Working closely with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, DNR’s Clean Marina Initiative, Businesses for the Bay and Boat US Foundation, Nautical Destinations’ has launched Go Green by establishing criteria for their participating boats, caterers and other vendors involved in your charter.  Go Green offers groups the option to arrange private charters with “environmental responsibility”.

“GO GREEN!”

By Nautical Destinations

Green Florist

WILDTHING, engages in green floristry practices including but not limited to:

• Locally grown, certified organic flowers.
  
• Imported Fair Trade flowers and gifts
  
• Organic preservatives, gardening and cleaning supplies Recycling of all plastic and paper products Composting of floral waste Recycled vases and containers
  

Clean Boating

Contain Trash, Recycling

• Do not let trash get thrown or blown overboard - help guests understand that, on your boat, this is the policy. 
• Do not toss cigarette butts overboard--they are made of plastic (cellulose acetate)  Include this in safety speech
• Purchase drinks in recyclable containers
• Liquids in larger pitchers, if appropriate
• Linen tablecloths and napkins vs. paper
• Recycle cans, glass, plastic, newspaper when at a Clean Marina
• Recycle antifreeze, oil and lead batteries

Fuel & Bilge

• Support DNR Clean Marinas
• Fill up tank on return trips to 90%
• Use oil absorbent material to catch drips from the fuel intake and the vent overflow
• Fill portable fuel tanks ashore--where spills are less likely to occur and easier to clean up
• Add a fuel conditioner to your tank if you use your engine infrequently
• Place oil absorbent material or a bioremediating bilge boom in the bilge
• Place an oil absorbent pad under the engine
• Check fuel lines for damage--replace with alcohol resistant hoses
• Never discharge bilge water with a sheen
• If the pad is saturated with gas, allow it to air dry. Reuse.
• If the pad is saturated with diesel or oil, double bag it in plastic--one bag sealed inside another. Dispose in your regular trash.

Cleaning and Maintenance

• Use detergents sparingly
• Use phosphate-free, biodegradable and non-toxic cleaners when possible
• Clean wood with a mild soap powder and a nylon brush--not harsh chemical cleaners
• Collect all paint chips, dust and residue. Dispose in regular trash.
• Slip a plastic bag over used oil filters before they are removed to capture drips
• Use two-cycle engine oil