Sustainability Policy

#BeOceanFriendly2024
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CBC strives to encourage Ocean Literacy and raise awareness of marine debris and how to prevent it in our community.
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Ocean Literacy

The Ocean is a defining feature of our planet and makes it habitable. Humans and the Ocean are inextricably linked. We all have a responsibility to be Ocean Stewards. This means that we all have a role to play in caring for our oceans. We need to keep the oceans safe for their inhabitants and migratory species; we need to help ensure high water quality; and we need to respect the cultural significance of the ocean and its heritage.
Sustainability Policy
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Marine Debris

NOAA defines marine debris as “any persistent solid material that is manufactured or processed and directly or indirectly, intentionally or unintentionally, is disposed of or abandoned into the marine environment.”

Marine debris is harmful for many reasons including: it’s dangerous to sea life; it’s bad for tourism and the economy; and it’s ugly.

Marine debris cleanup
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Our Past & Current Initiatives

Teaching approximately 2000 students in a typical year through our Sea Lab Program.

 

Developing materials for a Marine Debris Challenge with the help of the Ocean Heroes team from Leadership SouthCoast.

 

Cleaning up the waterfront around our facility on Padanaram Avenue and in the greater community.

 

Tracking marine debris that we pick up in the Marine Debris Tracker app. (To date that’s over 12,000 pieces recorded)

 

Sponsoring and maintaining a trash skimmer in the harbor (in partnership with Clean Ocean Access and the NB Port Authority).

 

Getting the Buzzards Bay 420 Championship certified as a Clean Regatta by Sailors for the Sea.

 

Making our annual fundraiser, Opening of the Bay, a green event.

 

Starting an aquaculture program in Clark’s Cove.

 

Composting and planting gardens at our facility.

 

Participating in community projects such as: Operation Clean Sweep, AHA! Earth Day Eve Parade, NB Resilient Committee and Earth Day 2020 New Bedford

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At CBC, we believe that each of us has a responsibility to help combat climate change and improve our environment.
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What did we accomplish in 2023?

We continued to advance our sustainability initiatives last year.  How did we do with the goals that we had set?

 

  • We installed new, energy efficient mini-split units to heat and cool our offices.
  • We selected the 100% renewable option from Eversource for our electricity.
  • We helped launch a prototype floating wind turbine in Clark’s Cove.
  • We maintained our wildflower patch and vegetable patch, growing green beans, eggplants, zucchini.
  • We continued to collect rainwater and use our compost.
  • We continued to make sure that we bought sustainable office and janitorial supplies when available.  
  • We planned our fundraising events to be as sustainable as possible. 
  • We built more sustainable trash pickers and skateboards with local kids.
  • We offered bussing for our Summer Youth Sailing Program.
Sail boat mural
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What will we accomplish in 2024?

  • We will complete a study of our site in order to figure out how we can grow in the future, while increasing our green initiatives and coastal resiliency.
  • We will commission an art installation, Rising Waters, on our pier to increase awareness of sea level rise.
  • We will help educate local youth about off-shore wind energy, through a partnership with Vineyard Wind.
  • We will maintain our wildflower & veggie patches and plant three new raised beds.
  • We will better educate our Junior Instructors on ocean stewardship and our sustainability efforts.
  • We will continue to collect rainwater and increase our ability to compost with the addition of a worm bin.
  • We will continue to make sure that we buy sustainable office and janitorial supplies when available.
  • We will plan our fundraising events to be as sustainable as possible.
  • We will build more sustainable trash pickers and skateboards with local kids.
  • We will remain committed to helping to maintain Palmer’s Island as trash-free, working with our friends at Operation Clean Sweep.
  • We will offer bussing for our Summer Youth Sailing Program.
    • Sailing on a Bahia Bow
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    What can you accomplish this year?

    • You can buy and use daily reusable products like drink cups and shopping bags.
    • You can skip the straw.
    • You can buy in bulk to reduce packaging.
    • You can clean up litter in your neighborhood.  Visit Operation Clean Sweep and Be the Solution to Pollution to see local group clean up events.  
    • You can compost and recycle whenever possible.
    • You can encourage a friend to do the same!
    Make every day Earth Day
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    If you are having an event at CBC…

    We ask that you keep in mind our message of sustainability and try to adhere to the following guidelines:

    • Use reusable products.  If disposables are necessary, make them compostable.
    • Use locally sourced food & drink products. 
    • Minimize food waste.
    • Encourage guests to bring their own, reusable water bottle.
    • Keep plastic decorations to a minimum and no balloons!
    • Encourage carpooling and use of public transportation. 
    • Use electronic notices and invitations instead of paper flyers.
    • Spread the word to your guests and let them know what you’re doing and why!

    We have some equipment and supplies to help, so please talk to us about how we can work together. 

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    If you come to CBC in our Summer Program…

    We ask that you keep in mind our message of sustainability and try to adhere to the following guidelines:

    • Bring a reusable water bottle.
    • Don’t waste food.
    • Try not to use single use packaging.
    • Don’t waste water at our foot washing station.
    • Use our online applications instead of a paper one.
    • Properly recycle or compost all waste produced here. 
    • Spread the word to your friends and family and let them know what you’re doing and why!

    We’re here to help!  And we need to work together!  Talk to us if you have other ideas, questions or concerns.

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    How to Create Your Own Sustainability Policy

    Sports teams, leagues, major corporations, and events around the world are recognizing the importance and positive benefits of moving to a more sustainability and environmentally-friendly operations. 11th Hour Racing has put together a great article on how to create your own sustainability policy. 

    11th Hour Racing Tools for Creating a Sustainability Program
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    Thank You!

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