Owners and operators of both ocean-going vessels and stationary platforms are under increasing pressure to help clean up our seas, from national governments, local port authorities, environmental groups and high-profile campaigners. There are a number of ways to make a difference, and perhaps the most obvious is to buy a garbage waste compactor. Here are five reasons why this is a sensible option.
Lowering your carbon footprint
Every organisation in the maritime sector has a responsibility towards the environment, and this responsibility has become more crucial than ever before now. Being able to monitor the amount of waste that is recycled can help owners and operators to remain on target with the relevant authorities, and a garbage waste compactor makes the whole process a simple one.
Saving space on vessels
Anyone who has ever worked on board ships and platforms will know that space is always at a premium. Even the largest vessels can seem cramped, especially when stockpiles of recyclable waste start to build up. With a garbage waste compactor, various materials can be compacted with ease, freeing up a significant amount of room in no time.
Remaining within the regulations
Plastic waste items such as water bottles and food packaging can float on the oceans for many years, endangering marine life and turning beaches into eyesores. Under MARPOL Annex V, owners and operators are forbidden to ditch such waste items into the sea, and there are severe punishments for anyone who falls foul of these regulations.
Reversing an unpleasant trend
The maritime industry has grown and grown over the decades, but until recently it had done little to improve its environmental impact. As a growing awareness of the repercussions of bad habits has taken hold, we are faced with a massive clean-up campaign. Huge ‘garbage patches’ have accumulated in various oceans, and it will take a great deal of time, effort and money to make things right again.
Encouraging greater responsibility
Buying a garbage waste compactor brings with it a number of benefits, not the least of which is the ability to encourage every member of the crew to invest in a shared sense of duty towards the environment. The best way to encourage others is to take the first step yourself, after all.
For more information on the proposed plans and Ocean Cleanup project which aims to remove tons of toxic plastic from the world’s oceans refer to this interesting article from the Independent.