Dive industry, ecology, and economics

[mr_v]

I've been diving for over 10 years now and during that decade it was hard not to notice how companies could promote conservation while peddling numerous scuba thneeds wrapped in non-biodegradable materials. I won't go into naming brands here, yet, but if you represent a distributor or have any influence in the field, do let manufacturers, brands, and shops know that promoting underwater exploration while generating trash may not be the best long-term proposition. Nothing else to add here - I am just a bit frustrated.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

Very good point.
And while they’re at it, please stop packing everything for shipping in popcorn styrofoam, or anything in styrofoam for that matter It can’t be recycled and fills my trash can.

 

[Wibble]

Greenwash. So trendy.

 

[RyanT]

And while they’re at it, please stop packing everything for shipping in popcorn styrofoam,

+1, starch packing peanuts have been around for at least a couple of decades.

 

[Jcp2]

I wonder what the carbon footprint for one fully filled AL80 is (both air and with 32% nitrox).

 

[MB NZ]

Flights, liveaboards etc. We are not eco-warriors, just tourists of the very worst kind.

 

[Wibble]

Flights, liveaboards etc. We are not eco-warriors, just tourists of the very worst kind.

Of the best kind if you please!

Divers are always nice people.

 

[Sure Squintsalot]

Flights, liveaboards etc. We are not eco-warriors, just tourists of the very worst kind.

That might be true for a lot of us, but not all of us.

• Good quality carbon offsets are available if you take the time to research them. I'm partial to those associated with the UN.
• You don't HAVE TO own the newest gear; many divers use their gear for decades
• And "new" gear can be purchased used.
• Diving supports a non-extractive industry that, by default, favors healthy ecosystems. By scuba diving at a particular destination, the locals understand that their income is directly related to carefully managed fisheries and sensible coastal development,

Sure, many dive destinations have become overfished and poisoned by overdevelopment, but that's not divers' fault. As "better tourists" we can let locals know that we won't come if they ruin their reefs.

 

[Wibble]

What's a carbon offset? Shares in new coal fired power stations?