Find out more about the Cruise Ship Report Card from Friends of the Earth here https://foe.org/cruise-report-card/

Welcome to the 15th episode of the "Veggies Abroad Vegan Travel Podcast," hosted by Rebecca Gade Sawicki, where we explore vegan-friendly and eco-conscious travel. In this episode, Rebecca dives into the environmental impacts of the cruise industry, highlighting the staggering pollution and unethical practices associated with cruising. She is joined by Marcie Keever from Friends of the Earth, who shares insights on the detrimental effects of cruise ships on marine life and communities. They discuss the industry's misleading green initiatives and the urgent need for stricter regulations. Rebecca and Marcie also explore potential solutions and emerging technologies that could mitigate these impacts, urging listeners to make informed travel choices.

1. "Cruise ships produce and dump large amounts of sewage and other waste like millions of gallons into our oceans, polluting our beaches, contaminating our coral reefs, and destroying our valuable marine ecology."


2. "Our (Friends of the Earth's) analysis of a land-based vacation in Seattle versus a cruise departing from Seattle heading to Alaska and back, is that the land-based vacation has a CO2 footprint that is eight times lower than the cruise."


3. "Disney has been at the top of our (Friends of the Earth's) report card, but it's been incredibly disappointing in the last few years, and we've downgraded their grade because they continue to go in the wrong direction when it comes to environmental impact."

Key Takeaways:

• The cruise industry significantly contributes to ocean and air pollution, harming marine life and coastal communities.


• Despite some companies' claims of eco-friendliness, many continue to prioritize profits over environmental responsibility.


• Land-based vacations have a considerably lower carbon footprint compared to cruise vacations.


• Some cruise lines, like Disney, have made strides in environmental practices but still fall short in critical areas.


• Consumers can make a positive impact by choosing more sustainable travel options and supporting companies with transparent and effective environmental policies.

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Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bloody Vegans Productions⁠⁠⁠⁠