5. Use rechargeable batteries when possible and keep a portable inverter and charging units on the boat to make them convenient. When using disposable batteries, keep an eraser handy to clean off the contacts – they will tend to last longer that way (also be sure to only use batteries in matched pairs for optimal efficiency.) And dispose of them properly.
6. Keep the use of paper products to a minimum. Label a set of various size “microfiber wipers” with their intended purpose - galley counters, cockpit, heads, sole, topsides, dinghy, etc. If you do use paper towels, buy the new “variable” sheet-size rolls, it is amazing how much that reduces usage. And if paper plates are required.
7. Have a large stash of dish towels in two colors – hang two from the oven door. One for hand-drying and one for dish drying. Change them every day.
8. Three to six paper napkin per day per crew member adds up to a lot of landfill and a lot of missing trees. Consider using no-iron, cloth napkins with a variety of fun, “individual” napkin rings. We are always on the look-out for boat napkin rings when we go ashore – they’re great souvenirs. Replace the napkins every couple of days – depending on how messy the meals are…. . Alternatively – or in addition – stock post-consumer, recycled paper ones.
9. And about those black plastic garbage bags – buy 100% biodegradable and compostable one. BioBags are one option. They’re good for about 12 days before the contents start to “compost” the bag…. (And they make dog pooper bags as well.) So maybe they are not such a good idea for a long cruise – but great when frequent landfalls are planned.
smart info
Posted by: steef | September 22, 2009 at 09:30 AM