6,700 Parka bags by removing individual parka packaging
360,000 Water bottles by providing reusable water bottles and refilling stations
68,000 Toiletry containers by providing bulk shampoo, conditioner, and soap
Moving Towards Zero Waste
Our journey towards zero waste to landfill is a continuous effort that involves innovation, collaboration, and education. By leveraging advanced waste management technologies and adopting sustainable practices, Quark Expeditions is dedicated to leading by example. In 2023, two-thirds of our fleet, specifically Ultramarine and World Explorer , were equipped with Micro Auto-Gasification Systems. These state-of-the-art waste management systems are designed to significantly reduce the volume of waste by converting it to an inert solid carbon through a high-temperature process. This technology is one pillar of our strategy to minimize the impact of our operations. Through waste audits, we have identified two significant sources of waste, namely food packaging and pallet wrap. Addressing these two areas is pivotal in our efforts to reduce waste generation at the source. Armed with this knowledge, we are working with our partners and suppliers to further minimize packaging and opt for reusable and biodegradable materials wherever possible.
We continue to identify and eliminate single- use items across our fleet. Since 2014, we have been providing each guest with a reusable water bottle, and we’ve outfitted cabins with soap and shampoo dispensers. Items such as straws and napkins have been drastically reduced by making them available by request only. This shift not only decreases waste but also helps to promote a culture of sustainability among our guests, staff, and crew. Quark Expeditions recognizes the critical importance of moving towards eliminating waste before it is generated, particularly given the lack of recycling infrastructure in the remote areas where we operate.
WATCH: Ultramarine—Sustainability
22 | For more information, contact Quark Expeditions at Sustainability@QuarkExpeditions.com
Polar Promise 2023 |
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