Silversea first to get Galápagos environmental management certification

This was achieved by diverting all waste, except organic, from landfill disposal in the Galápagos to mainland Ecuador to be recycled or processed in line with regulations.

Silversea classifies and sorts all waste generated aboard Silver Origin and receives a traceability document that verifies its responsible movement and disposal.

Waste flown or shipped to the mainland for recycling or processing

Collaborating with a local waste management company, Silversea offloads waste from Silver Origin in San Cristobal each week. Quantities of cardboard, cartons, plastic and crushed glass are flown to the mainland for recycling. The remaining refuse is transported to Guayaquil by marine transportation. There, the refuse is collected and recycled or processed, in line with environmental legislation and sustainability best practices. The waste management company uses refuse oil to fuel its incinerator.

Full traceability

'We started this initiative in 2020, entering into a partnership with an airline to transport recyclable waste out of the archipelago to the mainland. We are delighted to have taken the next step on our sustainability journey, diverting all waste from landfill in the Galápagos to dispose of it responsibly — with full traceability,' said Gabriela Naranjo, VP and general manager, Silversea Cruises Ecuador.

These actions are part of Silversea’s environmental management plan, approved by the Ecuadorian Ministry of Environment.

Conservation support and local sourcing

Other efforts include the Silversea Fund for the Galápagos, launched in 2019 to support a diverse selection of education and conservation projects each year. This initiative received the Sustainability Award in the 2020 Seatrade Cruise Awards. Passengers who donate to the fund get savings on Silversea voyages, as the cruise line matches their contributions in the form of a future cruise credit.

Silversea said it endeavors to buy locally sourced produce and has increased its sourcing of local ingredients in the Galápagos fivefold in recent years, working closely with independent farmers and suppliers on Santa Cruz and San Cristobal.

Most proteins and approximately 40% of dairy products are sourced locally, as well as tomatoes, oranges, carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers, green beans, watermelons, rocket and more.