www.ambiente.us APRIL / ABRIL 2008
TOXINS BY SEA AND BY AIR: The Effects of Tourism, Global
Transportation and Shipping on our environment and how we can affect it
By Herb Sosa
Golden sunsets on the horizon, romance on the open seas and swaying palm trees paint for a beautiful and
enticing image for ocean travel & cruise ships. Now picture a steady stream of waste and refuse trailing
your ship as your floating paradise speeds along with several thousand of your new friends to a romantic
island destination. Not quite the same image anymore, but this is the reality of environmental impact and
global consequences that ships are having on our oceans.
This month the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC), which groups 2,500 scientists
from more than 130 nations, predicted more droughts, heat waves, rains and a slow gain in sea levels that
could last for more than 1,000 years.
The scientists said it was "very likely" -- or more than 90 percent probable -- that human activities led by
burning fossil fuels explained most of the warming in the past 50 years.
Cruise ships burn fuel that has a 90% higher sulphur content than that used by cars. 77% of all ship waste
comes from cruise ships, according to environmental watchdogs Blue Water Network, about two billion
pounds of trash is dumped into the world's oceans each year and 24% of that waste comes from cruise
ships. With the exception of plastics, most of this waste can be ground up and legally dumped, but often is
not.
As a major and growing source of ocean pollution, cruise ships can carry as many as 5,000 passengers,
and new ships being built will accommodate even more.
This is what an average-sized cruise ship housing 3,000 passengers and crew generates:
7 tons of garbage and solid waste every day - This trash includes plastic, bottles, cans, cardboard and food
wastes. Approximately 75 percent of this is incinerated at sea and then the ash is dumped into the ocean.
Some ships have been found to be grinding plastics and flushing them for illegal at-sea disposal. Although
many cruise ships do recycle or dispose of some waste on land, other cruise ship garbage is sometimes
dumped illegally at sea. U.S. law prohibits dumping within three miles of the coast and an international
treaty limits the size of waste dumped between three and 25 miles out and prohibits dumping of anything
plastic in any U.S. waters. In one year, 15 billion pounds of trash is dumped at sea worldwide. About 77
percent of all ship waste comes from cruise ships. The toll that trash dumping takes on marine life is
staggering. Each year, millions of animals become trapped or poisoned by marine refuse. Sea lions, Sea
turtles, birds and other marine life become entangled in plastic bags, six-pack holders, nets and other
disposables. Along with the impacts on our marine life, beaches and harbors become unhealthy and less
attractive if polluted by garbage.
30,000 gallons of human waste everyday - Cruise ship sewage, sometimes called blackwater, consists
mostly of wastewater from toilets. Ships are permitted to dump raw sewage directly into the ocean once
they are three miles out from shore, except in Alaska. Treated sewage can be dumped anywhere in the
ocean after being treated by either chemical (chlorine) or biological (bacteria) means.
7,000 gallons of oily bilge water everyday - Residual oil from routine engine maintenance mixes with bilge
water and collects at the bottom of the vessel. When these chemicals are released, the components of the
oil (even in very small amounts) can cause toxic effects on marine life.
255,000 gallons of graywater everyday - Graywater is wastewater generated by laundries, showers, sinks
and dishwashers. It contains detergents, cleaners, oil and grease, metals, pesticides, and medical, dental
and other forms of toxic waste.
GLOBAL WARMING
Gases created through human industrial and agricultural practices (primarily carbon dioxide from burning
fossil fuels and wood, as well as methane, chlorofluorocarbons and nitrous oxide) increase the heat-
reflecting potential of the atmosphere, resulting in the increase of the planet's average temperature.
Increase in the global average surface temperature resulting from enhancement of the greenhouse effect,
primarily by air pollution. In 2001 the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change estimated that by
2100 global average surface temperatures would increase 2.5 to 10.4 °F (1.4 to 5.8 °C), depending on a
range of scenarios for greenhouse gas emissions. Many scientists predict that such an increase would
cause polar ice caps and mountain glaciers to melt rapidly. This will significantly raise the levels of coastal
waters, and would produce new patterns and extremes of drought and rainfall, seriously disrupting food
production in certain regions. Other scientists maintain that such predictions are overstated.
TECHNOLOGY VS NATURE
Just last year more than 20 rough-toothed dolphins of a group of 70, died by beaching themselves,
according to Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary spokeswoman, Cheva Heck. A day before the
dolphins swam ashore, the USS Philadelphia had conducted exercises with Navy SEALS off Key West,
about 45 miles from Marathon, where the dolphins became stranded.
Navy would not comment on whether the submarine, based at Groton, Conn., used its sonar during the
exercise.
According to many scientists, the loud sonar burst which are capable of being heard for miles underwater,
may disorient or scare marine mammals, causing them to surface too quickly and suffer the equivalent of
what divers know as the bends -when sudden decompression forms nitrogen bubbles in tissue.
Airplanes, oil tankers and large shipping vessels all make the situation for our air, waters and its
inhabitants even worse. Each contributes negatively to the levels of toxins released into the atmosphere.
So what can we do? It is all lost?
LOOK…UP IN THE SKY!
Airports are known to be major sources of noise, water, and air pollution. They regularly release into the
local waterways carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds, and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere, as
well as dumping various toxic chemicals that are used to de-ice airplanes during winter storms.
As air travel demands grow, so do the pollution problems. According to the Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA), air traffic is expected to double nationally by the year 2017 and internationally by 2010. There is hope
in the way of new technologies coming, though.
Richard Niedzwiecki, a senior engineer in aeronautics for combustion and emissions research at NASA's
Lewis Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio says that NASA is developing new engines that could reduce
pollutants by 70% by the middle of the next decade. NASA believes to have a clear indication that the current
toxic levels can be greatly reduced with the new engines. Such engines are expected to be in commercial
aircraft as early as 2008.
REVERSING THE TRENDS
The corporate world’s handling of the environment seems to run a full scope of ideas. In response to
British environment minister Ian Pearson who recently said that Ryanair was "the irresponsible face of
capitalism" over its position on global warming, Michael O'Leary, CEO of the Irish low-cost carrier
responded “Increase taxes on those who contribute most to the problem�. He believes this is the
answer to political concerns over the impact commercial aviation has on global warming.
"There is a way that tax can be aimed at aviation," recently told news agency Reuters. "You should penalize
old aircraft, you should penalize business class, you should penalize connecting travelers."
O'Leary believes travelers are paying far too little now and that his plan makes better sense than the British
government's proposal to charge close to $20 dollars in fees to Ryanair passengers on a $50 ticket.
SmartWay, a program developed by the Environmental Protection Agency, aims to cut by 2012 significant
amounts of air pollution and heat-trapping emissions from ground freight carriers like trucks and
locomotives.
EPA hopes the program will reduce 18 million metric tons of carbon equivalent and 200,000 tons of nitrogen
oxides over the next decade.
The program will also create fuel savings of up to 150 million barrels of oil a year, according to the agency.
EPA Administrator Christie Whitman said the program "will improve air quality and increase efficiency while
transporting America's goods and keeping our economy vital."
Coca-Cola Enterprises, United Parcel Service, FedEx Corp., IKEA and Nike Inc. and other participating firms
will eventually earn SmartWay labels for their vehicles that reduce emissions.
To be recognized as a SmartWay partner, companies would use the following environmental strategies and
technologies:
* Reduce or eliminate idling of long-haul trucks, saving up to 2,000 gallons per truck a year.
* Use a streamlined profile truck tractor with aerodynamic devices such as cab extenders that can reduce
fuel consumption by at least 600 gallons.
* Install automatic tire inflation systems to continually adjust tires and maintain proper tire pressure even
when a truck is moving, which can save 90 gallons of fuel a year.
* Train drivers to reduce fuel consumption by using cruise control, coasting whenever possible, reducing
maximum freeway speeds and minimizing truck idling.
The important thing to remember is that Global Warming, its causes and how we deal with it is not the sole
responsibility of the government or corporations, but that of each of us who live on this planet.
SOURCES:
www.oceansblue.org
Bermuda National Trust www.bnt.bm
Planetark.org
Reuters.com
Article was originally published in House King Magazine
Copyright © House King & AMBIENTE MAGAZINE. Do not reproduce without citing this source.
HERB SOSA
herb@ambiente.us
Cuban-American, community activist, Miami historian, preservationist and
freelance writer, Herb Sosa is a founding member and Director of Unity
Coalition/Coalición Unida, a non-profit focused on minority political & social
empowerment. Sosa served as chairman of Miami Beach's Historic
Preservation Board for over six years, and has served on the Board of
Directors of the Miami Design Preservation League, Dade Heritage Trust,
Miami Beach Community Development Corp., Shelbourne & Fernwood
HIV/AIDS Housing, and variety of other organizations throughout South Florida.
In 1995 Mr. Sosa created and developed the Ba-Balú Store concept in Miami & Miami Beach, celebrating
Cuban heritage thru art, cigars, music and unique giftware, and earning the store the unique distinction of
being named one of Conde N’ast Traveler Magazines top 100 destinations in the world in 1996.
In January 2004, Herb Sosa was named one of Tentaciónes Magazines Top Ten Latina/o activists in the U.
S. and in 2005 was named one of OUT magazines Top 100 LGBT Activists and featured on LOGO TV.
TOXINS BY SEA AND BY AIR: The Effects of Tourism, Global
Transportation and Shipping on our environment and how we can affect it
By Herb Sosa
Golden sunsets on the horizon, romance on the open seas and swaying palm trees paint for a beautiful and
enticing image for ocean travel & cruise ships. Now picture a steady stream of waste and refuse trailing
your ship as your floating paradise speeds along with several thousand of your new friends to a romantic
island destination. Not quite the same image anymore, but this is the reality of environmental impact and
global consequences that ships are having on our oceans.
This month the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC), which groups 2,500 scientists
from more than 130 nations, predicted more droughts, heat waves, rains and a slow gain in sea levels that
could last for more than 1,000 years.
The scientists said it was "very likely" -- or more than 90 percent probable -- that human activities led by
burning fossil fuels explained most of the warming in the past 50 years.
Cruise ships burn fuel that has a 90% higher sulphur content than that used by cars. 77% of all ship waste
comes from cruise ships, according to environmental watchdogs Blue Water Network, about two billion
pounds of trash is dumped into the world's oceans each year and 24% of that waste comes from cruise
ships. With the exception of plastics, most of this waste can be ground up and legally dumped, but often is
not.
As a major and growing source of ocean pollution, cruise ships can carry as many as 5,000 passengers,
and new ships being built will accommodate even more.
This is what an average-sized cruise ship housing 3,000 passengers and crew generates:
7 tons of garbage and solid waste every day - This trash includes plastic, bottles, cans, cardboard and food
wastes. Approximately 75 percent of this is incinerated at sea and then the ash is dumped into the ocean.
Some ships have been found to be grinding plastics and flushing them for illegal at-sea disposal. Although
many cruise ships do recycle or dispose of some waste on land, other cruise ship garbage is sometimes
dumped illegally at sea. U.S. law prohibits dumping within three miles of the coast and an international
treaty limits the size of waste dumped between three and 25 miles out and prohibits dumping of anything
plastic in any U.S. waters. In one year, 15 billion pounds of trash is dumped at sea worldwide. About 77
percent of all ship waste comes from cruise ships. The toll that trash dumping takes on marine life is
staggering. Each year, millions of animals become trapped or poisoned by marine refuse. Sea lions, Sea
turtles, birds and other marine life become entangled in plastic bags, six-pack holders, nets and other
disposables. Along with the impacts on our marine life, beaches and harbors become unhealthy and less
attractive if polluted by garbage.
30,000 gallons of human waste everyday - Cruise ship sewage, sometimes called blackwater, consists
mostly of wastewater from toilets. Ships are permitted to dump raw sewage directly into the ocean once
they are three miles out from shore, except in Alaska. Treated sewage can be dumped anywhere in the
ocean after being treated by either chemical (chlorine) or biological (bacteria) means.
7,000 gallons of oily bilge water everyday - Residual oil from routine engine maintenance mixes with bilge
water and collects at the bottom of the vessel. When these chemicals are released, the components of the
oil (even in very small amounts) can cause toxic effects on marine life.
255,000 gallons of graywater everyday - Graywater is wastewater generated by laundries, showers, sinks
and dishwashers. It contains detergents, cleaners, oil and grease, metals, pesticides, and medical, dental
and other forms of toxic waste.
GLOBAL WARMING
Gases created through human industrial and agricultural practices (primarily carbon dioxide from burning
fossil fuels and wood, as well as methane, chlorofluorocarbons and nitrous oxide) increase the heat-
reflecting potential of the atmosphere, resulting in the increase of the planet's average temperature.
Increase in the global average surface temperature resulting from enhancement of the greenhouse effect,
primarily by air pollution. In 2001 the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change estimated that by
2100 global average surface temperatures would increase 2.5 to 10.4 °F (1.4 to 5.8 °C), depending on a
range of scenarios for greenhouse gas emissions. Many scientists predict that such an increase would
cause polar ice caps and mountain glaciers to melt rapidly. This will significantly raise the levels of coastal
waters, and would produce new patterns and extremes of drought and rainfall, seriously disrupting food
production in certain regions. Other scientists maintain that such predictions are overstated.
TECHNOLOGY VS NATURE
Just last year more than 20 rough-toothed dolphins of a group of 70, died by beaching themselves,
according to Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary spokeswoman, Cheva Heck. A day before the
dolphins swam ashore, the USS Philadelphia had conducted exercises with Navy SEALS off Key West,
about 45 miles from Marathon, where the dolphins became stranded.
Navy would not comment on whether the submarine, based at Groton, Conn., used its sonar during the
exercise.
According to many scientists, the loud sonar burst which are capable of being heard for miles underwater,
may disorient or scare marine mammals, causing them to surface too quickly and suffer the equivalent of
what divers know as the bends -when sudden decompression forms nitrogen bubbles in tissue.
Airplanes, oil tankers and large shipping vessels all make the situation for our air, waters and its
inhabitants even worse. Each contributes negatively to the levels of toxins released into the atmosphere.
So what can we do? It is all lost?
LOOK…UP IN THE SKY!
Airports are known to be major sources of noise, water, and air pollution. They regularly release into the
local waterways carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds, and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere, as
well as dumping various toxic chemicals that are used to de-ice airplanes during winter storms.
As air travel demands grow, so do the pollution problems. According to the Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA), air traffic is expected to double nationally by the year 2017 and internationally by 2010. There is hope
in the way of new technologies coming, though.
Richard Niedzwiecki, a senior engineer in aeronautics for combustion and emissions research at NASA's
Lewis Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio says that NASA is developing new engines that could reduce
pollutants by 70% by the middle of the next decade. NASA believes to have a clear indication that the current
toxic levels can be greatly reduced with the new engines. Such engines are expected to be in commercial
aircraft as early as 2008.
REVERSING THE TRENDS
The corporate world’s handling of the environment seems to run a full scope of ideas. In response to
British environment minister Ian Pearson who recently said that Ryanair was "the irresponsible face of
capitalism" over its position on global warming, Michael O'Leary, CEO of the Irish low-cost carrier
responded “Increase taxes on those who contribute most to the problem�. He believes this is the
answer to political concerns over the impact commercial aviation has on global warming.
"There is a way that tax can be aimed at aviation," recently told news agency Reuters. "You should penalize
old aircraft, you should penalize business class, you should penalize connecting travelers."
O'Leary believes travelers are paying far too little now and that his plan makes better sense than the British
government's proposal to charge close to $20 dollars in fees to Ryanair passengers on a $50 ticket.
SmartWay, a program developed by the Environmental Protection Agency, aims to cut by 2012 significant
amounts of air pollution and heat-trapping emissions from ground freight carriers like trucks and
locomotives.
EPA hopes the program will reduce 18 million metric tons of carbon equivalent and 200,000 tons of nitrogen
oxides over the next decade.
The program will also create fuel savings of up to 150 million barrels of oil a year, according to the agency.
EPA Administrator Christie Whitman said the program "will improve air quality and increase efficiency while
transporting America's goods and keeping our economy vital."
Coca-Cola Enterprises, United Parcel Service, FedEx Corp., IKEA and Nike Inc. and other participating firms
will eventually earn SmartWay labels for their vehicles that reduce emissions.
To be recognized as a SmartWay partner, companies would use the following environmental strategies and
technologies:
* Reduce or eliminate idling of long-haul trucks, saving up to 2,000 gallons per truck a year.
* Use a streamlined profile truck tractor with aerodynamic devices such as cab extenders that can reduce
fuel consumption by at least 600 gallons.
* Install automatic tire inflation systems to continually adjust tires and maintain proper tire pressure even
when a truck is moving, which can save 90 gallons of fuel a year.
* Train drivers to reduce fuel consumption by using cruise control, coasting whenever possible, reducing
maximum freeway speeds and minimizing truck idling.
The important thing to remember is that Global Warming, its causes and how we deal with it is not the sole
responsibility of the government or corporations, but that of each of us who live on this planet.
SOURCES:
www.oceansblue.org
Bermuda National Trust www.bnt.bm
Planetark.org
Reuters.com
Article was originally published in House King Magazine
Copyright © House King & AMBIENTE MAGAZINE. Do not reproduce without citing this source.
HERB SOSA
herb@ambiente.us
Cuban-American, community activist, Miami historian, preservationist and
freelance writer, Herb Sosa is a founding member and Director of Unity
Coalition/Coalición Unida, a non-profit focused on minority political & social
empowerment. Sosa served as chairman of Miami Beach's Historic
Preservation Board for over six years, and has served on the Board of
Directors of the Miami Design Preservation League, Dade Heritage Trust,
Miami Beach Community Development Corp., Shelbourne & Fernwood
HIV/AIDS Housing, and variety of other organizations throughout South Florida.
In 1995 Mr. Sosa created and developed the Ba-Balú Store concept in Miami & Miami Beach, celebrating
Cuban heritage thru art, cigars, music and unique giftware, and earning the store the unique distinction of
being named one of Conde N’ast Traveler Magazines top 100 destinations in the world in 1996.
In January 2004, Herb Sosa was named one of Tentaciónes Magazines Top Ten Latina/o activists in the U.
S. and in 2005 was named one of OUT magazines Top 100 LGBT Activists and featured on LOGO TV.
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