4 JULY 2019 • FOGHORN Environmentally Responsible is Mainstream Business Practice This month’s issue of FOGHORN is all about the environment.As I thought about potential topics to cover, I found myself thinking how far the passenger vessel industry has come over the last 29 years. In 1990, when I was a rookie deckhand, the only exposure I had to environmental protection and conservation was from naturalists on our whale watch vessel. Our crew did not discuss biodegradable cleaning products, we did not recycle cans and bottles, and we were definitely were not using post-consumer recycled paper products in our heads. Today, protecting the environment is almost as ingrained into our daily lives as safety. “Going Green” has become so mainstream that many companies have developed green initiatives and tout their green business practices in their mission statements and in their employee handbooks while others devote entire web pages to commu- nicating environmental policies and practices. I’m sure most of you who are reading this have curbside recycling service in your home communities. Many of you drive hybrid or electric cars, and I’m sure that everyone knows someone who commutes to work by bicycle or takes advantage of bike or scooter share services. With environmental protection so prevalent in our day-to-day lives, and climate change being one of the key issues discussed in campaign elections, not to mention that all of us rely on the natural resources of our nation’s waterways, I was surprised to learn that only about 10 percent of PVA member companies are currently taking advantage of the PVA Green WATERS Program. PVA Green WATERS (We Are Taking Environmental Responsibility/Stewardship) is a voluntary, environ- mental stewardship program designed exclusively for PVA members to allow them to easily implement green business practices and to conserve, protect and preserve the natural environment. Participation is free. www. passengervessel.com/green The PVA GREEN WATERS Program includes an easy-to-use checklist for members to assess the level of their environmental stewardship as well as numerous case studies shared by other PVA members to help you evaluate: • Office Operations • Power Sources • Fuel Type and Consumption • Galley Processes • Engine Maintenance and Emissions • Vessel Design and Construction • Paperless Marketing Materials and Collateral • Reservations and Ticketing • Water Consumption • Environmental Training Once you have implemented these — or any of your own green business practices — we encourage you to share this information with PVA so that we can count your company as one of those implementing the WATERS program. And for all of you who have your own envi- ronmental program outside of WATERS, please consider sharing that also and providing a case study or two so other PVA member companies can benefit from your knowledge. One final note about going green. As mentioned earlier, many major companies within our industry and outside have taken to shameless self- promotion when it comes to green initiatives and environmental policies. They are not just using their PR and advertising money because it feels good. These companies have realized two very important things. First, potential employees want to work for a company that has a positive impact on the environment. Sharing your policies with potential recruits can make you stand out is this increasing tight job market. Second, guests expect it. Being environmentally friendly is no longer something that you can do part-time. Guests expect you to help protect the waterways that you operate on and it is up to you to show them and tell them exactly how you are doing it. For more information about the PVA Green WATERS Program you can go to www.passengervessel.com/green or contact myself or any member of the PVA staff. Sincerely, Bob Lawler President n LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT Bob Lawler