About Respect Our Planet

      “We aren’t stopping here...We intend to lead and inspire a wave of advancement to continue until the maritime industry can function in harmony with our environment.”
     -- Terry MacRae, CEO, Hornblower Cruises and Events

Our Commitment

At Hornblower we are doing our part to Respect Our Planet as we protect and conserve the natural resources and ecosystems on which our business depends. We are committed to preventing pollution, reducing waste, conserving water and energy and educating our guests and employees on environmental stewardship.  Whether it involves organic food options, new cleaner burning vessel engines, recycling programs, or guest education, Hornblower is acting boldly on our commitment to protect our natural environment.

Reducing Our Footprint

We recycle and compost 70% of our waste!
Hornblower Cruises & Events is committed to reducing our company’s impact on the environment, and tracking our environmental footprint is an important part of that process. We track how much electricity, gas, water and fuel we consume, and how much waste we generate, recycle and compost. Our tracking system gives us a detailed picture of our environmental footprint and helps us identify our areas of greatest impact and our opportunities for improvement.

We are reducing our emissions by 50% or more!
- The Hornblower Hybrid, powered by wind, solar and other hybrid technologies, will save 29,000 gallons of diesel a year and burns 80% less fuel than a conventional boat.
- We saved 735,000 kwh of electricity in the construction of the Hornblower Hybrid by retrofitting a retired diving vessel instead of building the boat new from virgin materials.
- The primary vessels in our fleet have been retrofitted with low-emissions EPA Tier II Engines, that reduce emissions by 50%.
- Hornblower San Diego’s fleet of vessels is powered by biodiesel made from recycled cooking oil from local restaurants.
- Hornblower is currently designing a 600 passenger vessel called the Hydrogen Hybrid, which will use fuel cell technology and an enhanced power management system that will allow for zero-emissions operation 100% of the time. The Hydrogen Hybrid will be complete in late spring 2010 to ferry passengers to the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island.

Our Programs

All Hands on Deck
At Hornblower Cruises & Events, we believe in giving back to our communities through volunteerism. Our employee volunteer program, All Hands On Deck, organizes group volunteer events for our team to give back to the local environment and people in need in our local communities. Log on to Respect Our Planet on facebook at www.facebook.com/respectplanet for more info about upcoming events or to sign up to volunteer.

Educational Bay Cruises
Hornblower's strong commitment to environmental education is brought to life in our Educational Bay Cruises, offered on the Hornblower Hybrid to schools and youth groups in the San Francisco Bay Area.  Educational Bay Cruises teach students about environmental stewardship, our local bay ecosystems and alternative energy technologies through hands-on learning and engaging curricula based on California State Standards. For more information, please email to getinvolved@respectourplanet.com.

Environmental Days
Our company is dedicated to the environment and supports local businesses that are committed to protecting the environment as well.  Alcatraz Cruises hosts a series of community events called Environmental Days allowing guests and residents of San Francisco to learn about environmentally friendly products and green innovations. Local businesses are invited to Alcatraz Landing to display their environmentally friendly services and products to the thousands of daily visitors to Alcatraz Island. If you have a green business you'd like to showcase at environmental days, please email getinvolved@respectourplanet.com.

Green Purchasing
In line with our waste reduction goals, we pride ourselves on our partnerships with vendors who share our commitment to environmental stewardship. Hornblower Cruises & Events gives preference to vendors providing eco-friendly goods or services, such as products with reduced packaging, and local, organic food and beverage options. The careful selection of vendors is crucial to achieving our waste reduction and recycling goals.

Connect with Respect Our Planet Online

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