BUEI & BermudAir Sustainability Partnership
The Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute [BUEI] and BermudAir have announced a sustainability partnership to promote ocean conservation, environmental education, and eco-conscious travel through a range of joint initiatives.
A spokesperson said, “Unveiled during a special Earth Day launch event at BUEI on Wednesday, April 22nd, the partnership is designed to promote care for the ocean and environment, reduce waste, and inspire the future generations of environmental stewards and eco-conscious travellers. The partnership features a series of initiatives focused on ocean conservation, environmental education, aviation careers, circular economy practices, and community engagement.
“Programme assets include an interactive children’s activity book; in-flight awareness video; and recycled glassware. The ‘Stamp for Sustainability’ Kids Passport book, designed in-house by BUEI in collaboration with BermudAir, will be provided to all young travellers boarding BermudAir flights in-bound to Bermuda. This impactful education and activity book focuses on Bermuda’s unique biodiversity and animals that migrate to and through Bermuda. It also encourages on-island exploration with a special prize for visiting certain landmarks across the island.
“Working together, BUEI and BermudAir also developed an in-flight environmental awareness video, highlighting areas of alignment between BUEI’s vision where the ocean around Bermuda is widely understood, appreciated and protected, and BermudAir’s commitment to reducing their carbon footprint and caring for the environment. The video takes viewers on a brief journey from sustainable skies to protected seas, and invites everyone to connect, explore, discover and inspire stewardship for the environment.
“As a leading environmental non-profit organisation in Bermuda, BUEI prioritises building and strengthening strategic partnerships that support its vision and mission to nurture an appreciation for the ocean around Bermuda by offering education and experiences relating to our ocean, and through exploration. BermudAir’s unwavering commitment to offsetting their carbon footprint and caring for the environment, combined with their focused investment to giving back to our local community, are wonderful examples of how this partnership is strategically aligned to increase engagement with local residents and overseas visitors, and optimise community impact. BUEI is particularly supportive of BermudAir’s decision to ban single-use plastics onboard its flights from day one, and now adding recycled glassware to their operational model is the natural next step.
“The airline has partnered with Solar Sands, an immersive, mobile glass-making company that provides interactive experiences, workshops, and custom artisan glass products. Solar Sands is known for taking discarded glass and turning it into functional, beautiful objects through artisan glassmaking — a philosophy they describe as ‘waste to wonder.’
“BermudAir is planning to introduce these custom recycled-glass pieces as part of its onboard experience in both Business and Economy service classes. What makes this component of the programme extra special is that all glass used in this recycling programme was sourced from 1,500 pounds of littered bottles that were recovered from the coastline around Bermuda. BermudAir extends a huge thank you to Bermudian Karen Plianthos and her family for leading the small team who dove in chilly January conditions to collect each one of those bottles by hand.
“Introducing the public to the BUEI and BermudAir sustainability partnership on Earth Day was an ideal time to demonstrate how environmental education, aviation and tourism can work together and generate a great impact. The launch event welcomed families, students, tourism professionals, environmental advocates, and government officials for a press conference, information session, and family-friendly reception. Focused on building strong community connections and protecting our planet, this partnership aims to provide tremendous benefit for local residents and overseas visitors, and support Bermuda’s environmental resilience for the future.”
“BUEI’s partnership with BermudAir is a major expansion for our education offerings. This creative collaboration allows BUEI’s ocean literacy and environmental education programmes to soar to new heights, extending well beyond classroom walls and launching into the travel experience itself,” said Traci Burgess, BUEI’s Chief Executive Officer. “The power of this partnership is in connecting overseas visitors and residents to Bermuda’s unique biodiversity, raising awareness about the importance of caring for the environment, and encouraging future generations to embrace their roles as environmental stewards and sustainability ambassadors.”
“Travel plays a powerful role in shaping environmental awareness,” said Adam Scott, BermudAir’s Chief Executive Officer. “Through this partnership with BUEI, we are inviting travellers — especially younger generations — to engage in meaningful sustainability initiatives while expanding practical waste-reduction programmes across our operations.”
The spokesperson said, “To recap, key elements of the partnership include:
- Stamp for Sustainability Kids Passport Programme: A hands-on educational initiative encouraging children to complete sustainability-themed activities and explore our beautiful island.
- In-Flight Sustainability Awareness Video: A new onboard feature educating passengers about Bermuda’s marine environment and responsible travel practices.
- Recycled Glassware Initiative: BermudAir’s transition to glassware produced from locally sourced and recycled materials, reducing waste and supporting circular economy efforts.
“Following the launch, BermudAir will expand the Kids Passport Programme across its network and onboard, further integrating sustainability messaging into the travel journey. For more information about BermudAir’s sustainability initiatives, visit www.flybermudair.com.
“Visit BUEI.org for additional details about this partnership and to learn more about BUEI’s education offerings.”
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