.
There are many resources out there
with valuable information to help you get
started adopting a more environmentally
friendly lifestyle or business practice.
Blue Flag. The Blue Flag certification is
the world's most recognized international
eco-certification for beaches and marinas.
The Canadian operator for Blue Flag is
Swim Drink Fish Canada. Blue Flag certified
locations must meet specific criteria
to receive the coveted certification. The
first step is contacting Swim Drink Fish to
express interest in the program and to set
up a site audit.
Swim Guide. The Swim Guide, by
Swim Drink Fish Canada, is an online
program with access to beach and water
quality information in Canada and around
the world. The Report Pollution feature
is great for boaters. Whenever you see
any type of pollution, you can report it
through their website or app, and it will be
shared with authorities for handling.
Eco Certification Programs. Green
Marine and Clean Marine are examples of
environmental programs in Canada that
marine businesses can become a part of.
These programs help participants improve
environmental performance beyond regulations
and are easy and fundamental to be
a part of.
Trash Capture Devices. These technologies
can be effectively used at marinas,
yacht clubs and even in urban areas
to help manage aquatic pollution. The
Searial Cleaners by Poralu Marine include
prevention and collection technologies.
There are other devices on the market
such as Seabin, LittaTrap, Gutter Bins,
Trash Wheels and Litter Booms.
Clean, Drain, Dry. Implement this
simple series of steps on your boat and
marine gear to prevent the spread of invasive
species. Each province and territory
have different regulations and requirements.
Remember: Clean, Drain, Dry:
Every lake, every time.
Scan the QR code for more information
about environmental resources or visit
canadianboating.ca/lifestyle/environment-lifestyle/environmentally-friendly-boating-resources.
10
CANADIAN BOATING | MAY 2024
STOP
WAITING,
START
DOING.
People often think that making
changes on an individual level is
not going to make a difference, but
in fact, it does. You can't have the
mindset of we're just one marina,
we're just one boat, we're not going
to create change or make a difference.
That statement is far from the
truth.
I challenge you this Canadian
boating season to change one thing
every month about your boat or
boating practices to a more sustainable
option. After a whole season,
you'll be at least five times more
environmentally friendly than you
were before.
Small actions lead to big changes.
Scan me!

http://www.canadianboating.ca/lifestyle/environment-lifestyle/environmentally-friendly-boating-resources

Canadian Boating May 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Canadian Boating May 2024