September is National Environmental Awareness Month, acting as a reminder of the collective responsibility to protect our planet. Australian-owned, B Corp-certified expedition travel company Aurora Expeditions has long been a leader in eco-friendly practices. As one of the first operators to become a member of both the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) and the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), Aurora Expeditions believes that responsible exploration goes hand-in-hand with conservation efforts. 

Known for exploring some of the world’s most untouched destinations, including Antarctica, the Arctic and beyond, Aurora Expeditions is proud to continue its steadfast commitment to sustainable travel initiatives in these remote locations, which is reflected in several features of Aurora’s ships, the Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle. This includes: 

• Fuel-efficiency and a streamlined design: Low-emission engines and ULSTEIN X-BOW® design technology are incorporated into Aurora’s state-of-the-art expedition ships to minimize environmental impact. 
• Waste management systems: Aurora’s sophisticated wastewater treatment systems and sustainable habits on board ensure a minimal carbon footprint on the delicate marine ecosystems each voyage explores.

Aurora Expeditions goes beyond the technical aspects by actively working to protect every environment it visits. Each expedition doubles as a floating research platform, where expert naturalists and scientists work to preserve marine ecosystems, with passengers having the unique opportunity to engage directly with these initiatives in a variety of ways including: 

• Educational workshops: Lectures and classes led by marine biologists, oceanographers, and conservationists provide guests with deep insights into oceanic health and biodiversity.
• Citizen Science Programs: Hands-on research activities, from whale tracking to coral health monitoring, empower travelers to contribute valuable data to global scientific initiatives and become environmental ambassadors.
• Clean Up Initiatives: Partnerships with global organizations and environmental groups including Clean Up Svalbard and Clean Up Iceland allow both crew and passengers to participate in removing waste and debris from shorelines and sensitive habitats.
• Single-Use Plastics Elimination: A comprehensive policy eliminating disposable plastics onboard all ships has led to the replacement of items like straws and water bottles with sustainable alternatives, such as reusable bottles and refill stations.