Undoubtedly one of the best parts of summer in Hong Kong are boat parties; swimming and feasting on your favourite foods and drinks with friends and family is a perfect day out. However, boating isn’t exactly an eco-friendly activity. Boats interfere with animals’ mating patterns and even worse, chemicals from boats leech into the water, killing animals and bleaching coral reefs. To be more kind to Mother Earth this summer, here are some tips to make your next boat trip in Hong Kong a more eco-friendly and sustainable one.
1.
Find an eco-friendly boating company
Choose a boat organiser that aims to leave the ocean in the same condition after a trip as before. Here are our favourites:
LazyDays
Touted as the “no junk junk,” LazyDays has been working to minimise waste on their fleets. They have installed water filter machines to prevent single-use plastics and they also provide reusable straws and drinkware and bamboo cutlery.
Hong Kong Yachting
Hong Kong Yachting has eliminated single-use plastic bottles, cutlery, glasses and plates and has even managed to reduce garbage output from 8 bags per trip to 1!
2.
Bring fresh food aboard
We get it- boating trips should be an excuse to treat yourself with sweets, chips, etc. However, these packets often end up in the ocean, endangering marine life. Bring your own fresh food, preferably food that is loose, rather than packaged. Or, move to Tip 3!
3.
Choose a zero-waste caterer
Choose catered plant-based goodies, which have a lower carbon footprint. Fruit and veggies also help keep you hydrated, a must for an all-day boating trip in the sun! Our favourites are:
MANA!
MANA!’s junk catering menu lets you choose from such treats as wholemeal wraps, salad bar options and desserts like raw truffle bites. The food is delivered in biodegradable paper packaging, so you’re not creating any unnecessary waste!
Knead HK
Knead’s fresh made-to-order sandwiches and salads are bound to be a hit on your next boating trip. Check out their junk menu for their customisable packages.
4.
Create your own “eco kit”
Before getting on the boat, prepare an “eco kit” to make your trip as eco-friendly as possible. This could include a reusable water bottle, reusable straws, metal/ bamboo cutlery and reef-safe sunscreen. Of course, put it all in a reusable tote bag.
Tip: To make sure your sunscreen is “reef safe,” avoid toxic ingredients like Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Octocrylene, Homosalate, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, Parabens, Triclosan and any form of microplastic, such as “exfoliating beads.” Check our guide for the best reef-safe sunscreens.
Have fun on your boat trip this summer while being eco-friendly and sustainable- you’ll leave the ocean safe and clean for the next group!
