Day 1: Hurtigruten shows how every day can be Earth Day

Ahead of Earth Day next Thursday 22 April, Hurtigruten Expeditions, the leader in sustainable cruising, is highlighting how tourism operators and travellers can create a positive impact each and every day. 

Damian Perry, Managing Director of Hurtigruten Asia Pacific, says the environment is central to all of Hurtigruten Expeditions' operations.

"Our policies are aimed at protecting nature, wildlife and local communities, preventing ocean and atmospheric pollution, and sharing knowledge with our guests," Mr Perry said. 

"Hurtigruten Expeditions has a history of more than 125 years and in more recent decades, our Captains and crew, expedition teams and returning guests have witnessed the impact of climate change on vulnerable polar areas. Because of this, sustainability is now at the heart of who we are and what we do. 

"Everyone can help out this Earth Day, starting with food waste."

Reducing food waste through innovation

Food procurement and service monitoring

With Hurtigruten serving more than four million meals in a usual year, even a tiny reduction in food waste can make a huge difference. 

For Hurtigruten, tiny is not enough. That's why the cruise line has pledged to reduce food waste by up to 30 percent by 2021. Hurtigruten has implemented a digital registration and real-time measurement scheme for all stages of food production to collect the data needed to minimise waste, and early results show Hurtigruten can expect a more-than 30 per cent reduction.

Making food systems more sustainable

Hurtigruten has entered into a partnership with the EAT Foundation, a Swedish-based non-profit dedicated to making the food chain more sustainable and fair for both people and planet. The partnership aims to explore further initiatives for making Hurtigruten's food systems more sustainable and broadening its onboard food offerings.

Food traceability

Hurtigruten maintains a ban on all non-sustainably caught seafood, and demands third-party certification of all fish purchased (MSC, ASC or equivalent).

What can YOU do? Hurtigruten's top three tips

1. Don't buy more than you need when it comes to groceries and keep track of what you've bought and used. Hurtigruten suggests taking a 'shelfie' – a photo of your fridge and cupboards to remind you of what's there.
2. Check the use-by dates of fresh food when you buy it. These are the dates to take notice of, rather than the best-before dates. 
3. Only buy what you can use before it expires.  

For further information visit www.hurtigruten.com.au

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