Elimination of single use plastics gains momentum in Marina Industries
by Colin Bansgrove 1 Jul 2019 22:37 PDT
The marina industries in the Asia Pacific region are demonstrating a growing commitment to the elimination of single use plastics. In May the Marina Industries Association (MIA) President Andrew Chapman announced MIA's policy on the elimination of single use plastics and said "MIA is committed to providing industry leadership to eliminate single use plastics by 2025 at MIA member marinas through education and information leading to changed business practices and recycling." He strongly encouraged marinas and the wider industry to sign up and pledge support for this policy.
In the month since the policy launch 33 marinas have signed the pledge and are communicating this commitment to their customers and local communities. These marinas include club and commercial marinas and some large boat yards such as Gold Coast City Marina on the Gold Coast.
Additionally, the first marina pontoon manufacturer to sign the pledge is Bellingham Marine Australia. John Spragg, Bellingham President Australasia and Middle East said "signing the pledge will mean a significant change in practices across Bellingham's regional manufacturing and administrative centres. Bellingham Marine ultimately exists because of the appeal and health of our waterways. Making this commitment is an important action we can take to contribute to protect this invaluable global asset."
Another supplier to the marina industries to sign the pledge is Burbury Consulting; a Tasmanian based marine engineering company. Company Director James Burbury said MIA's initiative is to be commended. "Signing the pledge is a good way to display Burbury Consulting's commitment to cleaner oceans and to support future generations in enjoying the marine environment as generations have to date."
Further details on the MIA policy and the industry pledge are available on the MIA website.